Gear Shift Pen - Experience ?

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TonyL

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Mar 9, 2014
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Hi Folks:

If anyone has direct experience with these: https://www.pennstateind.com/store/gearshift-pen-kits.html

I would like to know what you think (basically: "I had no trouble with them." or "I have had trouble with them" )

I don't make many novelty pens (not that they are "bad") anymore, but a client and friend picked-up my PSI catalogue and wanted one. I thought I would ask "the greater intellect of the IAP" for their experience.

Keep in mind that I really don't sell pens to make money - so I prefer zero aggravation if I can help it.

Thank you as always!
 
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OK-Pens

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Oct 20, 2017
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Denmark
I have made a few of them with no problems, and use one my self on a daily basis. The only thing I have had a problem with, is that the cap on my own is lost so I would advise to secure it with glue.
 

David350

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Sep 10, 2017
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423
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Dallas, TX
Hi Tony, I have made about a dozen of these for family and friends. I typically ask for their favorite car color and find a blank in that color and they all loved the pen. I have had no issues, it's an easy pen to make, but will second the suggestion on securing the cap.
 

jttheclockman

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Feb 22, 2005
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NJ, USA.
I had shown this one recently that I made for a friend. Just gave it to him a couple days ago and he liked it. It was the only one I ever made and had no trouble with it. The shifter works OK how does it hold up, for me it will be a matter of time yet. I do not make gadget pens either but this one fit the bill.
 

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duncsuss

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Jun 29, 2012
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Wilmington, MA
I've made a couple, because I was using Fordite as the barrel I sanded down the couplers to make them a slip-fit and glued them in place.


IMGP7174 copy.jpg
 

TonyL

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Mar 9, 2014
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Thank you all very much, especially for sharing photos of your o/s work!

I just had 15% off, but I think the 3 or 4 starter pack is on sale (not that I need any more drill bits).

Thanks again! This is such a wonderful forum.
 

coulcd

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Aug 27, 2017
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Geneva, IL 60134
I've made a couple. The only issue I've run into is that the gear shift knob orientation is not correct from the factory. There is a set screw inside the upper assembly that needs to be loosened and then the gear shift know can be rotated.
 

magpens

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Feb 2, 2011
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Personally, I don't like the Gearshift pen. . Here's the reason.

The bolt action mechanism to advance/retract the refill has 6 physical "stops" for the "activating lever or button". . In terms of function, these amount to only two effective positions : refill-advanced and refill-retracted. . There is a middle "stop" (which amounts to two "stops" because of the layout). . This middle "stop" serves no function, except as a mid-point between the other two. . These two positions for the lever/button should have been physically blocked in such a way that the lever/button could not go into these positions and just slide past them. . But ... because the lever/button CAN go into these positions, it often DOES ... and that is frustrating because they are useless positions, and allowing the lever/button to stop in these positions means that extending and retracting often becomes a two-step, or two-stop, process. . In fact, not just "often", but "nearly always".

I know, I know ... 6 positions are meant to emulate a 5 + Reverse gearshift ... but so what ... this is a pen !!

"OK, OK!", you say; "if it sells that's good." . Not for me. . Sooner, not later, the buyer is going to get sick of the hiatus between Advance and Retract.

This kit is the epitome of gimmicky pen kit design !

The 30 Caliber Bolt Action design is a great design. . This Gearshift design is just taking a good concept ridiculously too far.
 
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Monty

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Mar 4, 2005
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Pearland, Texas, USA.
Personally, I don't like the Gearshift pen. . Here's the reason.

The bolt action mechanism to advance/retract the refill has 6 physical "stops" for the "activating lever or button". . In terms of function, these amount to only two effective positions : refill-advanced and refill-retracted. . There is a middle "stop" (which amounts to two "stops" because of the layout). . This middle "stop" serves no function, except as a mid-point between the other two. . These two positions for the lever/button should have been physically blocked in such a way that the lever/button could not go into these positions and just slide past them. . But ... because the lever/button CAN go into these positions, it often DOES ... and that is frustrating because they are useless positions, and allowing the lever/button to stop in these positions means that extending and retracting often becomes a two-step, or two-stop, process. . In fact, not just "often", but "nearly always".

I know, I know ... 6 positions are meant to emulate a 5 + Reverse gearshift ... but so what ... this is a pen !!

"OK, OK!", you say; "if it sells that's good." . Not for me. . Sooner, not later, the buyer is going to get sick of the hiatus between Advance and Retract.

This kit is the epitome of gimmicky pen kit design !

The 30 Caliber Bolt Action design is a great design. . This Gearshift design is just taking a good concept ridiculously too far.


My personal feeling exactly. The pen needs to be completely extended or retracted.

As to the overall function, I have made a few of these per request. Have had no problems that I am aware of.
 

