Pen Modification

Pen Modification

Modifying pens is a part of PenSpinning. Here you’ll find what tools to use, tutorials for pens, etc.

Tutorials

A lot of people use somehow modified pens to spin with, some more and others less modified. Often used pens are RSVP MX and com.ssa, but all the pens listed here are great for spinning.
Pen Mod Tutorials:

• Hybrid G3 Retractable Mod [HG3R] by DarkArcher
• Hybrid HGG²by DarkArcher
• Ballsign Mod
• BICtory by Mwahaha91
• Buddy Spin Retractable Revolution by Ed Sect Mobile
• ComPirat mod by Eriror
• Dr. KT
• HGG Comssa
• RSVP MX
• True HGG Vortex by Sfsr
• Wannabe Tombow Swifter

Hybrid G3 Retractable Mod [HG3R] by DarkArcher

Alright, finally… the time has come to release my first retractable mod prototype. Presenting the Hybrid G3 Retractable [HG3R]. This idea came to me one evening and I finished finalizing the mod that night. Basically the only tricky part is creating the retractable mechanism yourself. I tried to find suitable mechanisms from pens out in the market, but none seemed to fit. So in the end, I decided to improvise and come up with something. This mod is more for RSVP MX users because the weight is almost identical and is only a tiny bit lighter than the MX.
Retractable mods face many problems. This mod eliminates most of them. The only one I can’t seem to get rid off is the little bit of sound produced when the mod is spun. I convinced myself that making a silent retractable mod is almost impossible since G2s which are properly manufactured also produce sounds when being spun.
Let me share with you the problems of making retractable mods based on my many failed attempts.
1) The link between the retractable mechanism and the pen has to be strong so it won’t pop out under the pressure of the spring. For the HG3R, the strength needed to make the back mechanism pop out would be enough to first cause the grip to slip out. (Problem solved)
2) It has to withstand drops. (Problem solved)
3) The whole mod has to be stable. The HG3R has no loose parts. (Problem solved)
4) The ink tube has to be easily changed. Just take out the tip and replace the refill. (Problem solved)
5) Sound. Unfortunately there’s still some sound when the HG3R is spun. (Problem unsolved)
Ok, this is getting too lengthy so now let’s begin with the tutorial. Don’t forget to point out any improvements that can be made too. Enjoy. =)
Mod Facts:
Name: Hybrid G3 Retractable
Length: 18cm
Weight: Tiny bit lighter than the RSVP MX
COG: Almost center
Type: Retractable
Difficulty to mod: Hard
Parts Needed:

1: G3 tip
2: HGG grip
3: G3 barrel
File/cut away the plastic studs after removing the grip. File the groove near the screw threads too (optional). Thicken the back portion with some tape.
4: G3 barrel back cap
Make a hole such that you can fit a G2 refill through it. You can use a nail to puncture many holes along the edges of the face of the back cap to make things easier. The G2 refill should have a tight fit when pushed through the back cap.

After getting ready the G3 back cap and G2 refill mechanism, wrap tape around the refill as shown just in case to ensure that the G2 refill mechanism does not pop out.
5: Pilot’s The Better Retractable spring
Stretch it a little then bend it. This is done to minimize the sound. If you find that there’s still alot of sound when you spin, bend it even more.
6: Pilot’s The Better Retractable ink tube
7: Wooden stick
8: G2 refill mechanism part (Hardest part)

Cut the refill into half, you’re only going to need one of the halves. Cut an “L” shape on opposite sides of the refill with a pen knife as shown. The width of the “L” shape path should be about 0.2cm. After that, you place some double sided tape on the parts around the “L” shape and you wrap some tape sticky side up snugly around the “L” cuttings. To cover up the sticky portion, wrap tape the correct way over it.
How to tape it:
9: Pilot’s The Better Retractable clicker part portion
Cut off the surrounding plastic with wire cutters to get the inner part of the clicker. Wrap some tape on the silver part of the clicker so that it’s a tight fit when placed in the Bic Round stick barrel portion. Thicken the bottom part of the clicker portion but ensure that it can move around smoothly in the G2 refill. This is done to reduce the sound.
10: Part of the Bic Round Stick’s barrel
It is about 1.6cm. Place some double sided tape at one end as seen in the picture. Once you place it in the G3 cap (the side with the double sided tape in first), try not to take it out again because you might make sticky stains on the insides of the cap.
11: G3 cap
Get rid of the clip and cut the remaining plastic.

