Long Click problems,any tips?

[ossaguy]

I've experienced some real tough luck in making the Long Click pens,and was wondering if it's just something I'm doing wrong,or is it a normal thing with the click mechanism not consistantly good?

What happens to me,is that after assembling it,I click it a few times and it works great.then out of nowhere,I go to click down on the plunger,and it feels all rough,and sometimes it will get stuck in the pressed-in position,but if I let it "snap" back,it fixes itself.

I called the vendor,and they sent me a free replacement for that one,(which I thought was great service)).In the meantime I made 2 more no problems.Next one felt like garbage pressing it down,and like every 5th time,would lock up pressing down,it's not consistant.

I tried different refills,nibs and it made no difference.I did find a tiny white ball that was sitting on the black end of the refill on that one.This blank looked great,so I got the old mechanism out,and put in a new kit,and that one has perfect action...but had to waste a kit.

It's not a cheap kit,so with a failure rate so high it's got me bummed out.
I'm using the plunger installing tool,and am careful with getting the tube length right,and no glue inside.The mechanism feel like its action is smooth,up to the point of putting in the refill.

So any tips out there? Does anyone sell just the plunger part by itself?

Thanks for any advice,

Steve

 

[Mack C.]

The point of the cartridge may be catching on a rough part of the inside of the nib. Try a few twirls with a bit of the appropriate size to clean up any roughness inside the nib.

HTH

 

[Brooks803]

Also check the refills. If you're swapping out for the private reserve sometimes the label will catch.

 

[soligen]

Also check the refills. If you're swapping out for the private reserve sometimes the label will catch.

+1. this happened to me too. I removed the label, cleaned off the label adhesive and no problems since.

I also use a counter sink bit by hand to remove the sharp corners (and tiny burrs) from all parts before assembly. This is a standard procedure I use on all kits as it only takes seconds.

 

[el_d]

The only problems I have had with the long clicks was due to the refill schmucking thing up.

 

[Balasharc]

I have made several long clicks so far the only problem I have had is the spring. The ones I've got have a tapered end and a flat end on the spring. If I have a problem clicking the pen I just turn the spring to the flat end down in the nib and all is good.

 

[Larry in Harrow]

I have made several long clicks so far the only problem I have had is the spring. The ones I've got have a tapered end and a flat end on the spring. If I have a problem clicking the pen I just turn the spring to the flat end down in the nib and all is good.

Absolutely, the spring will create the problem if it is installed upside down. Notice there is one extra wrap on one end of the spring and that end fits tight on the refill (that end up).

 

[ossaguy]

Thanks for the tips! I also found that I had to take the label off and got the sticky glue off,and I felt it was getting stuck in the nib cap too,but I put on a known good one and it still did it.But now I don't know if I had the spring reversed.So now I'll pay attention to all these things before I assemble this last one.

Thanks again,
Steve