Pen repair and nib tuning
that saves good pens
Scratchy nibs, dead sacs, seized pistons, bent tines — the workshop fixes what the shop threw away. Services from $45, vintage restorations from $140, all work photographed and documented.
Most 'dead' pens aren't
About 8 in 10 pens that come to the bench need less than an hour of work — a sac, a clean, a nib realignment. The tragedy is how many get binned first because nobody was asked.
We work on everything from $60 daily writers to 1940s Parkers with sentimental value that outweighs the pen. Every job is photographed before and after, and the repair notes go with the pen — your next technician will thank us.
- Photo assessment and written quote before work
- Vintage-safe methods — no superglue, no shortcuts
- Before/after documentation on every job
- Return postage tracked, signature on delivery
Repair and tuning prices
Service & clean
Ultrasonic clean, feed reset, flush, polish and test write.
Nib tuning / regrind
Smoothing $65 · regrind to stub, italic or architect $95.
Full restoration
Sacs, seals, crack repair, parts sourcing — quoted per pen.
Parts at cost. If a pen isn't worth repairing, we tell you — and the assessment is free. Full list on the price page.
How a repair runs
Photos first, quote second, tools third. The order matters — you'll never get a surprise bill.
Photo assessment
Email clear photos of the pen and its symptoms. Most diagnoses happen at this stage — no need to post first.
Written quote
Fixed price or a range for inspection-dependent work. Approve it or don't — no obligation.
Send it in
Post tracked to the studio (or drop by). We confirm arrival and queue position same day.
The bench work
Disassembly, cleaning, parts, tuning — photographed at each stage for your record.
Write test
Every repaired pen gets a full write test on 160gsm — a service isn't done until it writes like it should.
Return
Before/after photos, repair notes, tracked return with signature. Total round trip: usually under two weeks.
Bench saves
All six services at a glance
| Service | Best for | Lead time | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom fountain pens | A pen built to your hand | 2–3 weeks | $320 |
| Leather journals | Writing, gifting, guest books | 1–2 weeks | $95 |
| Calligraphy workshops | Learning by hand, small groups | Saturdays | $95 |
| Corporate stationery | Branded runs, client gifts | 3–4 weeks | $38 /set |
| Pen repair & tuning | Vintage or daily-carry fixes | 1–2 weeks | $45 |
| Gift sets & engraving | Occasions, names, keepsakes | 48h–3 weeks | $89 |
The repair bench
Daniel does every repair personally — vintage work is too easy to ruin with enthusiasm.
Daniel Mercer
REPAIR TECHSelf-taught through 900+ repairs and a few humbling failures early on. Treats other people's pens more carefully than his own.
Ollie Tran
SERVICE TECHRuns the standard service queue — cleans, flushes, polishes. Faster with an ultrasonic bath than anyone should be.
Send us your pen
Photos first — front, nib close-up, the problem area. Quote inside 48 hours, honest verdict on whether it's worth the fix.
+61 3 9416 2873 · smartpapercraft@gmail.com
Assessment and quote in a day · you approve the number before a tool touches the pen