Pilot Custom 823: How to clean and Disassemble

[@ilonal.3411]

Dear Phillip, today arrived my Pilot Custom 823, which I ordered thanks to your video. So I don't have to be affraid, that I am not able to give it a proper clean in the future. Thank you very much!

[@phillipbarlow823]

You’re welcome it amazes me how many views and comments I get on this video so many years after I made it. I’m glad it’s helped so many people

[@roxiesossa3210]

Can't tell you how happy I am to have come across your video on cleaning the 823. It's perfect - thanks so much for taking the time!!!

[@lmjc2011]

Thank you so much for this video! I just ordered the Franklin Christoph silicone Grease - can't wait to clean my pen.

[@dchevron77]

The puppy in the background sounds like he is having a great time! Thanks for the video. Just got my 823 and I wanted to see how to change the inks out on it!

[@phillipbarlow823]

Ya she is a sweet heart and a bundle of energy. I have shared photos of her on IG @PensAndGaming. I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@Lovepreet_Singh93]

Thank you so much, brother. I just cleaned my 823. Your video was really useful.

[@phillipbarlow823]

I love how this video still gets views and comments 7 years later. I’m glad I put something out that was helpful for so many

[@Lovepreet_Singh93]

@@phillipbarlow823 Your video gave me the confidence to disassemble the pen. The video is perfect, no waste of time, and straight to the point. Once again, thank you for making the video.

[@leasimleija1323]

Thank you for the video sir. I watched the video on multiple occasions and tonight was the night I decided to follow along. I got an 823 last Christmas and your video helped a lot on my first time fully cleaning the pen. I did have a little scare with the tiny O-ring, haha. But all is good, my 823 is nice and clean. Thank you!

[@7_v610]

1:17 I tried that with a TWSBI wrench that has come with a TWSBI Eco I have purchased, and the plastic wrench totally deformed while trying to unscrew the plunger. Low-quality plastic for the TWSBI wrench, I can tell. Result: I have not managed to unscrew the plunger, plus I felt I might have damaged the threads of the latter. Conclusion: it might be worthy trying with a different wrench, and not with a PLASTIC TWSBI wrench. Thanks: thank you for the excellent video - you have been wise enough to use a metallic wrench and not one of the plastic TWSBI wrenches they put in the pen boxes these days.

[@Lovepreet_Singh93]

I used my plastic Twsbi wrench on my custom 823. It was smooth as butter.

[@7_v610]

@@Lovepreet_Singh93 lucky you!

[@guesswhatthisisnotmyrealna9510]

The 580 from TWSBI comes with a metal wrench.

[@7_v610]

@@guesswhatthisisnotmyrealna9510 thank you pal! I am sure if I ever purchase another of those fps in my life, though. I prefer some better quality to be honest. Have a great day!!!

[@justPiero]

Thank you very much! I needed to know how to remove nib and feed to clean them because the ink flow was very bad, now the pen writes like a dream! Again, thank you!

[@cajal6]

Thank you! I just disassembled and cleaned my 823 for the first time, and this video helped. Especially the part about the gold ring at the end!

[@phillipbarlow823]

Derek Morr you’re welcome I couldn’t find a good video years ago so hence why I made it for others

[@pieromattirolo5430]

Looking at this simplicity and comparing it with vacuum fillers like Onoto, one is impressed by the simplicity and effectiveness of Japanese technology, as compared to the "baroqueness" of British solutions. Maybe this is key to their charm. In a way this can be see also when comparing cars and other engineering forms.

[@jrdavisphd]

Excellent video with very helpful details and demonstration. Thank you!

[@lacavernadeplaton]

Thank you very much. A precise and clear lesson. Best wishes from Spain.

[@sonyamartin5351]

This was exactly what I was looking for. Great explanations. Thank you! Is anyone concerned that disassembly voids the warranty? Has this been an issue?

[@AGDaws]

This is a really useful video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@davebrown5440]

Try going to a auto parts shop, look at the spray painting part of the shop, they have brushes you use for cleaning the spray guns, don’t know if the round brushes are the same size. Hope this is helpful.

