What's the purpose of the spring in the baron?

[angboy]

Can someone explain to me the purpose of the spring in the baron kit that goes into the posting tip part? Since the ink cartridge/refill doesn't move up and down as if it were being clicked, why do you need a spring? (Don't worry, I've been putting them in like the directions say, I'm just curious!)

 

[dubdrvrkev]

If you push down hard you'll see the refill slide in some. Also keeps refill from rattling in the pen.

 

[Geo in Winnipeg]

It's to provide a cushion for the rollerball refill. It's not required for the fountain pen version.

 

[ed4copies]

Angela,

Had that question myself-so, I left one out to try it. First, the nib (rollerball) then goes into the pen too far, but I stuck a little piece of wood in to stop that.

Then, writing without that spring is UGLY. It is very hard to write with. I now realize that the spring makes the rollerball a much more "User-friendly" tool. Try it, you'll understand.

 

[Dario]

As Ed and Kevin said...it is like a "shock absorber" that makes writing smoother.