TWSBI 580 Disassembly

TWSBI has instructions inside their pens showing how to take it apart, but I find that taking apart and putting a pen back together is shown best in a video. This demonstration will show you how to take apart and reassemble a TWSBI Diamond 580, 540, 530, and Mini fountain pen; they're all identical in the piston mechanism assembly. If you've ever struggled putting your TWSBI fountain pen back together, this is the video for you.
SUBSCRIBE to our KZbin channel: bit.ly/GP-YTsub...
LINKS TO PRODUCTS FEATURED:
TWSBI 580: www.gouletpens...
TWSBI Mini: www.gouletpens...
ABOUT GOULET PENS:
Brian & Rachel Goulet started The Goulet Pen Company in 2009 and you can see the evolution of our mom and pop into a full-blown company through this channel. We run a dedicated online store with fountain pens, ink, paper, and other fine writing accessories. Our goal with this channel is to provide fountain pen fans at all levels of experience with comprehensive product reviews, round ups, and how-to videos to answer all the fountain pen questions you may have. Shop at www.gouletpens...
FOLLOW US:
Instagram: / gouletpens
Facebook: / thegouletpencompany
Twitter: / gouletpens
Pinterest: / gouletpens
Sign up for Emails: shop.gouletpens...
Blog: blog.gouletpen...

[@loveyaclouds]

10 years later and this is still helpful, not only for the 580, but for the mini too! ❤

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, pens aren't just my job, they're my hobby as well. :) Thanks for the compliments! I try to always keep newbies in mind when I make my videos, because I was a newbie myself once, and there were no good videos back then. I've been working to change that for the last 3+ years, and I'll keep on doing it until I run out of ideas :)

[@cmw9876]

Ten years later - 👍

[@Starguard5]

Never ever pull this from the channel! I had a pretty bad red ink stain on the inside of my eco and I would never have been able to get it re assembled without the help provided! Thank you very much to everyone at Goulet Pens, the service you provide is unmatched and very much appreciated.

[@Gouletpens]

It's not going anywhere! After the recent Q&A, this was a surprising top vote-getter, so glad it's been helpful for so many people! - Colin

[@TheSH1N1GAM1]

Want to make sure you know that this video is still helping people years later! Was doing some serious cleaning that had never been done on a 580 I bought from you years ago and this was a great reference!

[@cmw9876]

I was surprised how much more ink (built up junk?) I got out of my TWSBI on complete disassembly. There was even more when I flushed it using mild pressure with a rubber bulb full of water. I avoided using chemicals. I have a feeling I may have bought a TWSBI 580 that was "new old stock" as even with plenty of lubricant, I will need a new plunger as it is not sealing as well as it might. Parts? Good video.

[@michaelchandler490]

I agree with the comment below that ten years later this episode is still helpful. Thanks Brian. I fixed a 580 this afternoon that had been lying dormant on my shelf for a couple of years. Your video was absolutely essential because no one can say that the TWISBI plunger mechanism is self-evidently understandable.

[@FlanzShirt]

Thanks....thought I broke my TWSBI until I watched this

[@BenNixon32]

Same...

[@rsuninv]

I know your comment is old, but I agreed. I actually dug mine out of the trash. It was my first nice pen and i didnt know it came with grease and a wrench, until I bought my second one. Doh.

[@TheMuffinMan73]

My piston got stuck and unscrewed itself out of my Diamond 580. Just wanted to say you're a lifesaver! Re-lubed my pen while I was at it and aside from the scuffs my clumsy bum put on the screw post, it's good as new. Thank you!

[@grahamwilkinson2739]

My TWSBI is my go-to pen and the piston had stopped working. After following this wonderful video it's back to working correctly. Thanks you for taking the time to explain the tricks of taking it apart and putting it back together.

