Restore a scratchy, blocked, bent or damaged fountain pen to smooth, reliable writing.
I provide specialist mail-in fountain pen servicing, nib tuning, repair and restoration from my workshop in York. I work on modern, premium and sentimental fountain pens, including Montblanc, Parker, Waterman, Sailor, Pilot, Visconti and many other brands.
Straightforward servicing and nib work is normally completed within approximately one to two weeks.
After inspecting your pen, I will explain what work is possible and confirm the expected cost before beginning any chargeable repair.
Established 2016 · York-based workshop · ten years experience · Tracked and insured return available
Fountain Pen Problems I Can Help With
I can investigate and repair a wide range of fountain pen problems, including:
- Scratchy, rough or catching nibs
- Nibs that feel dry, inconsistent or unpleasant
- Pens that will not start reliably
- Poor or interrupted ink flow
- Misaligned nib tines
- Bent nibs caused by dropping the pen
- Cracked gold nibs
- Blocked feeds and dried ink
- Damaged or missing converters
- Broken or cracked pen components
- Replacement nibs and compatible parts
- Unsatisfactory custom grinds
- Poorly completed previous repairs
- Dull, scratched or marked pen bodies
- Pens requiring a complete clean and service
Send me a description of the problem and, where possible, a few clear photographs. I can often give you an initial indication of whether a repair is likely to be possible before you post the pen.
Send a Photo or Details for Initial Assessment.
Fountain Pen Repair Price Guide
Every pen is different, but the following prices provide a guide to the likely cost.
After inspecting your pen, I will explain what work is possible and confirm the expected price before beginning any chargeable repair.
Nib Realignment and Tuning
£50 plus return postage
The nib is inspected, aligned, adjusted and polished by hand to improve smoothness, ink flow and writing feel.
Full Service, Nib Realignment and Tuning
Around £60 plus return postage
The pen is dismantled where appropriate, cleaned, flushed, inspected and reassembled. The nib is then aligned and tuned.
Cracked Gold Nib Repair, Service and Tuning
Around £120 plus return postage
Where no significant material is missing, a cracked gold nib can often be repaired using specialist laser welding. The nib is then reshaped, aligned and tuned.
Replacement Nib, Fitted and Hand-Tuned
From £100 plus return postage
Where the original nib cannot be repaired, I may be able to source and fit a suitable replacement. The replacement nib will be aligned and tuned before the pen is returned.
Service, Nib Tuning and Body Restoration
Around £100 plus return postage
This can include extensive cleaning and polishing to improve a pen body that has become dull, lightly scratched or marked.
Complete Nib and Body Restoration
From £120 plus return postage
A more extensive restoration can include servicing, nib work, body polishing and any agreed replacement parts or accessories.
Inspection Where Repair Is Not Possible
£20 plus return postage
If I am unable to repair the pen, it can be returned after inspection. Alternatively, you may choose to leave it with me for responsible recycling or possible future use as donor parts, in which case the inspection charge will be waived.
These prices are guides. Replacement parts, unusual damage and particularly complex work may affect the final cost.
How the Fountain Pen Repair Process Works
1. Tell Me About Your Pen
Contact me with:
- The brand and model, if known
- A description of the problem
- Details of any previous repair attempts
- Clear photographs of the nib or visible damage
- Any particular concerns about the pen
Please also tell me if the pen has significant sentimental or financial value.
2. Send the Pen to My York Workshop
Once we have discussed the likely repair, package the pen securely and send it using an appropriate tracked postal service.
Please include a note inside the parcel containing:
- Your full name
- Return address
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Pen brand and model
- Description of the fault
- Preferred return-postage option
3. Inspection and Price Confirmation
I will inspect the pen to establish the cause of the problem and the work required.
I will then explain what repair is possible and confirm the expected cost before beginning any chargeable work.
No unexpected additional work will be completed without discussing it with you first.
4. Repair, Servicing and Testing
The agreed work will be completed by hand.
Depending on the repair, this may include:
- Cleaning and flushing
- Nib alignment
- Flow adjustment
- Nib smoothing
- Replacement parts
- Body polishing
- Cosmetic restoration
The pen will then be tested for smoothness, ink flow, starting reliability and general writing performance.
5. Payment and Insured Return
Payment is made by bank transfer once the work is complete and the pen is ready to be returned.
Tracked and insured return-postage options are available depending on the value of the pen.
Fountain Pen Repairs from My York Workshop
Benjamin Cook Fountain Pens was established in 2016 from my long-standing interest in fountain pens, precision craftsmanship and writing performance.
I have spent approximately ten years making, selling, servicing and tuning fountain pens.
Every nib used in my own pens is individually inspected, aligned and tuned by hand. I apply the same care and attention to every customer repair.
Your pen will be worked on personally by me at my workshop in York, England.
I understand that a fountain pen may have considerable financial or sentimental value. Each pen is handled carefully, and I will explain any limitations or risks before beginning complex work.
Whether the pen is an everyday writer, a premium model, a gift or a treasured family possession, the aim is always the same: to return it writing as smoothly and reliably as possible.
Fountain Pen Repair Turnaround Time
Straightforward servicing and nib tuning is normally completed within approximately one to two weeks of receiving the pen.
More complex work may take longer, particularly when:
- Replacement parts must be identified or sourced
- A gold nib requires specialist laser welding
- The pen has previously been repaired or altered
- Several faults need to be investigated
- Extensive polishing or restoration is required
- The filling system contains damaged or seized components
I will let you know when your pen arrives and contact you if the work is likely to take longer than expected.
Please tell me before sending the pen if you need it returned by a particular date. I cannot always guarantee a deadline, but I will confirm whether the requested timescale is realistic before you post it.