Carene Nib Removal...how Do I Get It Off?

April 8, 2015

I was unsure whether to pot this under Waterman, or the Repair section, but here goes...

...can anyone tell me how to get the nib safely off a Waterman Carene?! Or if there's already a thread stating how to get it off just direct me to it, please? Mine had a slight impact-kink that I'm sure I can iron out if I can fathom how to safely get the nib off the nib-feed-section assembly.

April 8, 2015

The nib is bonded to the grip with a soft material.

Using a scalpel, ease both ears up from the grip. A steady hand is required so as not to slip and damage either parts.

Once the ears are free, using a slither of abrasive paper (reversed) and a small pair of pointed or flat nose pliers. Slip the paper under the nib and around to protect it. Slid one blade of the pliers under and then grip the nib and pull it forward and slightly up to clear the feed head. Give it a very slight wiggle as you pull.

April 9, 2015

Thanks for the speedy reply Fergus...your description and pics make it all really clear. That adhesive/bonding material isn't heat-softening then?

April 9, 2015

The adhesive does soften to some extent, but don't depend on it.

I don't like taking these nibs off. Nobody does. I find it to be difficult to do safely. Don't lift much - the nib has to slide forward because it interlocks with the shell. Use a cement to secure the wings of the nib to the shell.

I would also recommend that unlike what is shown in the picture, you use a piece of thick rubber instead of sandpaper, even if using the back side, to grip the nib. The paper on the back is still abrasive when in contact with the nib. The rubber will grip better and cushion the nib helping to reduce chances of damage.

April 9, 2015

The adhesive does soften to some extent, but don't depend on it.

I don't like taking these nibs off. Nobody does. I find it to be difficult to do safely. Don't lift much - the nib has to slide forward because it interlocks with the shell. Use a cement to secure the wings of the nib to the shell.

I would also recommend that unlike what is shown in the picture, you use a piece of thick rubber instead of sandpaper, even if using the back side, to grip the nib. The paper on the back is still abrasive when in contact with the nib. The rubber will grip better and cushion the nib helping to reduce chances of damage.

I don't mind.

Never had a problem with the cloth shown.

Rubber can be too thick.

April 9, 2015

If you use one of those round or rectangular pieces of rubbery material that are used to grip jar tops and are often given out with logos as advertising, the thickness would not be too great. I have used those to pull out some nibs that are friction fit into the section, like Phileas, Laureat and Montblanc 144.

Editing this to add that I used no plier. The rubbery gripper had a good hold and I didn't want to risk damage by gripping with a tool.

Edited April 9, 2015 by pajaro

September 28, 2020

I have been on a search on the internet and the FPN forum to know the approzimate weight of a Waterman Carene Fine Nib only. I mean that I want to know the weight of the Solid Gold Nib only. I have not received any answers from anywhere. Can you please help me out.