Pen Repair Frequently Asked Questions

Often, yes. Clear photographs can help me assess bent or cracked nibs, damaged tipping, broken components and cosmetic problems.

I can usually offer an initial opinion on whether a repair is worthwhile. However, some problems, particularly those involving ink flow or internal mechanisms, require a physical inspection before I can confirm the work needed and its cost.

Yes. I regularly work with pens that are important to their owners, whether they are family heirlooms, gifts or treasured everyday writing instruments.

Please explain any sentimental significance when contacting me. I will discuss the options, limitations and potential risks before undertaking work, particularly where original components cannot easily be replaced.

Yes. Even an expensive fountain pen can suffer from misaligned tines, excessive feedback, inconsistent ink flow or poor factory finishing.

Careful hand alignment, flow adjustment and polishing can often make a substantial improvement to smoothness, consistency and overall writing feel while preserving the character of the nib.

In many cases, yes. Incorrect smoothing, excessive polishing and poorly executed nib modifications can sometimes be corrected.

The options depend on the amount of original tipping material remaining and whether the nib has been permanently altered. Please provide photographs and details of any previous work.

Many bent gold nibs can be carefully straightened, realigned and tuned. Cracked gold nibs may also be repairable using specialist laser welding, particularly where no significant material is missing.

Not every damaged nib can be saved, but I can assess the options and advise whether repair or replacement is the better approach.

I may be able to source and fit an original or compatible replacement nib, depending on the pen’s manufacturer, model and nib dimensions.

Replacement nibs are individually aligned and tuned by hand before fitting, with the aim of providing the best possible writing experience.

I can help with some vintage fountain pens, depending on their construction, condition and the availability of replacement components.

Older filling systems and fragile materials sometimes require special consideration. Please send photographs and details before posting your pen so I can assess whether it falls within the work I undertake.

Light surface scratches, dullness and everyday wear can often be significantly improved through careful cleaning and polishing.

However, deep scratches, cracks, worn plating, damaged engraving and missing material may remain visible. My priority is to preserve the pen’s original finish and details rather than remove excessive material in pursuit of a perfect cosmetic appearance.

Costs depend on the type of repair and the condition of the pen. As a guide, basic nib realignment and tuning costs £50, while a full service with nib tuning is usually around £60. More extensive repairs and restoration cost more.

You can view the full fountain pen repair price guide for further details. All prices exclude return postage, and I will confirm the expected cost after inspection before beginning chargeable repairs.

Straightforward servicing and nib tuning are normally completed within approximately one to two weeks of receiving your pen.

More complex work, particularly repairs requiring replacement parts or specialist laser welding, may take longer. I will advise you if additional time is likely to be needed.

If you need your pen returned by a particular date, please ask before posting it.

Please contact me first with details of the problem and, if possible, some clear photographs.

Once we have discussed the likely repair, securely package your pen and send it using a suitable tracked postal service to my workshop in York.

Include your name, contact details, return address, pen model and a short description of the fault inside the parcel.

Payment is made by bank transfer once the agreed repair work is complete and your pen is ready to be returned.

I will confirm the expected repair cost before beginning chargeable work. Any additional work required will be discussed with you first.

Your pen will be securely packaged for return. Tracked and insured postal options are available, with the appropriate service depending on the pen’s value and the level of compensation required.

Return postage is charged separately from the repair price.

If a repair is not possible or economically worthwhile, I will explain the reasons and discuss your options.

The inspection charge is £20 plus return postage if you would like your pen returned.

Alternatively, you can choose to leave the pen with me for responsible recycling or possible future use as donor parts, in which case the inspection charge will be waived.