WriteON

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Aug 21, 2013
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S. Florida
You'll enjoy these. Great single barrel pen. Nothing negative about them. No aggravation with them. They are quite sharp looking. Well made & designed. Advancing and retracting is simple and easy. Very much appreciated gifts to car guys. I do not sell pens. Was in a jewelry shop and had one in my pocket...a person asked me for 3 and loved them. Got good $$ for them.
 

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WriteON

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I had shown this one recently that I made for a friend. Just gave it to him a couple days ago and he liked it. It was the only one I ever made and had no trouble with it. The shifter works OK how does it hold up, for me it will be a matter of time yet. I do not make gadget pens either but this one fit the bill.

Nice looking Gear. The shifter holds up great. Unless it's severely abused there is no reason for failure. No twists, no clicks. Advance and lock up. I sold a few and gifted a few. I provided a single pen stand with a lug nut glued to the base. I'm now certain peoples best friend.
Here's before the lug nut was glued. The flag went to a friend in Texas...we belonged to a car club together. Sorry about the pictures.
 

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I have made quite a few and have sold many as well. Very neat pen for someone who prefers the novelty over the slight impracticality of the mechanism.
 

WriteON

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Aug 21, 2013
Messages
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Location
S. Florida
Personally, I don't like the Gearshift pen. . Here's the reason.

The bolt action mechanism to advance/retract the refill has 6 physical "stops" for the "activating lever or button". . In terms of function, these amount to only two effective positions : refill-advanced and refill-retracted. . There is a middle "stop" (which amounts to two "stops" because of the layout). . This middle "stop" serves no function, except as a mid-point between the other two. . These two positions for the lever/button should have been physically blocked in such a way that the lever/button could not go into these positions and just slide past them. . But ... because the lever/button CAN go into these positions, it often DOES ... and that is frustrating because they are useless positions, and allowing the lever/button to stop in these positions means that extending and retracting often becomes a two-step, or two-stop, process. . In fact, not just "often", but "nearly always".

I know, I know ... 6 positions are meant to emulate a 5 + Reverse gearshift ... but so what ... this is a pen !!

"OK, OK!", you say; "if it sells that's good." . Not for me. . Sooner, not later, the buyer is going to get sick of the hiatus between Advance and Retract.

This kit is the epitome of gimmicky pen kit design !

The 30 Caliber Bolt Action design is a great design. . This Gearshift design is just taking a good concept ridiculously too far.

Personally, I don't like the Gearshift pen. . Here's the reason.

The bolt action mechanism to advance/retract the refill has 6 physical "stops" for the "activating lever or button". . In terms of function, these amount to only two effective positions : refill-advanced and refill-retracted. . There is a middle "stop" (which amounts to two "stops" because of the layout). . This middle "stop" serves no function, except as a mid-point between the other two. . These two positions for the lever/button should have been physically blocked in such a way that the lever/button could not go into these positions and just slide past them. . But ... because the lever/button CAN go into these positions, it often DOES ... and that is frustrating because they are useless positions, and allowing the lever/button to stop in these positions means that extending and retracting often becomes a two-step, or two-stop, process. . In fact, not just "often", but "nearly always".

I know, I know ... 6 positions are meant to emulate a 5 + Reverse gearshift ... but so what ... this is a pen !!

"OK, OK!", you say; "if it sells that's good." . Not for me. . Sooner, not later, the buyer is going to get sick of the hiatus between Advance and Retract.

This kit is the epitome of gimmicky pen kit design !

The 30 Caliber Bolt Action design is a great design. . This Gearshift design is just taking a good concept ridiculously too far.


My personal feeling exactly. The pen needs to be completely extended or retracted.

As to the overall function, I have made a few of these per request. Have had no problems that I am aware of.

Guys...Do you drive a 5 or 6 speed? This pen is an absolute great novelty pen for those that do. The clip is a pry bar. It has wheels and tires on it. The Gear is first class cool and a great conversation piece. As for it can only be only advanced or retracted? Every pen I have is either fully advanced, retracted or fixed. I love this pen... I think it needs a clutch
 

turncrazy43

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Apr 22, 2012
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1,104
Location
Marietta, GA
Tony, I have made and sold several of these pens. They are easy to assemble and none have had problems. The thing I noticed is that PSI offers them in several metal finishes. However, I grew up in the muscle car era and don't recall any wheels and trim in antique brass, gun metal or antique pewter. Chrome is the one I recall the most. All of the ones I made and sold were done in chrome and I believe are the most true to the era. Good luck with yours.
Turncrazy43
 

TonyL

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Mar 9, 2014
Messages
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Location
Georgia
Thank you all. In general, they sound no more prone to problems than other kits. I am going to buy the 4 pack. Thanks again!
 

WriteON

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Aug 21, 2013
Messages
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Location
S. Florida
Thank you all. In general, they sound no more prone to problems than other kits. I am going to buy the 4 pack. Thanks again!

If for any reason you do not like them (but you will) I'll gladly buy what you do not use.
 
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