Assembly:

Finnished Product:

Hybrid HGG² by DarkArcher

This mod is called Hybrid HGG² because it uses a HGG and a G2. The 2 Gs make it G² and the rest is self explainatry. This mod uses the cap on feature of pens to allow it to retain its ability to write. Another personal favourite, it has a good length, isn’t too heavy/light and is definitely something you should try out.
Pen Facts:
Length: 18.5 cm
Weight: Com.ssa < HGG² < RSVP MX
CoG: In the range of 1cm of CoP
Main pens: HGG, G2
Parts Needed:

1: G2 tip part. Measure 4.3cm from the tip and cut.

2: HGG barrel. Cut at the part just after the buldge near the screw threads. (Theres sort of a slight marking already)
3: G2 barrel. Measure 5.8 cm from the back of the barrel (after you have taken the clicker part out) and cut.
4: G2 refill. Poke a hole large enough for the tip of the ink to fit through in the back cap of the refill (Black part in the picture). This refill portion is 4.2 cm long.
5: G2 refill. This portion is 1.8 cm long.
6: The back part of a Pilot SuperGel.
7: Any ink tube (RSVP).
8: HGG grip.
9: A portion of the G2 grip.
10: Wooden barbeque stick.
Assembly:

1) Fit the parts together as shown in the picture. Tip: You might want to give the grooves on the HGG barrel (Where the original grip used to be) a little shave so it is easy for you to slip on the G2 barrel.
2) Wrap some tape on the G2 refill portion to thicken it (The portion near the tip).
3) Do the same for the other G2 refill prtion (Part 5).
4) Place part 5 at the back part of the G2 barrel to cover the hole.
5) Slide the HGG grip onto the G2 tip portion (Part 1).
6) Fit everything together to get the finished Mod.

Finished Product:

Ballsign Mod

Simply put, making a Ballsign Mod is just double-capping a Sakura Ballsign or Gellyroll and adding Super Grip and Dr. Grip grips. It’s a personal favourite, and created by Bonkura. And if you decide to mod it, don’t be scared by how short it is. It’s about 16.5 Cm, wich I must admit is very short, but you get used to it. You need 2 Ballsign (or Gellyroll or w/e it’s called where you live…) pens, since the mod requires a cap on both sides.
Pen Facts:
Length: 17.5
Weight: Very light (lighter than com.ssa)
CoG: near CoP
Parts Needed:

• Ballsign body
• 2 Ballsign caps

How to make:
1) Remove the refill
2) Remove the clips that are sticking out from the pen caps
3) Remove the back plug
4) Put in whatever insert you feel like
5) Recap on both sides
6) Add about 1.7 Cm Super Grip grip and let half of it extend past the caps (The Dr. Grip grip will slip of if you don’t have this), then add a bit more than 0.5 Cm Dr. Grip grip over the Super Grip grip sticking out.
Voila! You’ve made yourself a Ballsign
Finnished Product:

Assembly Video:

BICtory by Mwahaha91

This is the BICtory mod. It is made using 2 bic round stic pens. Bic round stics are VERY cheap and can be found virtually anywhere. So through hours and hours of hard work, I came up with the BICtory mod. It’s named BICtory mod because I felt victorious after the finishing it.
Pen Facts:
Length: 17.3 cm (Without tips)
Weight:
CoG: At CoP
Other: Really cheap!
Parts Needed:

• 2 BIC Round Stics
• (Optional) Random Grip (Anyball, Signo Gel, w/e)
• (Optional) G1 Tips

Assembly:
1) Start off by taking both caps off the BIC Round Stics, and cutting off the clip with the scissors. You can break the clip by hand if needed. There is no need to file the remaining part.

2) Next, take off the front part of the pen on both bic round stics.
3) Puncture out the back plug of either one of the bic round stic bodies using a chopstick or another suitable stick-like thing.
4) After that, clip off 7 mm of both ink tubes off. This will allow the ink tubes to fit later when the double sided mod is done.
5) Now take a ink tube and insert it into one side of the bic round stic body that had the plug taken out. After, take the other ink tube and slide it in into the other side. Lastly, take both caps and stick them on.
6) (Optional) Attach a piece of grip and a tip on each cap.
Finished Product:

 

ComPirat by Eriror

Pen Facts:
Length: 23 cm
Weight: Heavier than RSVP MX
CoG: At CoP
Other: The color fades away after some time spinning.
Parts needed:

• A SuperPirat body & caps
• 2 ComSSA caps.

