Big Ben refill not extending or retracting.

[crab0000]

Good morning! I am a new pen turner and have only assembled a few Big Bens so far with no issue. I turned one last night and after putting it together it will not extend or retract the refill. The upper barrel will not turn at all. It seems to work fine without the tip on. I've tried another transmission from a different Big Ben kit as well as a different tip and refill with the same results. Any ideas?
Thanks!

 

[Dan Masshardt]

Tip as in nib or top (typo?)

 

[crab0000]

Thanks for the reply! Tip as in nib. I turned the spring end for end and it will extend now, but not retract unless I press on it with my finger. It's almost like the refill is getting stuck on the nib, but I've tried two different ones.

 

[johncrane]

Stretch the spring a bit

 

[crab0000]

Thanks, I'll check it!

 

[crab0000]

Blank lengths are correct. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[randyrls]

Also; Verify that the ink fill will slide easily in the tip. Take the ink fill out of the pen and try to insert it into the tip (nib end) from the outside. If there is any binding or resistance, take a small drill bit and "ream" out the nib end.

 

[crab0000]

There was a small amount of binding, so I reamed the end of the nib out a little bit and it extends very smoothly, but still will not retract without pressing on the end of the refill with my finger. At least half the problem is fixed, thanks! I think I'll try reaming the nib out a little more.

 

[mikespenturningz]

The refill is probably still hitting just a bit make sure you can insert it easily from the nib end it there us any resistance at all you need to ream it some more.

 

[Holz Mechaniker]

sounds like your spring has compressed and your transmission is in need of a drop or two of 3-1 oil.

 

[crab0000]

Thanks all, after reaming out the nib just a bit more it works beautifully!