[@Gouletpens]

Glad you were able to get it to work again! Pen saved. :) - Colin

[@MisterCross]

Oh. My. Gosh! I just spent the last couple hours trying to get one of my 580's back together again. I've disassembled my 580's every time I've switched inks to clean it. Not one issue...until tonight, and then the piston unit/part, whatever decided to get all sassy and not want to work, no matter how many ways I tried to get it back into its proper working mode. Then my brain whispered to me, "Hey, buddy, you know you've watched Brian's video on the 580 before..." I jumped up, dragged my laptop into my pen cleaning area aka, the spare upstairs hallway bathroom. I sat down, and told my sassy green 580. "I told you to watch your sassy ways, now Brian is going to show you what's what." Long story not so long: my sassy 580 is back together again and working. Now I'm not sure if it was your video or when I pulled out three different pairs of plyers and I might have mentioned the word chainsaw, but she's all ready to put nib to paper and hopefully not be so sassy in the future. Thank you Brian!

[@Gouletpens]

Kenny Cross HAHAHA! That's so awesome Kenny ;) I'm so glad I could help, if only to keep your sassy 580 in line. You gotta make sure your pens know their role! You're the boss of them! ;) -Brian Goulet

[@JosephDickson]

Thanks for an example of the wrong way. I was wondering why my Eco's end cap was free spinning more than usual after I reassembled it. 😀

[@StealthyGypsy]

OMG! Thank you so much. I literally spent hours yesterday trying to put my piston back together following an inadequate video. Sure wish I had seen yours yesterday. I’ve made sure to subscribe to your channel but please do not ever remove this video!

[@benthic1370]

Brian, you saved me from pulling out (any more) of my hair by making this video! My TWSBI Eco (that incidentally I bought from you a couple of years ago) is back to posting snugly and correctly. Thank you so very much for all you do for everyone in the FP community. You are awesome. This is why I will not shop or buy from any other store. Cheers.

[@YoungLakesMischa]

Can't thank you enough for this video. I though I'd broken my pen. It's fixed and working great again.

[@sean1e100]

Still one of the most useful videos ever done around the 580. I was completely flummoxed around why my end cap was "spinning" even after the tutorials on twsbis site... The one by one "clicky entry" as it will now forever be known is the way to go. Thanks Brian! (Ps better hair nowadays eh :-)

[@GadgetGirlsReviews]

Hi Brian, I cannot thank you enough, I have the stunning purple TWSBI 580 AL and I posted the lid on the end and thought I’d broken the twisting mechanism. It wouldn’t turn, so I put it away and then sadly forgot about it. It was one of the last purples when they were first released and I paid quite a lot to have it sent from Holland to the UK. I found it yesterday and determined to try and fix it found this video...huge thank you, it’s all working and Ive my favourite pen back. Thank you...thank you!

[@Gouletpens]

We are so happy to hear that! Glad this video was helpful for you. -Rachel

[@brianfay47]

I've utlized this video half a dozen times now. My piston gets stuck in the barrel and I always forget how to take it apart, lubricate the piston, and get it back together. This is why I buy all my ink and pens from Goulet Pen Company. Thank you!

[@brianfay47]

And I just found the answer to my problem in this video (again!). I had left it so that the pegged cap was loose on the end of the pen and this solved it. When anyone wonders why they should buy ink and pens from Goulet, it's because of this kind of information and service.

[@GiuseppeEnriquez]

After 3 days trying to figure out on my own how to re-assemble my 580 ALR, I found this video! Thanks Brian :)

[@dailycharmaddict]

Bless. I haven’t had to do this…YET! I think I’ll avoid it as long as possible but I’m glad to know this demonstration is here for me when I need it! Love your channel and your presentation.

[@michelledelecki6224]

I am not kidding when I say I have to go to this video every time i disassemble this pen..hoping it will become second nature once I get used to it 😂 Thank you a million times for posting this. So helpful!

[@marcnorth]

Wow, I can't thank you enough for this! Recommend updating the title or description to include Eco since this worked spot on with my Eco, over which I was losing my mind trying to decipher the reassembly.

[@cram12126388]

This video was so helpful! Thank you so much for saving my 580. I stopped using it for a few years because I could not get the piston to work properly. Thank you so much!

[@gailfus65]

I have to watch this every time I clean my Diamond. For whatever reason, I can’t remember to do the step-down part to get the piston in the correct position! So thank you, Brian, for making this video. Saves me hours of frustration.

