Parker refills?!?!?!

[coach]

I just put a new parker medium black refill in the cigar pen I carry. The refill is too wide and will not come out of the nib! I know this has been a problem with gel refills. I guess I'll be getting a call from everyone who bought a cigar pen since I told them they can use a parker refill. Anyone else have this problem?

 

[ed4copies]

Coach,

Although it has only happened a few times, I have had the occasion where the top of the lower barrel has a burr on the brass tube (inside)that will keep a refill from fitting correctly. Could this be the problem?

Just a thought-they are rare so I try to share them all!!

 

[woodscavenger]

I have posted about this many times. I use a small rat tail file on all of my cigars to prevent that embarassing call. I wish I didn't have to do it but the Parker brand gels get caught in many of the cigars.

 

[Rudy Vey]

Sometimes the nib has some residue from the plating, ream it out with a small drill bit, I had this happen to me with chrome plated pens. I think a # drill bit in the high thirties or forties will the job.

 

[dougle40]

I've had the same problems , I've usually been able to remedy it the same way as Rudy , a small drill bit .

 

[Randy_]

The Parker tips measure right at 0.10" Most of the refills that come with the kits measure a couple of thousands less. Not much; but enough to make a difference. A 7/64" drill bit measures 0.1094" and is probably a hair too big. A #38 drill(0.1015") should be just fine or use a 3/32" drill bit and kinda "wiggle" it around a little; but be gentle so you don't take off too much. If the #38 is still too snug, a #37 is 0.104".

 

[jwoodwright]

I have a set of the different shaped "needle" files. Worth their expense...[]

 

[coach]

I have some needle files and it worked perfectly. Barely had to touch it. My problem is the pens I have sold. I guess I will have to do that to each cigar I make from now on. If anyone has a problem, I will have to pay for them to ship it to me so I can fix it I guess. You would think they would fix this when they manufacture the kits!

 

[jdavis]

Learn by doing.

 

[swm6500]

Looks like we have to live and learn Coach.

 

[Randy_]

Originally posted by coach<br />... I will have to pay for them to ship it to me so I can fix it I guess...

If you can find some cheap needle files, it might be more economical to mail the pen owner a file if they are willing. Save postage back and forth on the pen and the possibility of damage or loss by USPS??? Since this will be a one shot fix, you could even break a 6" needle file into thirds and just send the 2" piece of the file.

 

[rlh]

Coach
After reading your post and the replies I got all of the Cigars that I still have in my inventory out and tried a genuine Parker Gel refill in each. Only one out of more than a dozen worked. I used a clock repair tool called a broach and reamed the hole in the nib out just slightly to make them work. Hopefully the ones that I sold will work when my customers have to replace the refill! If it is residue in the nib it may clear itself from use by that time. From now on I will check each one as I assemble it.