Jinhao X159: Plastic or Metal Threads?

[k3eax]

There seem to be different opinions on this question. The importance of the answer to which lies in the possible use of the X159 as an eyedropper, plastic/yes, metal/no. I am leaning toward believing the threads are plastic as there is no magnetic attraction and I was able to scrap off a small bit of what seemed like plastic on the chrome-like surface. Now of course some metals and metal alloys are non-magnetic and my scraping could have just removed a non-metallic coating of the underlying metal..

I would like to hear from members who may have other testing suggestions on the plastic or metal question; or, perhaps who have conducted their own tests.

Al in Philadelphia

[Jon Szanto]

It's a $10 pen. Surely someone would be willing to cut through it with a hacksaw... for the sake of science.

[TSherbs]

It's a $10 pen. Surely someone would be willing to cut through it with a hacksaw... for the sake of science.

Ha! Bite your tongue! And then examine it to see if it is made of metal or plastic....

[TSherbs]

There seem to be different opinions on this question. The importance of the answer to which lies in the possible use of the X159 as an eyedropper, plastic/yes, metal/no. I am leaning toward believing the threads are plastic as there is no magnetic attraction and I was able to scrap off a small bit of what seemed like plastic on the chrome-like surface. Now of course some metals and metal alloys are non-magnetic and my scraping could have just removed a non-metallic coating of the underlying metal..

I would like to hear from members who may have other testing suggestions on the plastic or metal question; or, perhaps who have conducted their own tests.

Al in Philadelphia

Actually, with a stronger magnet I am now getting a faint attractive force on the section threads of my x159. The clip has a strong atractive force. The nib, nothing at all.

Honestly, if you want to eyedropper the thing, just go ahead. I did notice the dimple divot at the end of the barrel. Make sure that yours is fully closed (no hole). I was suspicious of mine, and my eyes aren't great.

Or, take Jon's advice and beat it with a hammer and examine the parts under a mass spectrometer.

[catbert]

A simple non-destructive test: drop the section in a glass of cold water.

My first-generation X159 section sank like a stone, threads first, hit the bottom with an audible 'tink' and came out noticeably colder to the touch on the silver threads compared to the black section.

Based on those three indicators, I would guess the threads are metal.

However, it may be that second-generation X159s, which take fewer turns to uncap, have plastic threads.

[TSherbs]

The "witches" test for rogue metal content

[catbert]

[Cool Breeze]

For both of mine, the threads are threads are black and plastic. I have no idea why though as I see most of them on youtube as metal-looking.

[k3eax]

For both of mine, the threads are threads are black and plastic. I have no idea why though as I see most of them on youtube as metal-looking.

May I ask when they were purchased? 'Curious as to whether your person are of recent or earlier production.

Al in Philadelphia

[LizEF]

The "witches" test for rogue metal content

[Cool Breeze]

For both of mine, the threads are threads are black and plastic. I have no idea why though as I see most of them on youtube as metal-looking.

May I ask when they were purchased? 'Curious as to whether your person are of recent or earlier production.

Al in Philadelphia

September 2023

Also, I have also seen youtubers show that they have the second version with the ~2 cap turns to uncap but also have the chrome looking threads. I don't fully understand how many versions of this pen there are?!

[Cyril]

I truly believe that section is fake Crome plated section.
Of course it is "MADE IN CHINA" and kind of a disposable pen.
I have several Chinese pens and two of these X new pens.
But why bother for such a cheap £6 pen !!!?????