[@michaelamillitzer600]

You made my day and saved all my TWSBI pens. Thank you soooooo so much.

[@MarcosGonzalez-tt6bv]

This is a great video for any one that owns a TWSBI pen. After watching the video . I was able to take my Eco pen completely apart, and put it back together. I did the process several times. All I can say it thank you to Brian and the GPC.

[@Gouletpens]

Awesome, glad this was helpful! I know the disassembly of a pen can be overwhelming. - Colin

[@mrssarablack]

Thank you so much Brian, you are a gem. I got the piston stuck inside the chamber and detached from the screw inside my TWSBI Diamond 580 RBT. With your help I was able to take apart the pen, unstick it, completely service it (something I have never dared try before), and reassemble it back to its former glory. I'd thought it was beyond hope, but you saved it. Thank you again. :)

[@fiddletwist]

I just had one I needed to do this for, someone had done it exactly the way you describe as a problem! And the piston needed grease. Grateful this is out there!

[@melindagross7960]

My child handled my 580 today, which he knows he’s not supposed to, and somehow the end cap was off and I had no idea how to reattach. THANK YOU for this, not only did I get it back on but was able to properly verify it’s all still in normal order. Was even happier to find out this helpful vid was from Goulet ❤

[@gthack371]

Awesome. Twsbi diamond 580 restored to smooth running normality! Thank you!!

[@bethautrey9634]

I also ask please don't let this video go! I've had my TWSBI 6 years and it was the first time I've had to lube it (plunger got stuck). It took some watching over and over again, I'm a very visual learner & this is normal for me. Thank goodness for youtube as well as your website! Thanks so much!

[@robbinallan3767]

Hello Brian, Thank you a million times. I had actually ruined my pen about a week after receiving it. I contacted Twsbi and they sent a new barrel for the cost of postage. Yay! Now, after watching your video 3 times, I have everything lubed up and put back together! Good as New. Praise God and pass the biscuits.

[@Gouletpens]

Shoutout to TWSBI for their great service too! Glad this video was helpful though! - Colin

[@DarkAudit]

This was a lifesaver! I over twisted the end cap while filling my 580, and then it wouldn't tighten down all the way. Once I stopped trying to figure it out on my own, I came here, and it was just what I needed. You fixed my pen more than I did. :)

[@1.thomasalmeida]

This video is still helping, even more than 5 years later! I bought a 580 ALR and it’s been sitting on my desk for months now with the a lid that wouldn’t screw in properly. Thank goodness for you, I just successfully applied your techniques and it’s working again like new from the box. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ericmiller6828]

8 years later - still so dang useful!!

[@Gouletpens]

I'm finishing up a new one for the Eco! - Drew

[@ericmiller6828]

@@Gouletpens I'll try not to wait 8 years before I watch that one... LOL

[@Ironchick22]

OMG Thank goodness for this video! I thought for sure I had broken my 580 and was so upset. This helped me fix everything and it's as good as new! Please DO NOT take this video down!

[@jcortese3300]

I seriously JUST got a new 580 stub from you guys in the mail today and had to clean an old one, and thought I'd broken it before I found your videos explaining how to do this correctly. Once again, Goulet comes through like a champ.

[@Droolx]

Yes, I did spend 10 or 20 minutes trying to put the 580 I just received in the mail back together again. Thanks so much for the video. I never would have figured out how to "click" that screw into the screw bolt on my own. Not very intuitive at all. Thanks for saving me a lot of time!

[@am7265]

This video saved me! Thanks Brian! I bought my brand new TWSBI Diamond 580 and bought an alumnium piston and grip section for my pen so I could get the 580AL version (the 580AL wasn't directly where I live) I disassembled the pen, but couldn't fit the new piston in there, the piston turning knob simply wouldn't sit flush with the barrel. I thought I had damaged my brand new pen - I hadn't even inked it up yet. But then I calmed down and watched this video - and my TWSBI 580 is now a 580AL and as great as it can be. Thanks Brian!

