Thread: Assembly help please... newbie here

Originally Posted by steiner1000

Hello all,

I am having some big problems and need some advice. I turned several Sierras and when I go to assemble them the tube is to lose for the nib. WHAT DO I DO? Thanks.

Chad

The bottom half is suppose to slide in and out in order for you to be able to change the refill. Its meant to be a loose but snug fit but not a tight fit which makes changing the refill an easy operation. The top half of the pen is suppose to be the tight fitting section so the clip doesn't come off when sliding in and out of the pocket.

I understand that aspect, but the tube is so loose that the nib will not even stay connected. If I lift the pen by the barrel the nib will fall out.

Stiener, If I was home i would photograph stage by stage so you could see what is the correct way, then we could proceed from there, If there is no resolution by tonight another 8 hrs for me, then I will do the photo thing for you. Amos

Originally Posted by steiner1000

I understand that aspect, but the tube is so loose that the nib will not even stay connected. If I lift the pen by the barrel the nib will fall out.

I think the Sierra works backwards/counter-intuitive to other pens. I haven't made one
in a long time, so memory is hazy. But I THINK:
The top tube does not attach to the bottom one. If I remember right, it is the
transmission that holds the top and bottom together. It is pressure fit into one and
screwed onto the other. If you push it too far up into the top tube, it won't screw onto
the bottom one.

.. or something like that.

For what it's worth, you're not alone in having this problem. The poor instructions that are often included with the kits have been plaguing users for a while. The pens actually
work the way they're supposed to, but we try to put them together the way we think
they go, rather than the way it should be according to the instructions, which aren't all
that clear.

Yep, the top (clip end)tube is a push fit on to the twist mechanism (transmission) which is first screwed in to the nib end (after inserting the Parker style refill and spring.

If the nib end can fall out by itself either the transmission has not been fitted, or the crimped end of the transmission somehow doesn't engage with the inside of the clip end.

The tube doesn't engage with the nib end, if it did you wouldn't be able to twist the pen to write with it.

See these Berea instructions here

Originally Posted by Big Shed

Yep, the top (clip end)tube is a push fit on to the twist mechanism (transmission) which is first screwed in to the nib end (after inserting the Parker style refill and spring.

If the nib end can fall out by itself either the transmission has not been fitted, or the crimped end of the transmission somehow doesn't engage with the inside of the clip end.

The tube doesn't engage with the nib end, if it did you wouldn't be able to twist the pen to write with it.

See these Berea instructions here

Thank you for all of the help, I just finished assembling one of the Sierra's and it worked perfectly. The link was very helpful. All the best.

Chad

Originally Posted by steiner1000

Thank you for all of the help, I just finished assembling one of the Sierra's and it worked perfectly. The link was very helpful. All the best.

Chad

Enlighten us, what was the problem?

I panicked the same way when I made my first one. Took a while to realise it locked in place when you finished assembly, so I'd say you were trying to fix it before finishing the assembly?

Russell.

IMHO that's one of the good things about the sierra - you can finish the blank then try different nib end combinations until you find the one that matches the timber the best, whether it be a gold, chrome, titanium or whatever

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

IMHO that's one of the good things about the sierra - you can finish the blank then try different nib end combinations until you find the one that matches the timber the best, whether it be a gold, chrome, titanium or whatever

Yep, and it's pretty easy to get the clip end out again too, if you change your mind after putting it in.

Russell.

Originally Posted by BoomerangInfo

I panicked the same way when I made my first one. Took a while to realise it locked in place when you finished assembly, so I'd say you were trying to fix it before finishing the assembly?

Russell.

You hit it on the head. Also, I did not have any instructions as I was given the kit. But now that I have them I should be good to go. Thanks again everyone.

Chad