Shocked My Pelikan M805 Broke In Half Today

January 26, 2016

From the evidence that I've seen, it's an equal color failure. Note that the color is simply a binde - a casing that goes around the barrel tube that the section attaches to. The same part is used for the inside of all of the colors, the same section for RB and FP, just that the RB gets a cone that screws in, in place of the nib.

It is possible to simply epoxy the front end on, but I much prefer to replace the tube inside to reinforce the area. There is a surprising amount of stress placed on the section of a pen as you write, especially if heavy handed. It isn't straight along the axis of the barrel, but at an angle.

This is the front end of an 800 barrel. The section came off, leaving the tube at the front end intact. You can see that with a tube there, and epoxy over the taper up to the barrel, the area will be much stronger than if the tube is missing or not intact.

http://www.mainstreetpens.com/pix/Pelikan800front.jpg

Thanks for the feedback. I am aware that the Binde is just cosmetic and that the inside, structural part is the same for all M800s and M805s, however for some reason all the failed ones I have personally seen were blue M805s. Of course a fountain pen professional has seen many more pens than I have and has a much bigger sample. And we all profit from that experience! Without being an expert, I find your repair strategy very well thought of and I think that the pen will last a lifetime.

Edited January 26, 2016 by fplover01

January 28, 2016

Thanks for all the help. Chartpak was very nice but the bottom line is all they can do is replace the entire barrel for $150. I'm not keen on gluing the sections together myself nor thinking shipping it to Pelikan in Germany would help in that the pen might just be forwarded to Chartpak. Again, I think this break is due to a manufacturing issue. I have never abused the pen and the clean break I think supports the manufacturing or material problem that one would think Pelikan would be eager to address. Apparently not. I've shipped the pen off to Ron Z. to repair and will post a photo once I get the pen back. As I understand things he will machine a new part to replace the weak joint that separated. For $50 I think that is the best solution. Who knows, I may get a pen back that is stronger than the original. Dan

Not to take away from Ron Z. (he's a great guy!) but more on Chartpak vs. Hannover's service:

Pelikan Germany is really helpful, it may take longer but they'll definitely take care of your pens directly...

Aside from modern pelis, they even try their best to fix vintage models (harder because spare parts may not be available). One time they refitted a 101N from a cork to a silicone plunger; sure it may not be original but one less thing to worry about.

July 5, 2016

Just got my repaired pen back from Ron Z. Let me try to post before and after photos.

July 5, 2016

Before repair-photo

July 5, 2016

After photo

July 5, 2016

Another after photo. I couldn't be happier with the repair work. Thanks Ron.

July 5, 2016

Ron does good work. Glad your bird's bum wing is all mended.

July 5, 2016

Thanks Dan. I'm glad you're pleased! The blue Pelikans are very attractive. That's Robyn's handwriting BTW. You wouldn't be able to read mine.

July 5, 2016

Thanks for all the help. Chartpak was very nice but the bottom line is all they can do is replace the entire barrel for $150. I'm not keen on gluing the sections together myself nor thinking shipping it to Pelikan in Germany would help in that the pen might just be forwarded to Chartpak. Again, I think this break is due to a manufacturing issue. I have never abused the pen and the clean break I think supports the manufacturing or material problem that one would think Pelikan would be eager to address. Apparently not. I've shipped the pen off to Ron Z. to repair and will post a photo once I get the pen back. As I understand things he will machine a new part to replace the weak joint that separated. For $50 I think that is the best solution. Who knows, I may get a pen back that is stronger than the original. Dan

I am following your thread started. I have an M800 red striped. I have had it for more than 3 years. I do remember the same thing happened, and also it leaked. I did return it to Chartpak. I do remember vaguely they did repair. Wondered whether for those of us unfamiliar and may experience the same hardship whether you would not mind sharing the contact information for Ron Z. I am still planning on following to see what your outcome.