[@janeapplebee]

Thank you so much! I thought I had a bum pen - it was very complicated and hard for me to master, until I finally got the feel of it after watching you do it 5 times... then it was easy, sort of. Thank you for keeping me from despairing entirely on this happy first day of my TWSBI ownership.

[@Gouletpens]

No worries, I had to mess around with it a couple of times myself just to get this recording so it made sense! It's not the simplest of procedures, but hey, at least you're able to do it at all!

[@garethkerlin]

Lifesaver!!!! I twiddled around with my pen for 20 minutes not being able to figure it out! Thanks!

[@vickijohnson5825]

Thank you so much for making this video. I am now back in love with my TWSBI ECO. It was driving nuts that I couldn't get the turning thingy to seat on the pen. Now, it is fixed! Yay!

[@BigGeorgeful]

After i bought the Diamond 580 and cleaned it up, i had exact these problems with this unfixed srewing mechanism. But with this video i understood the princip of the screwing and i was succesful with fixing that problem. Thank you much Brian.

[@bikkies]

This was super useful. I've accidentally over-disassembled an Eco piston once before. Frustrated for ages, eventually found a YT video from one of your competitors (boo hiss) which worked but which was far more involved. Screw the cap on exactly this far, be careful to X and to Y. I just tried again, deliberately taking an Eco to bits and using your technique. I was able to do it just by feel and also found i can get the piston back one more click than I'd done before, resulting in less of an air gap behind the piston when fully up without going too far & making the end cap spin. Result being that I can now get a teensy bit more ink capacity to any of my several Ecos than as shipped with no detriment as far as I can tell. For those that need maximum capacity, it could be a good tweak and it's not even a hack. I'm not one of those that needs more ink capacity. I just need more Ecos :)

[@Gouletpens]

I’m glad this video was helpful! -Brian Goulet

[@vegas272007]

I did this with confidence when I cleaned the first time, but had a gap between the body and end cap. Now I'm here! It didn't have that gap out of the box

[@JohnCookhimself]

Wow are you good! Thought this would be so easy with my 540, but without your tips and tricks I couldn't do it. Hats off to Goulet Pen Co.!

[@Gouletpens]

I'm glad I could help! It definitely took me a few takes to be able to do it so concisely (yes, this video was edited down even as long as it is!!), this just isn't a speedy process.

[@luisguillermoperezmejia3281]

Yo llevaba mas de media hora tratando de reensamblar el mío y si no veo el video creo que hubiera pasado todo el día antes de lograrlo. Gracias por pensar en nosotros. Por cierto, es una pluma que les compre a ustedes a través de un amigo que me la trajo desde los EEUU. Aun conservo la nota que me enviaron adjunta a la pluma y que me ha parecido un detalle muy especial. Espero pronto poder comprar varias plumas y sin duda lo haré en Goulet Pen. Cordial saludo desde Medellín, Colombia.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks so much for the support and glad you were able to reassemble! TWSBI can be kind of tricky. - Colin

[@prod4540]

Excellent video. Especially with the back-cap loose-to-not-loose. Took me a bit to get the idea. I still watch this video before taking-apart-putting-back-together my Twsbi(s). Thanks again!

[@growingayeard1061]

I come back to this video everytime I clean my TWSBI. Thanks again!

[@sandscribbler]

Thanks, Brian! You preserved what's left of my sanity, and kept my 580 from becoming a 1-use disposable item. I wasn't expecting to need a Mensa-level IQ in order refill my pen!

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, it can be really tricky! Happy to hear this helped. :) - Colin

[@zbigniew3238]

I have been watching many videos to solve this problem. I found this on as the best. Slow, step by step and clear. Thanks so much.

[@BenNixon32]

Well then. That part with the piston mechanism was a pain in the ass to try to figure out without this video. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@eandm_creations]

No joke...15 minutes before I said, "Hey! Brian has a video about this!". Thanks so much!

[@jean-sebastienturgeon5861]

This video was immensely useful. Thank you.

[@Rsmin]

Whoohooo, thanks Bryan, would have never figured this out without your video. Very much appreciated!!!

[@cecirimi]

Omg....thank you I thought I had a faulty pen. Then I thought wait....go to Brian. Voila! Sat here and did it with you step by step. Now I can post my pen again.

