If you take pens apart, you can do it the wrong way or the right way. The wrong way is to grab a pair of J. Random Pliers and hack away. The right way is to pick up a pair — or two pairs — of section pliers. These are the ones we’ve been using at the Nashua Pen Spa since before the turn of the century. They’re actually intended by their manufacturer for use in the automobile industry, but who are we to question what works? Don’t be lured into buying cheap lookalike pliers, though; I’ve used several brands of lookalikes, and they don’t work alike.

Two pairs? Yes, we do use two pairs together quite frequently. Much of the time, you can get away with using a single pair of section pliers in conjunction with a “Get-a-Grip” gripper square; but occasionally it’s useful to have two pairs — especially when you need to align the nib with the lever when you put a pen back together (see inset), because you can make tiny adjustments much more easily with the pliers’ longer lever arm.

CAUTION   Working on pens carries with it the risk of further damage. Using section pliers, or any other tool to enhance your grip, gives you more power. It’s easier to disassemble pens, but it’s also correspondingly easier to break them. Be careful!