How to Tell If a Fountain Pen NIB Is Even?

An uneven nib can make even the best pens almost unusable.

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.

Tips & Warnings

• If the nib appears even but the pen still feels scratchy to use, try writing a few lines on craft paper or stiff cardboard. This will help polish away any minor imperfections or burrs but will not damage the nib.

• The nibs of vintage fountain pens may be brittle and could snap if subjected to excessive force.

References

• The Nibster: The Anatomy of a Nib
• The Nibster: Smoothing Scratchy Nibs, John Mottishaw, 2006
• Pen Museum: Tuning a Fountain Pen