[@reneef1608]

I was literally on the verge of tossing my pen out the window and giving up. Thank you for helping me get it back together!

[@magpiehours]

Thank you so much for this! I damaged the end cap on my 580 by accidentally over tightening it and TWSBI sent me a new one no problem but I was SO lost on how to swap them out.

[@videosabia]

My Goodness - thanks for this video. I must have spent 20 minutes figuring this thing out and this was the only video I found useful. God bless you!

[@Gouletpens]

If I had a dollar for every time this video has saved me, I'd be a rich man. - Colin

[@leppavu]

Thanks! I took mine apart to clean out some ink remnants (switching colours) and give it a general clean, but couldn't get the end cap back on without closing the gap (where the wrench sits). Basically the piston was all the way up, but its final few millimetres wouldn't let the end cap close all the way, thus not allowing it to sit firmly on the pen barrel. Drove me nuts! This video restored my sanity.

[@blackletter2591]

Thanks! Saved my TWSBI (from my own DIY 'skills'). Thank goodness for you, talking to us down the years. I also had the piston bit wedged in the barrel, but a lot of hot water and detergent got it moving. I also needed a covered slipjaw wrench on the barrel to work the little TWSBI wrench against, to open the end. I would never have worked out the clicky-advancement thing though.

[@kimihaanstra7189]

just bought my first fountain pen( the TWSBI eco) and got the same issue as in the q&a. luckily, this is the only video on youtube that was able to help me , even after 3 years. THANKS @The Goulet Pen Company !!!!

[@Gouletpens]

This video has saved a bunch of TWSBIs over the years, so glad you found your way to it! - Colin

[@k8seren]

Same here! disassembled my Eco to clean it, and UH OH couldn't get it back together. This one is a lifesaver!

[@bjdrew001]

Thanks Brian. This was a great help in reassembling my TWSBI after I stupidly pulled it apart followed by a moment of panic. Great work.....

[@emilioquezada9272]

Today I purchased my first TWSBI 580AL and your video came in extremely handy. Thank you very much for all the helpful tips!

[@Gouletpens]

I'm glad this was helpful! Taking apart (and reassembly!) can be tricky for sure. - Colin

[@Streivyr]

Brilliant video, helped me fix the gap between my end cap and barrel! Thanks so much

[@goddessdejour]

O.M.G!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 I just bought a TWSBI ECO 2 days ago and thought I'd broken it already, but now because of this video, it's fixed! I've watched 4 other videos and yours was the only one that helped me put the pen back together correctly. So grateful!! You're awesome! As soon as you let me know when those LAMY Special Editions coming in, I'm ordering them (save me 1 in each barrel color 😊)!

[@weshnudevsagar2191]

Thank you Brian, This video is very informative and I too was having challenges in trying to put the 580 together after greasing it. Had it not been for this video, i would have been sure that the pen is broken.

[@Gouletpens]

Glad to hear this saved your TWSBI. Happy writing! - Colin

[@1xraydoc]

Yes!! Success...have no real clear idea how it work but followed your instructions and it worked....miracle! Thank you!

[@fofo57007]

Brian you are amazing. Have had my TWSBI for a couple of years and this is the most helpful video on the internet. Thank you

[@TheMilitantMachinist]

My Diamond 580 ordered from you came arrived on Monday. I already love it and have got several others considering one. Thank you

[@Gouletpens]

Awesome! So glad you're enjoying it, and thanks for supporting my company :) -Brian Goulet

[@mohammadzahid4629]

awesome video and thanks for showing me how to fix the loose end piece. Now it's perfect.

[@Dreamero9]

LIFESAVER! Everything came apart, and I couldn't figure it out. Thank you!

[@BenjaminJackson]

A very helpful video. I just took my 580 apart and greased it and this helped a lot.

[@Gouletpens]

Benjamin Jackson Glad to hear it helped! :) -Margaret

[@apbf]

I ran into this same problem today. I appreciate this video (and you thinking of us newbies) so much.

[@kellysteele8339]

I did not know I got a wrench and silicone with the pen! Nice little bonus surprise when I finally found the box lol.