[@italianstuddmuffin]

Be aware that pilot does not recommend unscrewing the nib housing because that can weaken the barrel and cause cracks (a crack in the barrel is not covered by their warranty)

[@davebrown5440]

You may be able to purchase brushes you use on airbrush they should be small enough to use on the threads on barrel of pen. Hope this was helpful.

[@X1GenKaneShiroX]

Unfortunately, I don’t have grease, so that may be one of the reasons why when I push and pull the plunger, it feels too stiff to refill my Pilot 823 with ink. I sometimes have the problem of way too much ink excessively leaking from the grip section.

[@phillipbarlow823]

Yep likely need a bit of grease most places you buy ink online has some. If you have any TWSBI pens they come with some, or you could likely do a google search and find out the type of grease and maybe find it at a local hardware store

[@X1GenKaneShiroX]

@@phillipbarlow823The vacuum filling system is awful to me. When I push the plunger down, the ink does not go up to fill the barrel. I’m going to treat my Pilot 823 as if it’s an eyedropper pen if this still keeps happening.

[@DemonZapan]

Thanks for the video. Just a little word of caution: Pilot specificaly says, taking the pen appart this far voids your waranty. Do with that information what you will. :)

[@Alexandros1953]

Congratulations, very informative!

[@robertosans5250]

Thank you for this useful video. I followed the instructions and it was very easy. Regards

[@phillipbarlow823]

Thanks glad it was hopeful

[@JeffRhine]

Thank you for illustrating this!

[@awaken77]

Is the nib unit so easy to pull out? I thought it is heat-set but it isn't?

[@davimaximo6008]

Thanks for the video. I just got an used one and it seems the little plastic o-ring is missing. Any advice on what to do?

[@phillipbarlow823]

@@davimaximo6008 hummm might contact Pilot they might could help

[@davimaximo6008]

@@phillipbarlow823 Thanks, will do!

[@ringbadingbingrading1181]

Thank you for the video. How has the pen held up with time? I know they can last forever but I always love to hear it.

[@cesarpaniagua8712]

It is normal that the grip section-barrel threads are tight? This may be done with any color of the Pilot 823?. Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@richardm1101]

Be careful. Some people have reported breaking the barrel threads at the grip section. Pilot does not cover this under warrantee, saying that the pen is not to be disassembled.

[@dab7963]

It says taking the nib out voids your warranty I wonder why ?

[@davecharvella4854]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing!

[@muditsood2814]

Thanks for the video Phillip! Just curious if you are still using this pen and what kind of care you have taken to ensure it keeps writing as good as new without any parts replacement. I’m using one since 2 months, however I’m bit concerned about the longevity of its plunger.

[@phillipbarlow823]

They will last just about forever, the one thing you need to do is make sure you but a little tiny bit of silicon grease on the rubber of the plunger so it wont bind. FOR example the writer Neil Gaiman uses a Pilot 823 to do his book signings. he had one for almost 10 years of book signing filling it many more times than the average user would over that time. It finally wore it out, BUT listening to the interview when he spoke about it I dont think he really cleaned and lubed the pen much if ever. SO if you do then I would think you would never have a problem.

[@muditsood2814]

Phillip Barlow Thanks a lot for taking the time out to reply Phillip! Just one last follow up question : how often should I open the pen up to lube it up? Should it be once in an year or maybe 6 months or more? I’m asking this because I’m aware about cracking the barrel up if not careful with the wrench. You seem to have become a pro in doing it :). I fill the pen approx 6 times a month.

[@myrddinwyllt8421]

Hi, I was just wondering what is the best way to clean the Pilot Custom 845(with the pump) fountain pen? Could you please do a video showing the best, or recommended, way to do it? Thank you very much. Cheers,

[@phillipbarlow823]

Myrddin Wyllt I would love to do a video if you would send me yours to demo 🤤. I’ve wanted a 845 but never gotten one. Cleaning should be fairly similar to any Pilot. Nib and feed should pull out and clean section out. After that the converter part you can disassembled it by twisting off the end. I don’t have anything with that Pilot Converter at the moment

[@Aina89Shane]

I was cleaning my pen and this is hard to explain but the middle part of the plunger assembly is stuck up in the top. I can’t unscrew it and I don’t have enough space to get the twsbi tool in there. Any ideas? Also, I tried to eye dropper it and the ink ran through.

