Changing Nib On Parker Rialto

[teryg93]

I've been experimenting with extra fine nibs, so I can be less choosy about the paper I write on but still be able to write on both sides. I haven't been crazy about the nibs, but I'm wondering if that's related to the pens I'm using them on. The pens I keep going back to are the Parker Rialtos. I have not found one with an extra fine nib so am wondering if it's possible to put an extra fine nib on one of the Rialtos I have.

 

Can that be done? Is it difficult? Where would I get an extra fine nib for a Rialto?

 

Thanks!

Tery

[richardandtracy]

The Rialto/Vector/Urban/IM pens all use basically the same nib, which is a Parker only nib. The Rialto is the only one with gold plating, so it wouldn't help to swap in one of the other pens. Also, the nib came as a UK fine as the smallest - so fairly wide by US standards.

 

The only practicable way to end up with an extra fine is to grind it yourself or to have someone do it for you.

If you are going to practice, I would suggest you try on a cheaper version than the Rialto - the Parker vector or the very, very similar Chinese Baoer 801. The nib shape is a bit different, but the pen is sufficiently similar to be a good testing vehicle and is very cheap if bought direct from China (less than $2 usually).

 

Hope this is informative if not helpful!

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

[pepsiplease69]

I did a blog post on how to swap vector nibs, it might be helpful here.

 

https://nibandlens.wordpress.com/2013/03/30/parker-nib-swappage/

 

Don't laugh at the clumsy drawings

[Dutchpen]

Pm is send. I have a original rialto XF nib unit available.

 

 

Not only the rialto has gold plated nibs. The 88 (older version of the rialto) also has gold plated nibs. Rialto nibs have a engfaving on top too which makes it a it more classy.

[Mike 59]

Hi, If you want to try changing the nib yourself, it's not so easy with these small nibs, but the way seems to be, to get a thin metal ruler (or knife blade) that fits into the gap between the feed and the black collar. Then push quickly forward.

Of course there is a good chance the feed will be slightly dented, but it has worked for me, the feeds seem to be a tight fit in all the Vectors that I've tried.

I found it better to firstly, drop the whole section into a glass of not quite hot water, for a few minutes, which I think expands the section slightly.

Also be careful as it easy to damage yourself in trying this.

If there is a better way, I woulld be interested in reading about it. (The link in #3 doesn't work for me.)

Edited August 24, 2016 by Mike 59

[teryg93]

Thanks, everyone. I don't think I want to try major surgery on the nib myself. I'm too new to this. I'm reasonably certain I'd ruin the nib. What I'm doing right now is just watching for an inexpensive Rialto with something like a medium nib, that I know I won't want to write with. Then I'll purchase an EF unit from Dutchpen, switch it out, and be set.

 

Meantime, I found some paper that was made in Vietnam, and that seems to allow me to write on both sides with the Parker fine point. So there's not so much time pressure on this.

[Kravin]

I know this is an old post but I have 36 Parker 88 Place Vendome/ Rialto and only one is an extra fine but they do exist. I am holding it in my hand right now. Matte black date code IP. Anyway I know it’s an old post and probably long forgotten but just in case I thought I’d let you know. 

[TheRedBeard]

12 hours ago, Kravin said:

I know this is an old post but I have 36 Parker 88 Place Vendome/ Rialto and only one is an extra fine but they do exist. I am holding it in my hand right now. Matte black date code IP. Anyway I know it’s an old post and probably long forgotten but just in case I thought I’d let you know. 

I guess your pen with XF nib is early Parker 88 (manufactured before 1991/92).

Does that nib has only plain word PARKER engraved?

 

As far as I know (also based on my 88/Rialto experience), XF nib was not available on Rialtos after 1994... the ones with plastic thread on the nib section.