Breather hole(s) in a FP caps?

[Andrew_K99]

I've often wondered about the holes that you see in the caps of some fountain pens (as shown below on a Parker Vacumatic) and today decided to do some research.

I found this link that states "breather holes allow air to enter quickly when the cap is removed; this prevents creation of a partial vacuum that would draw ink out of the pen into the interior of the cap".


This explanation makes a lot of sense IMO. So it begs the questions, why aren't these in kit fountain pens and should they be? And should they be used on kitless fountain pens?

Thoughts?

AK

 

[Holz Mechaniker]

How many Kit Designs have it where the cap is a snap cap fit. Versus the threaded cap. As I see most of the Kitless pens, caps are threaded.
That is the key to your answer.
as an aside, Wow those caps on them old parker pens, had a tight fit.

 

[Andrew_K99]

How many Kit Designs have it where the cap is a snap cap fit. Versus the threaded cap. As I see most of the Kitless pens, caps are threaded.
That is the key to your answer.
as an aside, Wow those caps on them old parker pens, had a tight fit.

The caps in question are all threaded and not a snap cap, so the question applies to the current kit/kitless pen caps being made. Also, This isn't specific to Parker, this is very common on vintage fountain pens.

AK

 

[Haynie]

I don't know about the kitless stuff but I checked my Jr. Gent 2 to see if it was water tight after I made it. It wasn't. I doubt a vacuum would be created by unscrewing it.

 

[watch_art]

I've been told by a German pen maker that I should be putting holes in my caps. Haven't yet. I probably should though.