Hello all, this is my first post here but I figured some of you might be a little interested in these cheap pens on amazon. Everyone loves a good bolt action pen but not everyone wants to spend $40 for one. I found this pen for $16 on amazon in a 2 pack and on receiving them was very unimpressed with the fit and finish. I took it upon myself to bring them up to scratch.
Changes:
-changed pen cartridge from Uber cheap Chinese junk to a very popular one, the Pilot G2 gel cartridge. The only things needed to make this swap are cutting some length off the top and re-inserting the black end cap, and stealing the spring from the same model pen. It drops right in (writing quality and feel instant +10)
-sanded the abysmal rough ground finish on all part to 600 grit and then used a rotary carver with a small polishing attachment and compound to polish everything to a mirror finish. Brass is relatively soft and this can be done inside of an hour.
-cut the top off to expose the top of the inner action tube. This was completely preference and I didnt do it to an identical pen I did all the same mods on except this one. The stock pen comes with a small lanyard hole and a brass(?) ring that I had no need for as I dont like the noise it makes every time the action hits it
-rounded the inner action tube top and thumb stud. The tube was another esthetic choice as it comes flat on top. The thumb stud was a comfort choice as the stock one has a somewhat aggressive edge if your plan is to fidget with this thing as much as I do (constantly)
-removing the poor fit and finish where needed. I had to use a tiny grinding bit to remove flashing left on every edge in the cutout for the action and rounded any and all sharp corners and edges
TLDR: Cheap brass bolt action pen, an hour of your day and a rotary carver = decent EDC brass pen
by Agent_Andy007
3 Comments
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I dont want to break the advertising rule so I wont post a link to the specific pen I bought. Just search brass bolt action pen in amazon and I garauntee you’ll find one
Good job! I like to do my own custom fit and finish on damn near everything I buy. Knipex? Cleaned up lines, mirror polished edges, polished mating surfaces…(at least the 2 I keep in my pocket) Pens, Knives, Hammer heads/handles, etc…