[@ducsamsterdam_oficial]

It did help me a lot, so thank you!

[@lolsa123]

just bought this pen, will be my first gold nibb pen i am a bit afraid i will do anything to cause damage on it due to the simple fact that the pens i own costs about 40-50$ and this one will cost 260$ how often do you recommend making this extensive cleaning?

[@phillipbarlow823]

lolsa123 it’s really up to you. You don’t have to at all but it takes a bit more flushing to clean. I just am very picky about being fully clean

[@lolsa123]

for me it will be used mostly for university with the standard black or blue ink, will maybe buy some other colors later. i have too see how long it takes for me to be brave enough to pull on that nib the same way you did ;)

[@Sufficient_Reason]

Super late to the party, I know, but if you're still nervous about pulling out nibs, practice on cheap pens first. Pilot Kakuno or Penmanship/Plumix are dirt cheap and have comparable nib/feed construction. It'll dissolve your concern real past. Good luck!

[@TeamFish15]

lolsa123, as a rule, if you’re always using the same ink, you don’t have to grease it as often because you’re not operating the piston as much as if when you would be changing colors because you’re not flushing out the old color by repeatedly using the plunger in clean water. I hope this helps.😊

[@vinaynagdev03]

Can we use petroleum jelly instead of grease??

[@johncrighton4738]

Are you sure that pen is a real 823? Thanks for the video, just pen was missing key elements of normal 823.

[@Abid_Zaman]

did you have cracks in the pen after all these years? i heard the grip section cracks after some time if you unscrew it.

[@phillipbarlow823]

Nope no issues

[@Abid_Zaman]

thank you!

[@geslinam9703]

Ugh, I’m so paranoid about cleaning this pen. I’m afraid I’m going to break something. To avoid having to do it for as long as possible, I’ve only used one ink in it, which I’m fine with....but I know I’m going to have to clean it eventually.

[@phillipgraham1422]

Hey another Phillip!!

[@phillipbarlow823]

And you also spell your name correctly too 😜

[@onlybadendings]

Is there a good way to remove the thing that covers the nip in the cap?

[@phillipbarlow823]

tigerkirsche I assume you are talking about the inner semi clear cap? If so there are a few good and easy ways. First which I use is I have a SignoDX pen that I wrapped a layer or two of tap around the end that I put in make secure and twist pulling slightly out and it removes it. I’ve also used a rubber band wrapped around the eraser side of a pencil. You just have to get the thicken right to go in tight and then a twist and pull should print it out

[@onlybadendings]

@@phillipbarlow823 Thank you, the rubber band method worked perfectly.

[@charlesweber9429]

What is the wrench you used and where can it be purchased?

[@phillipbarlow823]

It’s a twsbi wretch from a vac700

[@charlesweber9429]

@@phillipbarlow823 Thanks. Any suggestions on where to purchase without also purchasing a Vac700?

[@jdsce]

is the silicon grease required while cleaning this pen? It seems to be a bit more complicated than I thought

[@TeamFish15]

You keep your car greased don’t you? The silicone grease keeps the rubber parts on the piston from drying out and cracking, and on the threads to keep them from sticking. So yes, greasing is part of normal maintenance but not necessary every time you clean your pen. When you notice the plunger being a little difficult to slide, is the time to grease. Hope that helps.😊

[@alanwhsu]

how do you keep the gold trims on the cap from wear and tear? I have a Platinum 3776 with the gold trim becoming "silver". I am hesistant to use my Pilot Custom 823 because of this reason. Have you experienced this issue with your 823?

[@phillipbarlow823]

I have had this one a year and a half and I got it used. So I wouldn't think it would be an issue. I haven't ever owned a 3776 for more than a week the one I got was too small for my hand, so I sold it off. I used a friends who has had it for 5 years and it looks brand new. So it might just be a think with the cheaper 3776 or something that is specific to Platinum I can't speak on ether, but I love my 823. I have owned a lot of pens and I have recently slimmed down my collection to only 5 pens. the Pilot 823 was one that made the cut. Pilot 823, Sailor Pro Gear King of Pen, Conid Bulkfiller Regular, Conid Bulkfiller Kingsize, and Omas 360.

