Shepherds Hook Pressure Bar Placement(Sheaffer Balance)

[RayCornett]

I have replaced lots of pressure bars in Sheaffer Balances but a couple of years ago I obtained one with what I have since discovered is called a Shepherds hook pressure bar.

The original was horribly corroded so I removed it hoping to perhaps clean it up but the corrosion was too far advanced and the small bit that makes it not just a J bar broke off.

I recently obtained a NOS replacement and sought advice on how to place it. I was told to get the bar started into the slot in the end of the barrel then lift that tab with a strong dental tool and lift that "tab" into the slot. Well, that tab seems to be caught on the lip of the slot and no dental tool I have is moving it.

I am open to suggestions.

Edited October 10, 2019 by RayCornett

[Ron Z]

Usually called, and listed as, a J pressure bar - never heard the phrase shepherds hook used.

 

These can be a pain in the tush to remove. Catch an edge with a dental tool and push the tool forwards while pressing it towards the center. This will bend the metal and let it fall out. If that doesn't work, try an alligator hemostat. They reach down inside with the jaws at the front, and you could grab the sides, and turn while pulling. Widgetsupply.com sells them at a reasonable price, Not top grade, but they last a reasonable length of time, even with some abuse. The 3.5" one is plenty long, and what I use most of the time.

[RayCornett]

Usually called, and listed as, a J pressure bar - never heard the phrase shepherds hook used.

 

These can be a pain in the tush to remove. Catch an edge with a dental tool and push the tool forwards while pressing it towards the center. This will bend the metal and let it fall out. If that doesn't work, try an alligator hemostat. They reach down inside with the jaws at the front, and you could grab the sides, and turn while pulling. Widgetsupply.com sells them at a reasonable price, Not top grade, but they last a reasonable length of time, even with some abuse. The 3.5" one is plenty long, and what I use most of the time.

I have just seen it called Shephers hook on Ebay and by a couple other people. Mainly because of the shape.

 

That tool is definitely one I notice I need and will be getting asap. I think they have them at Harbor Freight down the street. And just to clarify, I am not trying to remove this one. This is the NOS bar that I am putting in. The old one WAS a hassle to get out but apparently it needed to be replaced anyway due to the major corrosion.

Edited October 10, 2019 by RayCornett

[Ron Z]

Sorry - I thought that you were trying to remove the old one. There isn't a slot as such at the end. The end of the barrel is often drilled to a smaller diameter.

 

You may be able to grab the end of the hook with tab with the forceps and pinch it. Sheaffer used a tool with a slot that the hook went into, and something farther up that the end of the bar went into. You could catch the tab, force the assembly down and shove it in, then rotate to line it up properly with the lever. There were a couple of different sizes for the different size J bars. The forceps let you grab the sides of the hook to rotate the J bar so that the lever rides in the exact middle. If it's off, the lever tends to push the J bar to the side.

[RayCornett]

Sorry - I thought that you were trying to remove the old one. There isn't a slot as such at the end. The end of the barrel is often drilled to a smaller diameter.

 

You may be able to grab the end of the hook with tab with the forceps and pinch it. Sheaffer used a tool with a slot that the hook went into, and something farther up that the end of the bar went into. You could catch the tab, force the assembly down and shove it in, then rotate to line it up properly with the lever. There were a couple of different sizes for the different size J bars. The forceps let you grab the sides of the hook to rotate the J bar so that the lever rides in the exact middle. If it's off, the lever tends to push the J bar to the side.

Just using slot as that is what the first person who talked with me about this used. I did think it was an odd term for what is actually there.

 

I'll have to back it out to be able to pinch it. As it is right now that tab is nearly straight out sideways instead of at a downward angle. Shouldn't be a problem but as it is, the lever and all are lined up fine and the lever operates as expected. The little bit that protrudes from the back of the bar is centered perfectly. I could probably technically leave it as is and it would work fine. I am just picky because I know it's not as it should be

Edited October 10, 2019 by RayCornett