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Using cheap ink converters

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As the pen market in my country is extremely limited, I can't find converters and I can't order them online due to most of the sellers not shipping here, so I found these converters on ebay with free international shipping http://www.ebay.com/itm/321905069326?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Am I fine in using them with fountain pens without having any issues?
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Laurajayne
0
Apr 20, 2018
You can also refill cartridges using a blunt tip needle syringe. Also check out Gouletpens.com
I can wholeheartedly recommend these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-PCS-Jinhao-Metal-Fountain-Pen-Ink-Converter-Standard-Size-R35-/161749294574?hash=item25a9025dee:g:6LoAAOSwu4BVkhk- These Jinhao converters are almost as good as European ones and this seller ships to UAE.
Thom
2
Sep 3, 2016
Standard cartridge and a syringe is cheaper.
j-e-g
306
Sep 3, 2016
I agree with those that say these work fine and those that say you might want to save up for a more durable converter if it's a better pen.... Which also depends on what a "better" pen is for each of us. But, yes, it is likely that a converter made for a specific brand or a higher end converter will last you longer and serve you better. However, I fill/clean and take care of a lot of inexpensive fountain pens for a classroom. I have used the converters that are in the images - If you ordered the ones with the metal inside. They work just fine and aren't too difficult to flush out. I agree with judy.beth, the screw or twist fill ones are better if you can get those. If you got the slide style, be careful when you go to push the slider up. It can get stuck, so you have to gently nudge it up - If you push too hard, you may find ink on the ceiling ! I don't recommend the ones that have the small plastic ball in them. The plastic ball doesn't have enough weight to move freely inside the ink and it will often block the opening when you're trying to expel ink and it's a hassle. Haven't had any problems with the converters with the metal inside. The open center of the rings allows ink through and not block like the small plastic balls do. So far.. none of them have leaked and this will be 3rd year in the classroom. Some of the inexpensive slide converters can be taken apart for cleaning and some can not..... Hope it helps. ( all the twist style ones I have used did come apart for cleaning )
camelliablossoms
0
Aug 17, 2016
So my solution is to use an ink syringe and just refill the old plastic cartridges until they're too old to work well anymore. I've been doing this a long time with my Kaweco pens and have never had any problems - except that my kid's friends sometimes freak out when they see my ink syringe lying around!
judy.beth
0
Aug 16, 2016
I have used more expensive converters and inexpensive converters. My preference, regardless of price, is for a converter that has a twist mechanism to move the plunger, rather than one with a ratchet or a smooth plunger. I also find that a metal coil inside the converter improves ink flow better than a sphere or no object inside the converter. It doesn't seem to matter what color bands are on the converter, or if there is no band at all. Adding a minuscule amount of silicone grease around the nipple may prevent leaks, as this seems to be the threat most often mentioned with low price converters. I have not had that problem with mine. Best wishes with your hobby.
RFeiertag
292
Aug 16, 2016
I'll second oncoedno's suggestion of the Jinhao converters. I have a few Jinhao pens and, at least in those pens, the converters work just fine. I haven't tried switching the converters into other pens though.
Have you tried contacting some of the better-known pen stores such as Goulet or Anderson directly? Even if they don't ship to UAE, they might know who will. The Fountain Pen Networkand Fountain Pen Geeks are useful communities as well.
Good luck and let us know if find a good source!
Ruth
RFeiertag
292
May 17, 2018
Indeed. Wilde is my guru. I'll bet he would have had a lot of fountain pens.
RayF
22214
May 17, 2018
RFeiertagBet he did; damn sure he wasn't a Lenovo guy ;- )
oncoendo
13
Aug 16, 2016
I have used several Chinese pens that come with their own converters (trying out ridiculously inexpensive Chinese pens has become a hobby), while I agree the slide converters are terrible, I have not had a problem with the standard Jinhao piston international converters that are also available on ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/222030339198?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT or these http://www.ebay.com/itm/5pcs-Jinhao-Copper-Fountain-Pen-Advanced-Ink-Converters-/131489646726?hash=item1e9d64c886:g:pvYAAOSwQYZWxts8
Stay away from those. I can't be 100% sure just from the photo, but from past experiences with the same (or very similar) design I can tell you they are horrible. Never mind that they disintegrate just when looked at, they won't fit most fountain pens, the ones that take standard international cartridges. If they ship free, you might think you are only risking $1.79. No! You are also risking your pens and probably your shirt pocket, not to mention your peace of mind. Get some Schmidt converters even if they cost you more than the pens you are going to use them with.
You're probably right. Cultpens ships worldwide for £10, regardless of quantity. They sell the Kaweco for £2.49. Good luck
Uaexemarat
52
Aug 15, 2016
TherocGreat, thanks for the help
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