SPORS Crescent Filler grrrrrr

[AllWriteNow]

I decided to replace the sacs in one of the 5 of these Japanese made pens.

I've attempted to open any one of them. With no success, YERT!

I've tried soaking 10% ammonia, no luck.

Heat, no luck. Any more frustrated and I'm gonna see if throwing it out the window into the snow and cold makes any difference.

Were these shellaced shut?

There is some type of coating, smells like shellac on the entire pen. What could this be?

 

Thank you!

 

Steve

 

[philm]

Steve,

 

These were glued at the section and are very stubborn. I did one a week or so ago and had to come back to it after trying the day before. All I used was heat from a heat gun, over and over, each time trying to move the section from the barrel (carefully). At long last it worked and I was able to wiggle (these are friction fit) it loose. From there it is quite straightforward. Here is a picture of the pen when finally taken apart.

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/munsonhsr/Minnesota%20Pens/spors/DSC_0004.jpg

 

I have read in an old advertisement that the Spors sections were glued in to the barrel so the user would not remove the section and damage the sac. While this was a good idea in theory, and limited returns of pens for repair of a sac that had been altered, it makes this pen a little more difficult to work on today. Patience and gentle heat over time should do the trick. Good luck.

 

Phil

[Nick A]

I have never gotten one open either. A shame, as I think they would be fun to play with. Curious to see if there is a secret.

 

[philm]

Sorry to prolong this, but I found a copy of the advertisement that indicates the reason for the gluing -------

 

See the top middle paragraph --

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/munsonhsr/Minnesota%20Pens/spors/spors2.jpg

[AllWriteNow]

Thanks philm

Heat it is!

Patience hmmm? does Tryphon sell that?

 

Does yours have a coating over the entire pen body?

Steve

[philm]

None of the Spors I have repaired have had any coating that I have noticed. Interesting.

 

Phil

[AllWriteNow]

Sorry to prolong this, but I found a copy of the advertisement that indicates the reason for the gluing -------

 

See the top middle paragraph --

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/munsonhsr/Minnesota%20Pens/spors/spors2.jpg

 

 

That is cool.

Thanks. Actually, I have taken all the nibs out. 'easily' just like it says.

One has a section so chopped up with plier marks it's a wonder the previous owner didn't trash it or maybe they did and I bought it.

 

Steve

 

[jcostantino]

What is the suggested sac size for this? I've seen #14 and #16 mentioned and I'd like to get it right on the first shot.

 

Thanks in advance!

[philm]

Spors pens came in different sizes, but the pen pictured above took a 14.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Phil

Edited March 3, 2009 by philm

[Aysedasi]

I couldn't get mine underdone to resac it. I was really looking forward to trying it out too.... I've since passed it on for another intrepid member to have a go!

[QM2]

I couldn't get mine underdone to resac it. I was really looking forward to trying it out too.... I've since passed it on for another intrepid member to have a go!

 

Yeah, right : ) I think this one is destined to become a museum piece in my pen case. I could not move it even a fraction of a millimeter with the help of a hairdryer. It is such a beautiful colour too!

[philm]

Edited above post to note a size 14 sac. I just pulled the section out and it is a 14.

 

Sorry for the confusion.

 

Phil

[jcostantino]

Well I removed the section from the body with minimal damage. I ended up soaking the entire thing in hot water for a while and it gradually loosened up. I did mark up the section a little bit but I think I should be able to smooth it without an issue.

 

It doesn't look like mine has ever been inked, it may have been dipped but otherwise looks unused. The body is in good shape but could use a little polishing.

 

How is the clip attached to the cap? It looks like there is a bit of rubber jammed into the cap and that also locks the clip in by pressing it against the inside of the cap - is that correct? Is the metal plated in nickel or similar? The "arm" of the clip seems shiny but the part that bends under the cap looks unplated. Same with the top half of the ball, it looks plated but the bottom half seems to be matte, that could be from the forming of the metal though.

[QM2]

Well I removed the section from the body with minimal damage. I ended up soaking the entire thing in hot water for a while and it gradually loosened up. I did mark up the section a little bit but I think I should be able to smooth it without an issue.

 

How long did you soak it, and how hot was the water?

[Aysedasi]

I have to say I did try that........

 

 

Oh and I tried quite hot but not boiling.

[jcostantino]

I don't know how hot the water was, it came out of my office water cooler with an electric heating element for hot water. It was quite hot, certainly hot enough to make coffee with. I left it in for two soaks with fresh water and after working the section a little bit, I barely heard it go "crack" a couple times but never moved. The second time I could see the section moving quite a bit on one side and with some pliers wrapped in a paper towel I managed to turn the section enough to break it free. On the first try, I got marks on the section but they are shallow enough that I should be able to sand down and clear coat over.

 

I have no idea what kind of a glue is used. It seems like a very thin application but the amount of glued surface makes it very difficult to remove.

[denis]

Hey guys,

 

I got one of the SPORS Crescent Fillers MADE IN JAPAN. Impossible to take it apart, but I do not even try, for it is functioning quite well. It only lacks the metal clip on the top. Does anybody have a spare one from your ruined pens to sell or give as a present? :-) Please, message me.

 

Also, if you know about a good source where to learn more about the history of this pen, please, do let me know. Thanks much in advance.

[philm]

Denis,

 

Also, if you know about a good source where to learn more about the history of this pen, please, do let me know. Thanks much in advance.

 

Though not the comprehensive history of Spors Pens, here are a few articles I put together over the past couple of years

 

http://munsonpens.wordpress.com/2008/02/13/made-in-japan/

 

http://munsonpens.wordpress.com/2008/09/17...ainment-center/

 

http://munsonpens.wordpress.com/2009/03/25...tising-in-1927/

 

http://munsonpens.wordpress.com/2009/07/01...ns-live-update/

 

I am currently drafting a fifth article which I will post sometime soon.

 

Phil

[denis]

Thank you very much, Phil! You are the MAN!

 

Now just if I could find that clip somewhere to embellish my green marbled beauty! :-)

I could post its picture later on.

[parilla]

I had success with putting the pen in boiling water...well it wasn't any use as it was, so try anything. I have only tried this with one pen (I only have one of this brand)