Bailey Light - converters

[Grayfeather]

This is probably been posed before....question:

 

Does the Cross Bailey Light require a particular converter? Can it use universal converters? I know there are two different models of the Cross converter, one is the screw-in type and one is the push-on type. I received one as a gift, and I don't like using the pre-filled cartridges.

 

TIA.

 

A

Edited March 3, 2025 by Gaius Maximus
Clarification

[Mr.Rene]

Hi.. it takes Cross push in only,regards.

[Grayfeather]

Just now, Mr.Rene said:

Hi.. it takes Cross push in only,regards.

 

Thank you! Cheers!

 

A

[Grayfeather]

4 minutes ago, Mr.Rene said:

Hi.. it takes Cross push in only,regards.

 

@Mr.Rene

 

Is that the #8751? 

 

[Chris1]

8751 is the push in converter - just checked the spare still in its packet. It is clear with a black tip.

 

I've seen Cross converters in various colours - greenish, yellowish and clear - over the years, but so far as I know all the push-in ones are interchangeable, though I've not swapped them around to check. The screw-in ones are different and don't mix and match with push fit ones.

 

[Grayfeather]

On 3/4/2025 at 9:11 AM, Chris1 said:

8751 is the push in converter - just checked the spare still in its packet. It is clear with a black tip.

 

I've seen Cross converters in various colours - greenish, yellowish and clear - over the years, but so far as I know all the push-in ones are interchangeable, though I've not swapped them around to check. The screw-in ones are different and don't mix and match with push fit ones.

 

 

I'm surprised, none I can find, is making an aftermarket converter. Am I blind?

 

A

[Penguincollector]

Try Aliexpress. They often have Cross since they’re made there now.

[Sporadic Traveler]

I got my converters from Pen Boutique:  https://www.penboutique.com/products/cross-fountain-pen-converter-type-i?_pos=2&_sid=4e1f461be&_ss=r

[Peter Strempel]

Tangent question: I have a Cross Century II and a Bailey Light.  The 8751 converters work on both, but only fill 2/3.  Is that how they're supposed to work?

[OCArt]

@Peter StrempelSad to say but that's pretty common for all cartridge converters. 

[Peter Strempel]

@OCArt Thanks for the reply.  I'd only noticed it with Pilot and Cross, so far.

[bugsydog55]

You can even check Ebay for some estimates.  Since Cross converters are proprietary, we are stuck having to get them.  It doesn't mean we can't look around for a better deal.  Check out AliExpress and the Bay.  You can find some options.  I have several Cross Bailey's, the standard models and the Light models.  They take different converters.  So go look for that deal.

[Chris1]

Only partially filling your converter?

 

Half-fill the converter normally then hold the pen with the nib in the air and continue to 'fill', drawing air in. This brings the ink fully into the converter.

With the nib still uppermost, wind the converter back again to expel the air and stop just as ink appears in the fins of the black bit under the nib. 

Now reintroduce the nib into the ink bottle and continue to fill the converter as before.

You'll find this fills it fully. Indeed, if over-full, expell a drop or two back into the ink bottle.

[Peter Strempel]

On 9/26/2025 at 2:10 AM, bugsydog55 said:

You can even check Ebay for some estimates.  Since Cross converters are proprietary, we are stuck having to get them.  It doesn't mean we can't look around for a better deal.  Check out AliExpress and the Bay.  You can find some options.  I have several Cross Bailey's, the standard models and the Light models.  They take different converters.  So go look for that deal.

Thanks for the response.  I will keep it in mind.

[Peter Strempel]

On 10/2/2025 at 1:01 AM, Chris1 said:

Only partially filling your converter?

 

Half-fill the converter normally then hold the pen with the nib in the air and continue to 'fill', drawing air in. This brings the ink fully into the converter.

With the nib still uppermost, wind the converter back again to expel the air and stop just as ink appears in the fins of the black bit under the nib. 

Now reintroduce the nib into the ink bottle and continue to fill the converter as before.

You'll find this fills it fully. Indeed, if over-full, expell a drop or two back into the ink bottle.

Ah.  Of course.  I will do just that the next time I fill.  Also thought of a syringe filler (which I have).  But your method might be less messy.

 

[Chris1]

It's less messy so long as you watch what you're doing and don't get distracted, or ink can run all down the section and onto your fingers. Guess how I know 😒?