Now, My Twsbi 580 Cracked At The Nib Assembly

[mtmowl]

Has anyone else had their 580 crack off parts of the black nib assembly, just behind the nib? It has just happened to mine, and now the assembly no longer seals with the cap liner. About 4/5 of the circular front edge is gone. It had been leaking or seeping ink in the area, and I've been reluctant to touch the section, because of the amount of finger staining if I used it. Now I know why it leaked.

 

This was my 3rd TWSBI, the only surviving one. The other two, a 530 and a 540, broke more times than I can keep track of. and even with replaced parts, they were a waste of my time and money. I had high hopes for the 580, but it too let me down. And it was barely ever used.

 

As much as I wanted to like the pens, I feel they are trash, and not a market-ready product. I've been using fountain pens for over half a century, and never seen such breakage among my pens; can't think of a single other case, in fact.

 

I know others have had better experiences, but I'm through with TWSBI pens. If I sound peeved, you're right.

 

Mike

[ScienceChick]

Mike - I haven't had any issues with any of my 580's and they see heavy use but I can certainly understand and sympathize with your aggravation. While I don't think your experience is the rule, I'd probably feel differently if it was my TWSBIs that kept cracking/breaking.

[linearM]

I had series of cracks in the upper portion of the barrel just below the filler knob. I tried contacting TWSBI on their website on eBay and never got a response. I have heard a number of people complain about cracks in their TWSBI pens.

[saskia_madding]

There is an email you're supposed to send questions to regarding pen failure and cracking. It isn't through ebay or their website, as far as I know. Email them at info@twsbi.com (I think?). I just emailed them a week ago about parts and got a response within 24 hrs.

[linearM]

Thanks for the information.

[sirgilbert357]

I know it may not matter at this point, but for what it's worth:

 

My Mini Classic had a similar issue; the black plastic collar that holds the nib and feed broke around the top lip that the O-ring wraps around. Philip sent me a new one--but charged me 3 bucks, which I found odd since the pen was less than a month old-- and when the new part came in, it was of a different type of plastic. It seems slightly stronger, and it is a very matte black color, not at all glossy black like the original part. So it would appear they are upgrading the material used for that piece at least.

Edited December 4, 2015 by sirgilbert357

[Peppers]

This was my 3rd TWSBI, the only surviving one. The other two, a 530 and a 540, broke more times than I can keep track of. and even with replaced parts.

 

Hey Mike,

 

Don't hate me for the following comment:

 

Not keeping a fountain pen in a case, putting it inside a bag and throwing the bag on the table/floor, having the pen freely laying around the desk, accidental drops, even putting the pen inside your pant's pockets, etc., with time, those little things build up and the pen gives up.

 

I had to say it.

 

Now to business:

 

Please note the 4th and 3rd line from the bottom of the picture I am attaching. TWSBIs never run out of warranty. I took the screen shot from here: http://www.twsbi.com/blogs/news, and you can scroll down until you find December 23,14 post/blog.

 

This describes your problem accurately. At the precise location that you are having issues/problems/breaking/damage.

 

I hope this helps you and anyone with similar problems.

 

http://i65.tinypic.com/15z5i1j.png

 

-Peppers

Edited December 4, 2015 by Peppers

[sirgilbert357]

Wow...that's nice to know that the warranty never runs out. Course it depends on the kind of damage, I'm sure...

[akustyk]

The same thing just happened to my 580.

[mtmowl]

Peppers, Fear not: no hating over good advice. Thanks for the pic, too.

 

However, the pens in question spent most of their time in a Waterman 3-pen cigar type case and were handled no differently from 50-odd other pens which haven't broken. And I've been using FPs for a long time without other breakage.

 

So, in spite of swearing off TWSBI pens, when I came across an ad online for a new TWSBI section & nib, I ordered one, paying out of pocket (reasonable price and less hassle.) I put the assembly on, inked the pen, wrote a few lines, and placed it upright in a holder on the desk where I now sit. About a week later, when I picked up the pen, all I held was the cap (well, most of it, anyway.) Sitting there, untouched, it cracked _AGAIN_ right around at the top of the metal band. This is like the 3rd time that pen has broken, so I have to disagree with Speedy's statement that they've fixed the cracking issue. This pen WAS a replacement from Speedy.

 

My other pens don't crack, why do the TWSBIs?

 

Disappointed Mike

Edited December 6, 2015 by mtmowl

[Peppers]

This is like the 3rd time that pen has broken, so I have to disagree with Speedy's statement that they've fixed the cracking issue. This pen WAS a replacement from Speedy.

 

My other pens don't crack, why do the TWSBIs?

 

Disappointed Mike

 

Sad to ear that you paid out-of-pocket; but now, fear not. As you saw on the picture and link TWSBIs have lifetime warranty. Although it is an inconvenience, talk to TWSBI and get it fixed or get a replacement until it stops breaking. You purchased the pen(s) in good faith, trusting the manufacturer that they did a good job, sadly, they didn't. Good thing is that they are aware and willing to keep their customers by repairing or replacing your instrument.