How to make:
1) Grab a SuperPirat, of your own preferred colour. [Colour of tutorial is blue]

2) Glue the SuperPirat caps, and put the ComSSA caps on it.
And well, you’re done! Maybe remove/add a few grips to your own leisure, to change the weight. I hope you like it!
Finished Product:

Dr. KT

This pen was first created by Ryo and became popular because he spun it in Japanese TV. It’s very heavy and gives loads of momentum, but a lot of people don’t like it because it’s too easy to spin with.
Pen Facts:
Length: 20 cm
Weight: Very heavy.
CoG: At the CoP
Parts Needed:

• KeyTo Signpen Body + 2 of the big Caps
• 2 Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil tips
• 3 Sailor Gel Grips (1 red, 1 blue and 1 gray)

Assembly:
1) Take of the caps and remove the “tips” on both sides.

2) Remove the Back Plug (it’s stuck quite good, so pull hard) and poke out both ink tubes through the back of the pen. Flush some water through the body.

3) Put a big Cap on both sides.
4) Cut the Sailor Gel grip with a sharp knife. The red and blue grips should be cut in sections of 8, 3 and 2, while the gray grip should be cut in 4 pieces of 2 sections each, wich leaves you with some grip left over.

5) Pull the Sailor Gel grips (First 3 colored, then 2 gray, 2 colored, 2 gray and lastly 8 colored) over the caps and leave about 3-4 sections sticking out, you need to push/pull very hard.
6) Push the Dr. Grip tips into the piece of grip sticking out. Like the grips, it’s quite hard to get them in place, and once there they should be stuck there quite firmly. It hould look something like this:

Finnished Product:

G2-E2B

1)

Reduced: 66% of original size [ 1024 x 768 ] – Click to view full image

Gather your materials.
1 – 2x Pilot G2′s
2 – Sandpaper
3 – Cutting Tool/Wire Snips
4 – Packing Tape (or any other tape)
5 – Rubber Mallet (or any other means of soft pounding)
Not pictured and optional: Super Glue
2)

Reduced: 66% of original size [ 1024 x 768 ] – Click to view full image

Dismantle the 2 Pilot G2′s and keep what is on the right and discard what is on the left.
3)

Reduced: 66% of original size [ 1024 x 768 ] – Click to view full image

Empty and cut the inktube as shown. Discard the pieces that have an X over them. Cut the two front pieces as shown (acctually, to make things simple, both are cut right on that line that is on the front piece in the middle of where the grip used to be. the second one should be cut so that it is the same length as the threads). Discard the pieces that have an X over them.
4)

Reduced: 66% of original size [ 1024 x 768 ] – Click to view full image

Gently pound the cut end of the shorter front piece into one of the back pieces all the way. If you are too vigorous, there is a slight chance that you may crack the barrel.
5)

Reduced: 66% of original size [ 1024 x 768 ] – Click to view full image

Screw on the other back piece and make sure nothing is rattling or wrong.
6)

Reduced: 66% of original size [ 1024 x 768 ] – Click to view full image

Roll just enough tape around each of the halves of the inktube so that it fits snuggly into the end of the back piece. Remove the bits of tape that hang over the edge.
7)

Reduced: 66% of original size [ 1024 x 768 ] – Click to view full image

Insert the taped inktube halves into each end of the back pieces and cut off enough so that the cut front pieces will slide on and none will show in the round part of the tip. Use the picture for measurement reference.
8)

Reduced: 66% of original size [ 1024 x 768 ] – Click to view full image

Slide the grips all the way on the cut front pieces.
9)

Reduced: 66% of original size [ 1024 x 768 ] – Click to view full image

Push the cut front piece/grip combination all the way onto the back piece/taped inktube combination. Apply glue wherever necessary, if necessary.
10)

Reduced: 66% of original size [ 1024 x 768 ] – Click to view full image

Congrats! You have just made a G2-E2B

HGG Com.ssa v.3

This mod is like a Com.ssa, but with the body replaced by a hybrid of the HGG and G-2 Barrels. You’ll need something to cut the barrels with (a small saw or a sharp knife), a file and maybe some sand paper. Credits go to IvanTheTerrible for the pics and tutorial, Mr. LSC for the actual mod.
Pen Facts:
Length: 18.5 cm
Weight:
CoG: At CoP
Parts Needed:

• HGG Barrel
• G-2 05 Barrel
• 2 Com.ssa Caps

Assembly:
1) Take the HGG barrel and cut and then file the bumps at the end away.


2) Cut a 4 cm portion away from the G2.

3) File the end of the G2 piece so the comssa cap can go on. You have to test a bit by yourself if you want to get the exact same length as the Com.ssa.


4) Put the G2 piece on the HGG barrel.

