Hello all! I’m a reluctant collector of unique pencils and pens. I suppose my collection might be in a “barely there” category, and “cheap/unknown” could be a subcategory. Perhaps I am in company with others out there? At any rate, I’d like to submit a question about a nice little twist style pencil that I recently got at a second hand store. The pocket clip has “Wings” etched on it and when I searched it, there were several for sale on Etsy and eBay. My question is, does anyone know how to repair this particular style? The mechanism doesn’t work properly and I really don’t want to break it (which is likely in my case, if I should try to take it apart).
I like your ‘barely there’ and ‘cheap/unknown’ categories. Cheap/unknown is a very fun idea for a collection, but I fear the quality and usability would be a headache. Have you found that to be true?
I have no special knowledge about the Wings model.
It seems that, with this particular “Wings” pencil, there’s good quality and durability to it’s construction. The fact that it’s not working properly doesn’t change my opinion about that, for sure; it just hasn’t been cared for, I think.
In regards to other cheap unknown brands, I believe there’s definitely an issue with usability, just because of the low cost manner of construction, they’re not really meant to keep forever:/
Is this a twist type mechanism? Those usually pull apart at the halves. There is usually an eraser inside that you remove to access the lead storage chamber. Leads feed from the front end.
Hi, welcome!
Indeed, twist pencils tend to either pull apart or unscrew in the middle.
The repairs for mechanical pencils are simple. Just take apart, clean lead dust from outside and inside the chuck, check lead sleeve isn’t bent, and put back together. We can’t help with this particular model since I doubt anyone here knows it, but if you manage to take it apart and take a picture of the internals I’m sure many here will enjoy it
Turns out the mechanism was relatively easy to remove. I found a drill bit the size of the hole to push it out, and although the very top was slightly bent (easily straightened) it seems to be in good working order.
My two cents on this (and sorry if I say something which has already been said, or advance possibilities which have already been ruled out):
The required lead might be an old Imperial measure, say 1.18mm instead of 0.9; in that case, the pencil is working perfectly, but it needs the correct lead diameter to be fitted inside, otherwise the cores will never be gripped properly; many older pencils did work with 1.18 instead of 0.9 or similar, so you should try to find some appropriate lead — the 1.18 diameter is not impossible to get.
The fragile flange gripping the rear end of the lead core and allowing for a seamless retraction and/or forward feed of the lead might be slightly bent (and opened), hence the low clutch power, and general poor performance of the pencil; this issue can be fixed with some care, some apt instruments (tiny vise or pliers: I recommend parallel pliers for delicate work in MP internals), and a very careful application of manual force to re-set the flange at its true original shape. The gripping part ought to be inside the brass pipe with the helical groove, and you may be able to access it either by dismantling the most right “cap”, or by twisting open the mouth/tip section on the left in your picture.
At any rate, thread carefully when going beyond the level of separating the pieces you have already achieved; in such an old pencil, one can easily break the internals by adding the tiniest bit of eccessive force.
Hello, Leonov, thanks very much for your reply and encouragement. Your suggestions are informative and helpful.
The pencil had a short piece of lead left in it , so I was able measure the diameter with calipers and it is 1.2 (perhaps my calipers are not accurate?). (Perhaps the last person to use it didn’t have the proper diameter and it may indeed take the 0.9, just as you suggest?).
If I understand correctly, the chrome/SS tip separates from the internal brass mechanism?
I’m trying to picture what an internal flange that grips the top end of the lead would look like… I haven’t used any tools to separate it, yet. I’ve just been wedging my thumbnail under the top part at the end of the helical groove, with no success, however, it does seem to be easier to twist than when I first got it apart.
Thanks again:)
PS This project makes me wish for vision like I had 20 years ago
Hi there! I’m at work right now, and can’t access pictures, but I think I found an image of the shape of this piece you are trying to identify.
As for the lead diameter, if your calliper says 1.2, it is for sure a (nominal) 1.18mm lead core, so you ought to pursue those, and not the 0.9mm cores — if you try to plug a 0.9 inside the pencil, it will most certainly fall off.
The chrome part might detach from the brass helical part, but it depends on the particular model of pencil; you can try to gently unscrew the chrome tip from the brass tube, possibly after spraying some lubricating aerosol (only if strictly needed), but if you feel resistance, it might be a single piece soldered in some manner, and I would advise against any further attempt at dismantling the front piece.
The flange I have in mind is the front-most part of the piece sliding into the helical groove, and advancing/retracting when the twistaction mechanism is activated; as I said, I can’t access the image I have right now, but might be able to post it later on today.
PS: There are many things I miss from 20 years ago; vision is one, but fortunately I have some backup magnifiers to settle this issue. Getting back my physical and mental energy, on the other hand, is something I am unable to find a quick-fix for…