 

Ask them directly why their TWSBIs have that particular problem. Their answer could range from receiving bad materials from their suppliers or not being able to heat their mold to a certain temperature. Anything little bad thing along the manufacturing process reflects later on in the life of the product.

 

This issue is isolate to TWSBs only. They better fix it before they start turning more customers angrier/disappointed.

 

-Peppers

Edited December 6, 2015 by Peppers

[mtmowl]

Peppers, again, you give good, calm advice. The irony is, this pen which continues to break, was itself a replacement for two pens that failed.

 

As unreliable as I have found TWSBI pens to be, there's a lot about them I like, and I wish they could make a pen without so many failure points. I feel that the company is playing whack-a-mole with design problems, and we're doing their beta testing, while we pay for the privelege.

 

That said, I've reached out to the company and await a reply. I've been this route before.

 

Mike

[Peppers]

As unreliable as I have found TWSBI pens to be, there's a lot about them I like, and I wish they could make a pen without so many failure points. I feel that the company is playing whack-a-mole with design problems, and we're doing their beta testing, while we pay for the privelege.

 

Ouch! Definitely not the best way to engage in business with customers. You have lasted quite a long battle with so many pens breaking on you, I would had given up long time ago.

 

I agree with you, I've always wanted to try out a 580; there are not many clear piston fillers on that price range, but I've hold myself into purchasing those pens for the same reason we are having this conversation; too many have experienced failures at some point. If you look around, fountain pens are not only a writing instrument, but if we take care of them they can be family heirlooms or vintage pens in the future. A pen that breaks, can't have such description.

 

However, as a Pilot fan myself, I had the option of the Pilot Custom Heritage 92 Clear Demonstrator. Definitely costs more, but the reward is greater as well. Mine will arrive in the mail sometime this month. If you are interested on a reliable demonstrator, and have the financial means, try it out. I've only heard praises about the CH 92 all over the forum.

 

If I ever make a review about it, I will make sure to tell you all about it.

 

Wishing you the best of lucks on your next fountain pen!!

 

-Peppers

[mtmowl]

Peppers, the Pilot Custom Heritage 92 Clear Demonstrator is indeed a very nice pen. I've had one for some time. I'm sure you'll like it. It's very similar in design to the TWSBI Diamond series, but a bit smaller. I have them side by side in front of me, and the resemblance is striking.The Diamond feels better in my largish hand, though, and I like the added ink capacity and increasd heft. The facetted barrel is nice too. If only...

 

I agree that fountain pens can and should last. I've pens that I bought and have used since the 1960's. One of my favorites, a Diplomat Attache, has been in use since the early 80's. It's just hitting its sweet spot.

 

Good luck with your CH 92.

 

Mike

Edited December 7, 2015 by mtmowl

[FOUR X FOUR]

To me, the only thing the 92 has on the 580 is a gold nib. The 580 feels so much more durable.

[Peppers]

To me, the only thing the 92 has on the 580 is a gold nib. The 580 feels so much more durable.

 

The CH 92 has a single piston seal, while the 580 has 2. Tells me much about its quality and reliability.

[Algester]

so they may have aliviated their problems on the barrel whats next is the nib collar...

though mine didnt break on the threads but on something in the inner collar maybe because I manipulated the piston even when the capped... this means to say TWSBI has some damn good seals

basically the point where a converter normally bites into the collar and meet the feed

Edited December 7, 2015 by Algester

[mtmowl]

[OP] To give credit where it's due, when I notified TWSBI of the broken cap, they did send out a replacement. Happy to say the pen is back in rotation.

 

Mike

[Jamerelbe]

The nib/feed assembly on my TWSBI Mini cracked fairly recently - I noticed that it was leaking but not why until this week. Took a picture, emailed it to TWSBI... and a replacement is now in the mail. Edited to add: that's pretty quick service, and very much appreciated!

Edited December 26, 2015 by Jamerelbe

[Masque]

I have had prompt service on both cracked TWSBI products I had, and one was probably my fault for over-tightening the section. (Yes, over-tightening plastic-on-plastic threads can be bad.) The durability and scratch resistance of the 580 is very impressive, as well.

 

Remember, this is modern manufacturing but it isn't perfection. And plastic isn't invincible, regardless of whether it's plastic, polycarbonate, or even Precious Resin™.

 

The vaunted Homo Sapiens, even, can suffer. My steel age midi Homo Sapiens has a cracked cap. And based on my experience there, trust me: you will have a MUCH easier time getting a cracked TWSBI repaired. To have this cracked Homo Sapiens cap examined by Visconti's designated service entity incurs a fee equal to the cost of an entirely new 580.

 

Something to consider, perhaps.

Edited January 11, 2016 by Masque