Help fixing an old pen!

[keithbyrd]

Customer sent this to me and wanted to know if there was anyway to repair/replace the threads in the cap of this rollerball?

 

[jttheclockman]

I do not do kitless pens but do repair work on some odd things at times. My go to tag line is always reverse engineer it. It was put together so it has to come apart. That basically with any object. It was built so unbuild it. That threaded insert was inserted in the metal cap so drill it out and clean it up and make another one to match the threads of the pen.

 

[keithbyrd]

How do you identify the threads size etc to be able to remake the insert?

 

[hooked]

Are there any identifying marks on the pen, cap, inside the pen?

Measure the diameter with your calipers on multiple threads to determine if the threads are tapered, and note the type of start, such as single start, triple start, etc. Then you would need to check the threads with a thread pitch gauge. You can do this with other methods as well if you do not have one, but they are typically not as accurate. Once you have your thread type, diameter, and thread pitch, use a reference guide (many online for free) and find the tap that meets your measurements. Try imperial and metric.

Here is a $10 thread pitch gauge from Amazon.

This is a good video showing the process:

 

[mredburn]

From the picture you have a multi start thread. You will have to check it to see if its triple or double lead. You will want to measure the diameter of the threads to see if they are a std size as well. I have found some pens with odd diameters like 9.75mm. If its not one of the threads we sometimes order the specialty taps for or you dont have that particular tap its probably cheaper to replace the pen. It doesnt look like a kit pen.

 

[gimpy]

Just order another kit if it's available

 

[keithbyrd]

Just order another kit if it's available

Unfortunately it's not a kit pen.

 

[keithbyrd]

Are there any identifying marks on the pen, cap, inside the pen?

Measure the diameter with your calipers on multiple threads to determine if the threads are tapered, and note the type of start, such as single start, triple start, etc. Then you would need to check the threads with a thread pitch gauge. You can do this with other methods as well if you do not have one, but they are typically not as accurate. Once you have your thread type, diameter, and thread pitch, use a reference guide (many online for free) and find the tap that meets your measurements. Try imperial and metric.

Here is a $10 thread pitch gauge from Amazon.

This is a good video showing the process:

Thank for the info and the link - will update on progress!