Thread: Clips, what and where?

I guess if no-one comes forward, you could consider modifying acceptable clips, as you would for a hidden clip and set it into your pens.

Originally Posted by dai sensei

I guess if no-one comes forward, you could consider modifying acceptable clips, as you would for a hidden clip and set it into your pens.

Thanks Neil, it is finding the "acceptable" clips that is the problem, not getting them modified to fit the pen.

One would think it wouldn't be too hard to bring in separate clips along with complete pen kits, after all I can buy most of the parts for a pen, nibs, feeds, converters etc, why not decent clips.

On another note I was playing with a Cambridge pen today and took the clip off that pen, it is about the size and quality that I am talking about, happened to drop it (on a carpeted floor!) and the bling bit fell out of the clip! This is not a cheap kit, one would think that the bling bit could at least be attached properly.

Got me to thinking though that it would be a nice clip as you could make your own insert to match your blank.

It sort of hurts the back pocket if you have to break up a kit just to get a clip you like

Fred, I know what you are saying about quality, the problem is that ordering independently from manufacturers--- usually is a minimum order of 2000 is required because they need to tool up.!
Also, re the bling falling out of those pens you mentioned--it is a common problem!! it has caused me some embarassment at times, they need to be CA'd back in.
Another step in kitless would be MAKING our own clips! Amos

Yes I know it can be CAed back in, but honestly that shouldn't happen with a relatively expensive kit

I would not have been impressed if that was a pen I had sold to a customer, the supplier would have known about it I can tell you.

Yes, I am actively looking in to what is involved in making my own clips, lost wax casting comes to mind, but a relatively high investment in equipment involved.

If it is possible to buy slimline and Euro clips in all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes (think deer clips!) why isn't it possible to buy Cambridge, Churchill or El Grande kits?

I think the popularity of Slimlines guarantees a the sale of quite of few clips in that range of pen, however the sales of higher end pens is much lower in quantity and therefore it is not financially feasible to have a large quantity and therefore of course less variation of clips.
I concur with you concerning quality clips loosing their blings!!! or inserts, very frustrating. What is more concerning to me personally, is that when you pick up that insert off the floor and feel it in your hand --you just think-oh! my! this is almost just plastic rubbish --!!!, I am almost too ashamed to call it a high end pen!? in fact, and this is an idea, making a lovely wooden insert and gluing it in may be better!!??? just ideas! feel free to comment. Amos

Try this company Apecs.com.au email [email protected]. They do casting of silver and other metals, what their prices are like, I don't know. I looked them up on Google. The main line is manufacturing of Jewelry items rings broaches etc.
You could have a good market if the prices are OK
Kryn

http://penmakers.com/?page_id=5

I got some from Elliot Landes that I have yet to try. They are the ones a number of other kitless makers are using.

Pete

Have a look at Classic Nib Fred, Roy stocks a few on his website.

CLASSIC NIB - CLIPS AND BANDS

Originally Posted by Ironwood

Have a look at Classic Nib Fred, Roy stocks a few on his website.

CLASSIC NIB - CLIPS AND BANDS

They have just come in, in fact Roy sent me a PM this morning. Have already had some feedback from a pentruning friend in the US and he gives them the thumbs up, Texatdurango on IAP has just shown a pen with one of them too.

Looks like we may finally get some decent clips available to us.

Originally Posted by QC Inspector

http://penmakers.com/?page_id=5

I got some from Elliot Landes that I have yet to try. They are the ones a number of other kitless makers are using.

Pete

Hi Pete, they are also being sold by another US supplier and I have some of most of these clips. They are very underwhelming, except for the rollerball type.

Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore

Try this company Apecs.com.au email [email protected]. They do casting of silver and other metals, what their prices are like, I don't know. I looked them up on Google. The main line is manufacturing of Jewelry items rings broaches etc.
You could have a good market if the prices are OK
Kryn

Thanks Kryn, I'll drop them a line. There is another supplier in the US, silverpenparts.com, but they would be OK for the occassional very special pen but not for most of the stuff I do, too expensive.

Originally Posted by Big Shed

They have just come in, in fact Roy sent me a PM this morning. Have already had some feedback from a pentruning friend in the US and he gives them the thumbs up, Texatdurango on IAP has just shown a pen with one of them too.

Looks like we may finally get some decent clips available to us.

Just checked out Textadurango's pens, they look pretty good.

Those clips of Roys with the choise of platings will come in handy. With more people joining the kitless movement, I am sure the range will grow.