5) Put the Com.ssa caps on and make sure the Back Plug of the HGG isn’t visible.

Finnished Product:

M-301 Extended (M-301 X)

Welcome to the M-301 Extended (M-301 X) tutorial!
Forth tutorial released by .K4S. Concept for the mod by White_Sheath & Trevor.
Need a mechanical pencil mod that doesn’t draw so much attention? Tired of people asking what the hell you’re writing with at school? Well look no further, I’ve got the mod for you!
The name of the mod is quite self explanatory. It takes the Zebra M-301 pencil and extends it, allowing for easier spinning while keeping its sleek original look. This mod is easy to make by my standards…the only equipment you need to make this is an xacto/utility knife and tape.
Never the less, as easy as this mod is to make I take no responsibility if you are an idiot and hurt yourself while making my mod. Remember, you can’t pen spin without fingers.
Some Stats:
-19cm length
- If made correctly COG is ~0.5cm from the COP (back heavy)
- Weight is similar to a signo tipped comssa (maybe a little lighter)
So let us begin…
1.
You need one pack of 2 Zebra M-301 pencils.

2.
Disassemble both pencils (if you cant figure out how, you should abandon this mod now. Srsly.)

3.
Cut the pieces accordingly. Exact measurements are not vital…just try to cut it similar to the picture

4.
Okay this will be the most difficult part of this mod. You need to wrap tape around the cut sections from step#3 such that it will fit very snugly into the metal M-301 body. It’s not hard, it just takes a while to get it right. Start with a long piece of tape and cut a little off each time and try sliding into the metal section until you get a nice fit.

5.
Cut the following pieces accordingly. Again, exact measurements are not essential but try to get it as close to the specified numbers as you can. You will want the larger sections of what you just cut.

6.
Tape the 2 sections together. (optional: You will see that one side has a larger diameter than the other piece…you can carefully shave down the sides until the diameter’s are similar so they fit better when taped together.)

7.
Picture of the all the pieces needed before assembly

8.
Assemble the exterior of the pencil. Put the mechanical pencil tube in last. If you made my mod correctly up until now it should slide in from the back. Screw on the tip, and put the back plug on last.

Final Product!


Trouble Shooting Questions:
Q: I cant fit the mechanical pencil tube section in after I assembled the body, what did I do wrong?
A: Make sure you followed my instructions. Next make sure the black tube sections that hold the pencil together aren’t compressed from being cut that they block the mech pencil tube from going through.
Q: I made the mechanical pencil tube section too short! Is there any fix?
A: Not really, buy another pack of Zebra M-301 pencils…they’re cheap
Q: I cant get the correct amount of tape, so I cant get the metal sections to stay together.
A: Try harder.
Q: I hurt myself doing making your mod, I demand compensation!
A: Well, I demand you post pictures so I can laugh at you.

RSVP MX

The RSVP MX is probably the most famous spinning pen. This mod is invented by Kam. Before he created the MX he had already made two other RSVP mods, RSVP v1 and RSVP v2, so the MX is considered number three in his RSVP “family”. Even if the MX maybe isn’t the best spinning pen, it’s a “most have pen” for a real penspinner.
Pen facts:
Lenght: ~19 cm
Weight: 12 g
CoG: ~2 cm nearer the back from CoP.
Parts needed:
1 RSVP
1 Hgg grip
1 Hgg tip

Assembly:
1) Take of the back cap of the RSVP, drill a small hole trough it and insert the inktube in it.

2) Take of the cap and grip from the RSVP
3) If you have an insert, push it into the barrel then screw the back part with the inktube back to place

4) Take the RSVP cap and break of the clip, then push the grip in to the cap.

5) Push the cap with the grip in on the back of the RSVP

6) Now, glue the Hgg tip on to the plastic tip on the RSVP. Some people use a little bit of tape on the plastic tip and then screw the Hgg tip on, but I think that method is a bit instable.
7) Last part is to put the Hgg grip on the front of the RSVP and voilá you have a RSVP MX! =)

