Is It Time for a Nib Tune-Up? 4 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Janet Zhou
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
Here are four telltale signs it’s time to send your pen to a professional nib repair specialist or trusted nibmeister:
A well-tuned fountain pen nib can make writing feel effortless, smooth, consistent, and enjoyable. But even the best pens can run into trouble over time, whether from wear, accidental damage, or hidden defects.
The question is: how do you know when your nib needs professional attention?
1. Persistent Ink Flow Problems
Does your pen constantly skip, hard start, or stop writing mid-sentence, despite trying different inks or cleaning it thoroughly?
While occasional flow issues can result from clogged feeds or dried ink, persistent problems often point to deeper nib-related causes, such as:
Misaligned tines
Improper capillary action between nib and feed
Obstructed breather hole or slit
These issues are best addressed by a nib repair professional who can precisely adjust the nib and feed to restore smooth, consistent ink flow.
2. Damaged or Sprung Tines
Dropped your pen? Applied too much pressure while writing?
Visible damage such as sprung tines—where the tines no longer meet evenly at the tip can severely affect ink flow and writing feel.
In some cases, you may also notice:
Sharp edges or excessive scratchiness
A nib that no longer "bounces back" after flexing
Professional nib repair involves carefully reshaping and realigning the tines, and in more severe cases, rebuilding damaged areas. This is not something to attempt at home—leave it to a specialist.
3. Nib Corrosion or Cracks
If you spot discolouration, rust-like spots, or even tiny cracks around the breather hole or along the slit, don’t wait.
Common causes include:
Prolonged use of acidic or highly pigmented inks
Poor storage conditions
Factory manufacturing flaws
Left untreated, corrosion can spread, and cracks may worsen with use. While minor corrosion may be cleanable, cracks, especially in vintage gold nibs—often require expert soldering or structural repairs, services commonly offered by professional nib repair technicians. (Inkcision currently does not offer vintage nib repair (pre-2000) or soldering works.)
4. Failed DIY Fixes
Many fountain pen users enjoy tinkering, but sometimes well-intentioned DIY fixes cause more harm than good.
Common DIY mishaps include:
Over-polishing, which flattens the tipping material
Aggressive tine bending
Improper smoothing that worsens scratchiness
If you’ve tried to fix your nib but the problem persists or worsens, it’s time to stop and consult a professional. Skilled nib technicians can often reverse or repair damage caused by failed DIY repairs.
When to Consider a Nib Grind
If your pen has persistent issues or if you’re seeking a more customised writing experience, this could also be a great opportunity to request a professional nib grind. From smooth cursive italics to needlepoint grinds, an experienced nibmeister can transform your writing feel and line variation while resolving underlying issues.
✉️ Need Your Nib Checked?
At Inkcision, we specialise in professional nib repair and custom nib grind services across Australia. Whether your pen needs a gentle tune-up or more extensive restoration, we’re here to help.
Contact us for a nib evaluation, we’ll carefully assess your nib and let you know exactly what it needs to get back in top form.
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