[@Gouletpens]

Oh yeah, you gotta open up the bottom of that box! That wrench is awesome, I actually use it on my Pelikan m800 and Pilot Custom 823, too!

[@Najubae1144]

Wow.... really thank you for your great tips!! Finally I found how the fix the losen knob!!

[@jennyates8505]

Thank you! I also thought my TWSBI was broken. Awesome video. 👍🏻

[@timetopretend363]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You helped make my pen like it was new again.

[@chrisl1398]

Yeah. You just bailed me out. Thank you Brian!

[@Patrick-mw3yt]

Fantastic tutorial! Simple clear instructions for a technical process. Thank you for putting this up.

[@marshahostetler]

Thank you so much for this I had the whole thing messed up but after watching your video I got it back together !!!!

[@robingrant1965]

I love writing with the Twsbi, but I would never take it apart! It’s hellish putting the pen back together! You are an expert, I am not!!

[@rliuLY]

Perfect tutorial. Thanks!

[@vics-videos]

Invaluable, Brian! I just bought 2 of these, and this is going to save ME from having to figure it out. **tail wagging** Thanks!

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks! I have kind of a hard time explaining exactly what I'm doing, it feels very natural to me when I'm actually doing it. I hope it came across okay!

[@ckextreme]

This worked for my TWSBI Classic. The parts matched exactly with the ones you described. Thanks Brian.

[@FallenPasha]

Thanks! Finally a clear instruction video. I got mine tuned up thanks to this!

[@gretastreet6473]

Thanks so much, Brian! Helped me fix a stuck piston in my 580!

[@luckyoleary9626]

Great video! I knew my piston wasn't retracting far enough out of the box. Now there's no gap, screw cap is tight and I'm good to go.

[@crazywisdom2]

Thanks Brian. As always great vid. You're a lifesaver !

[@ejohnso1967]

Very helpful. Thanks, Brian!

[@DanielSpielmann]

This is super helpful - thanks, Brian.

[@GlennHigley]

Thanks, Brian. Next time I'll get the 580's piston knob to lock to the barrel. No big deal till then as I'm not a poster. Time to fill her up as I'm flying tomorrow and feeling secure about taking a fews pens thanks to your videos on the topic.

[@GlennHigley]

Yours is the most useful and comprehensive of the videos on this topic, Brian. Especially your technique for setting of the piston. It works flawlessly and is just as easy as you make it seem. Thanks!

[@andreaRea8]

This has been so helpful. Thank you so very much 🙏🏻😃

[@AndrewKoutroulakis]

This video is SUPER helpful. Thank you so much.

[@neverstoplearning2]

Thanks Brian! This is just what I needed.

[@blakea.e.1681]

You truly are a life saver! Thank you! Coming from the fountain pen subreddit :)

[@Gouletpens]

That's awesome to hear. Lots of TWSBIs have been saved because to this video! - Colin

[@vrahhh]

2024- still using this 🎉

[@Tealosaurus]

well this just saved my life. I thought I had broken my prescious Green Diamond 580AL! Brian Goulet you rock my socks sir!

[@Gouletpens]

Glad to hear this saved your TWSBI! - Colin

[@groupsixpartners9495]

Thank you, Brian - Yes I spent more than 10 minutes practicing. This broke it down very well. Ironic that in fiddling with it I pretty much wiped away all the silicone goop. Last time, though, smooth piston action now. :-)

[@kozureokami8374]

This was very helpful. Thank you very much!

[@Roflcopter4b]

Wow, thanks for this. My entire end section popped out for some bizarre reason. I didn't even need a wrench to get it in or out, it just pops into or out of place. This is probably a bad thing, but it seems sturdy enough if I'm careful. Oh well. Thanks for the tip on how to get it all back together. Also, if you remember I made a comment on one of your videos accusing you of sacrilege for not carrying Parker pens. I just wanted to clarify that I was only joking. Your website is fantastic and modern Parker pens aren't that great or unique, unlike their older ones.

[@fluentinsilence_]

you're the best! perfect demonstration, thanks a lot.

[@svengetman]

Much needed advice.