True HGG Vortex v. I and v. III by Sfsr

True HGG Vortex v. III
There was a v. II, but it was no good. Had weak points and just broke, so I never released it. Now I made v. III though
It’s a double sided pen again ofcourse, a Vortex. You will need some time to mod this, the HGG barrels are really hard, and it can be hard to get the cuts right. Great pen for Shadows and NeoBaks imo, the weight is concentrated more to the ends.
Pen Facts:
Length: 20.5 cm (Can be varied)
Weight: RSVP MX < True HGG VX III < Dr. KT
CoG: A few mm from CoP due to the inktube
Pens Needed: 2 HGG, 2 Com.ssa caps, Staedtler Gel Roller, Anyball Grip.
Pros: Good balance, good looking, great momentum, no joint in the middle and can write.
Cons: You can’t have an insert that goes all the way. Can break or leak ink, but not so easily. Hard to mod.
Parts Needed:
1. Staedtler Gel Roller
2. Staedtler Gel Roller inktube
3. HGG inktube [10 cm] with a sharp piece of BBQ stick [2.5 cm] in it
4. Small HGG front part [5.5 cm]
5. Insert [6.5 x 2 cm]
6. Large HGG front part [12.5 cm]
7. Part of the Staedtler Gel Roller inktube [2.5 cm]
8. 2 Com.ssa caps

Assembly:
1) Take the 2 HGGs you want to use, screw of the tips, remove the inktubes and poke out the backplugs.
2) Measure 12.5 cm from the tip of one HGG and cut the barrel using a mini hacksaw, or another tool of your preference.
3) Take the second HGG and cut precisely at the border of the grip. Removing the grip before cutting might be a good idea.
4) Cut a pretty thick BBQ stick into a piece of 2.5cm with a sharp end on it, then the HGG inktube so it is 10 cm. There will probably leak out some ink, so do this over a sink or in a plastic bag. Push the BBQ stick into the HGG inktube to prevent any more ink from leaking out.
5) Insert the insert from the back of the large HGG part while inserting the inktube + BBQ stick from the front. It’s a little hard to get the insert to fit nicely around the inktube, but it should work.
6) Cut off 2.5 cm from the Staedtler Gel Roller ink tube, wrap double sided tape around half of it, insert the non taped side into the small HGG part. It should fit nicely and come to a stop where the tape starts. Insert the taped side into the larger HGG part.
7) Screw on the HGG tips and put the Com.ssa caps on.
Finnished Product:





True HGG Vortex v. I
This pen is a double sided HGG pen, a so called Vortex. It’s weight isn’t concentrated at the ends, it’s quite spread out over the pen. Some people like this, other not. It’s good for doing Sonic tricks, but not as good for arounds. This is version I, it has some weaknesses that are hopefully going to be fixed in v. 2 or v.3. Since cutting HGG barrels isn’t the easiest thing to do it takes some time to mod it, but appart from that it’s easy to mod.
Pen Facts:
Length: 20 cm (Can be chosen)
Weight:
CoG: At CoP
Parts Needed: 2 HGG, Staedtler Gel Roller inktube
Pros: Perfect balance, good looking, good feel and good momentum.
Cons: You can’t have an insert that goes all the way. A bit weak binding and a small joint in the middle.
Assembly:
1) Take the 2 HGGs you want to use, screw of the tips, remove the inktubes and poke out the backplugs.
2) Measure 10 cm from the tip of the HGG and cut the barrel using a mini hacksaw, or the tool of your preference. Do this to both pens. You can cut a bigger or smaller part to make the pen longer or shorter, just remember that the finnished product will be twice as long as you cut.
3) Now’s a tricky part. The barrels need to be connected to eachother in some way, this can easily be done by having a piece of inktube between them; but none of the inktubes of often used pens fit. I found in a pen in my local store called Staedtler Gel Roller, wich had an inktube that almost exactly fitted in the HGG barrels. If you have the Gel Roller inltube, wrap some double sided tape around it (not all the way around) and insert it halfway into one of the HGG bodys, then push the second HGG body onto that.

Finnished Product:

Wannabe Tombow Swifter

This mod is made with two Tombow ABT pens. They are quite expensive, but It sure is worth it. This pen is called Wannabe Tombow Swifter since it’s not exactly the same as the Tombow mod Swifter uses, but quite close to.
Pen Facts:
Length: 20 cm
Weight: As Com.ssa or a little lighter.
CoG: At the CoP
Required Pens: 2 Tombow ABT markers

Parts Needed:

• Tombow ABT Body
• 2 Big Tombow ABT Caps
• Dong-a Anyball Grip

Assembly:
1) Take of the caps and remove the “tips” on both sides.

2) Remove the back plug. It’s stuck quite hard, but if you pull hard enough it’ll loosen.

3) Poke out the inktube that’s inside through the back of the pen. Flush through some water to make sure no ink is left.
4) Cut the Back Plug so only the part that’s actually inside the pen + the border is left. When you’re done, press it back onto the back of the pen.

5) Put one of the big caps on both sides and add some Anyball Grip.
Finnished Product: