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How to Tell If a Fountain Pen NIB Is Even?

In a world full of cheap, throwaway ballpoints, many people still choose to use a fountain pen. Dating back to the 10th century, the design of a fountain pen allows the user to write with far less pressure than a ballpoint or pencil, affording greater comfort. The key component of every fountain pen is its nib. Should it become uneven, the pen may be difficult to use. Even a tiny misalignment of the tines of the nib, not noticeable to the naked eye, can still have a dramatic effect on the pen.

Things You'll Need

10x hand loupe or magnifying glass
Cardboard or craft paper

Instructions

- 1
  Write a few sentences with the pen, paying careful attention to how it feels as it moves across the paper. If a pen that used to write smoothly has suddenly become scratchy, it is often a sign that the nib has become uneven, usually because it has been bumped and knocked out of alignment. This may also affect the flow of ink and lead to a script in which some letters are noticeably darker and thicker than others.
- 2
  Examine the very tip of the nib using the loupe or magnifying glass. Point the nib toward you and turn it slowly so that you can view it from different angles. If the tips are not lined up, adjust them by applying gentle pressure with your fingers. If they appear to be correctly positioned, continue your examination.
- 3
  Use the loupe or magnifying glass to confirm the nib is properly seated on the feed -- the part of the pen responsible for transferring ink from the reservoir to the nib. A scratchy sensation while writing also can be caused by a nib that has been pushed off-center. If this is the case, gently push it back into place with your fingers.
- 4
  Clean the nib by washing it with water, and remove any trapped foreign objects by drawing a thin razor blade along the gap between the tines. If the problem persists, the nib may have to be replaced.

Other Collecting