[@coryblk1124]

Super late to the party, but I just got an 823 yesterday and wanted to know what I need to do for when the time comes to clean it. Great video! But here's my question: Where in the hell did you get a clear 823?!?!? Don't get me wrong, I love the amber one I have but I'm a sucker for clear pens.

[@phillipbarlow823]

Cory Black the clear model is a Japanese exclusive you can sometimes get them on eBay and other times you can get a Japanese pen store to export one to you

[@bombina71]

Great review! Thanks

[@TheOwennash]

I can't seem to find the plastic oring from the inside of the section. Does this exist on all 823s? Had flushed the pen and now it won't take up any nib.

[@phillipbarlow823]

To my knowledge it’s on all 823s. Take a look in the section sometimes it gets stuck in there and I’ve used a toothpick to get it out.

[@TheOwennash]

@@phillipbarlow823 interesting. I finally found it. Any idea as to why the pen won't suck up any ink at all?

[@DimitrisMitrovgenis]

@@phillipbarlow823 If this o-ring is missing does the pen get more wet? Or it leaks? Can you check please with your pen? My pen is very wet and idid not see the O-ring when I took the feed out.

[@avatar0fan0aaron]

do you know how to disassemble the cap?

[@phillipbarlow823]

I haven't ever looked into it.

[@jcbsplace]

Thank you

[@ps49556n]

why do you leave the sticker on the cap?

[@phillipbarlow823]

Peter Schussheim just thought it looked neat so I did

[@TeamFish15]

Man, I took mine off as soon as I got it and I could not believe how sticky the residue was. It was ridiculous. You’d think that Pilot would use a static sticker (like the ones Goulet sends with their orders) that would easily peel off; especially on a high dollar pen like the 823. I had to use WD-40 to get it off.

[@shiitakestick]

@@TeamFish15 - next time try vegetable oil. Put it on let it soak a few minutes .

[@manifestationmeditationmus2909]

Thanks

[@laurooon1777]

I Need the Little O-Ring as replacement. I lost mine, while I was cleaning the Pen and now it leaks. Where can I get this O-Ring? Does someone have the exact measures?

[@phillipbarlow823]

laurooon 1 that sucks! Do you mean the one on the feed?

[@laurooon1777]

@@phillipbarlow823 Yes exactly. The transparent one..

[@DimitrisMitrovgenis]

@@laurooon1777 Did you managed to find the part? Mine is missing i bought it new. It is very wet, do you think this is the reason? If this part is missing does it make the pen wetter?

[@laurooon1777]

@@DimitrisMitrovgenis yes definately. Without the Ring the pen drips of ink...

[@DimitrisMitrovgenis]

@@laurooon1777 mine does not drip but its wet. I really can not tell if its there.Maybe its stuck. It is not dripping though.

[@good_youtube_handle]

Pipe cleaners-the 100% cotton ones you use to clean tobacco pipes-work great for cleaning. :-) Don't use the craft ones though.

[@rubenbajapantydj]

Where in the world did you get a demo pilot 823

[@osirisgolad]

Asahiya(I think Tokyo Pen Shop Quill is their English name) custom orders them from Pilot, and Pensachi sells them too, but they may not always be available from Pensachi depending on stock. It was a special edition in Japan that still "sort of exists".

[@shiitakestick]

I saw one on ebay for $275 . Almost bought it .

[@rubenbajapantydj]

@@shiitakestick thank you

[@YanDoroshenko]

That's an FA nib, is it not?

[@phillipbarlow823]

yes it is a #15 FA nib.

[@unknown-otter]

A Russian fp user with Arch Linux avatar? Весьма забавно

[@abrahamna2119]

Hello! Pilot gives a warning message not to open the feed section of the pen…

[@phillipbarlow823]

Yep this completely voids your warranty and do at your own risk. BUT if your careful and know what you’re doing it’s ok. I’ve done it on multiple 823s and for years and never had an issue

[@justintavares9730]

Use a solution of vinegar, water and dish soap, mix it in a cup then use an old toothbrush to scrub it into the threads and rinse with water :) my stained Franklin Christophs appreciated the solution after an eye dropper conversion gone wrong

[@dab7963]

Try some pen wash

[@x-ballpointuser3686]

😂 I was fine until the dog and the toy.