Sheaffer Balance cap threads

[John T]

So I was given a Sheaffer small slender Balance 857 in Golden Brown, white dot with a lifetime nib, lever filler, that had been found in an antique shop. The pen was given to me with the section slightly pulled out of the barrel and the cap was sitting loose over nib.

 

It is a very good looking pen. I disassembled the rest of the way, cleaned it up. Replaced the sac and reassembeled it... 

 

To my total dismay when I put the cap back on it just spins with a occasional tug as it catches a bit of thread. 

 

The threads on the barrel are still in excellent condition.

 

The threads inside the cap appear to be stripped...

 

Is there any way to repair the damage or do I need to go in search of a donor pen?

[Paul80]

Hi

 

I suppose the easiest option would be to try and find a replacement cap.

 

It might be possible to add an insert into the cap and then cut a new threads but I doubt it's a viable option and the likelihood it's a specialist thread not easily available, if available at all, and at an Eye watering price if they are available.

 

I would search eBay or similar for a donor 

[Ron Z]

Sometimes it's possible to stretch the barrel threads or shorten the inner cap depending on how much room there is inside the inner cap..  A replacement cap may be the better idea though.  Neither is something that I recommend you do yourself.

[John T]

3 hours ago, Ron Z said:

Sometimes it's possible to stretch the barrel threads or shorten the inner cap depending on how much room there is inside the inner cap..  A replacement cap may be the better idea though.  Neither is something that I recommend you do yourself.

I will put it in the hold box and shoot you an email shortly. Thanks Ron!

[John T]

So I have a few other Balances, 1 Petite slender  2 full slender. In the picture you can see that the caps come in different sizes and the sections come in 2 (or perhaps more). I looked online and found examples of a third type of section that doesn't have that flare at the forward end of the section/grip. The pen I am having problems with is second from left. If I remove the section and nib the pen cap fits fine, If I put just the section in the pen it will not cap. I definitely think I have a frankensheaffer.. Now I need to find that third section with a lifetime nib and see if I am correct...

[Ron Z]

The little guy on the left has a short section - and when you see a short section, the inner cap will be longer, so a later pen with a longer section will not thread onto the cap.  But a pen with a short flat ball clip would likely be for a pen with a longer section.  It's worth checking to see if the inner cap is in the right position, and how long it is.  Use two bamboo coffee stirrers to measure the length of the inner cap.  It's also possible that the threads are worn, either on the cap or barrel.  Sometimes a swap of caps is all that you need.

[GlenV]

sometimes the inner cap has just moved toward the section and can try to push it back a little if moves without excessive force after a very good soak, cleaning. Do you find that Ron?  It's easy to damage the threads trying to trim the inner cap, the little black balance I think has an earlier hump ball clip than the pen possibly. (the section shape is a bit different than the early balance pens I think)

[Ron Z]

Sometimes the inner cap shifts, or gets pulled down.   Longer sections won't fit into a cap that was made for the early short section, and there isn't enough room inside to shave the inner cap down.