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Thread: Cheap retractable pen pocket scribe!

  1. #1
    Supporting Member bobs409's Avatar
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    Lightbulb Cheap retractable pen pocket scribe!

    Here's another little fun project. Take a cheap (or expensive if your a fancy jet setter) retractable pen and replace the ink insert with a metal scribe.

    I like to re-purpose things so the metal scribe part is made from the top section of a car antenna Cut to length, sharpen the tip and then crimp on a wire rope ferrule as a spring stop. (you may have to file it down a bit to fit the tube)

    Re-assemble and now you have a pocket "safety" scribe tool you can carry with you!

    Cheap retractable pen pocket scribe!-dscn7506.jpg
    Cheap retractable pen pocket scribe!-dscn7507.jpg

  2. The Following 21 Users Say Thank You to bobs409 For This Useful Post:

    Andyt (Mar 21, 2020), baja (Mar 21, 2020), emu roo (Nov 24, 2025), jjr2001 (Feb 3, 2017), Jon (Jan 28, 2018), machewa (Jun 7, 2018), Moby Duck (Jan 26, 2018), NortonDommi (Jan 26, 2018), oldcaptainrusty (Jan 27, 2018), olderdan (Feb 4, 2017), Paul Jones (Mar 21, 2020), penca (Feb 4, 2017), PJs (Jan 28, 2018), RetiredFAE (Jul 18, 2023), rlm98253 (Jan 26, 2018), scoopydo (Feb 3, 2017), sossol (Jul 18, 2023), toma (Jan 27, 2018), Toolmaker51 (Feb 3, 2017), Tule (Jan 28, 2018), will52100 (Mar 20, 2020)

  3. #2
    Supporting Member mklotz's Avatar
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    Take a piece of suitably-sized drill rod and harden the end and grind a knife edge and you've got a useful and safe retractable mini-knife for opening stubborn packages, clipping coupons, whatever.

    Drill out the button used to expose/hide the knife blade, glue in a small magnet, and you've got an always-in-your-pocket for spotting those big-box store Chinese brass screws as brass-plated steel.
    ---
    Regards, Marv

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    Andyt (Mar 21, 2020), baja (Mar 21, 2020), DIYer (Feb 3, 2017), emu roo (Nov 24, 2025), Jon (Jan 28, 2018), Moby Duck (Jan 26, 2018), NortonDommi (Jan 26, 2018), RetiredFAE (Jul 18, 2023), Toolmaker51 (Feb 3, 2017)

  5. #3
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    Thanks bobs409! We've added your Retractable Scribe to our Measuring and Marking category,
    as well as to your builder page: bobs409's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:



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    emu roo (Nov 24, 2025), rlm98253 (Feb 3, 2017)

  7. #4
    Supporting Member ncollar's Avatar
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    Bob
    Great idea and all the pins I have thrown away.
    The other ideas are endless.
    Nelson

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    emu roo (Nov 24, 2025)

  9. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by bobs409 View Post
    Here's another little fun project. Take a cheap (or expensive if your a fancy jet setter) retractable pen and replace the ink insert with a metal scribe.

    I like to re-purpose things so the metal scribe part is made from the top section of a car antenna Cut to length, sharpen the tip and then crimp on a wire rope ferrule as a spring stop. (you may have to file it down a bit to fit the tube)

    Re-assemble and now you have a pocket "safety" scribe tool you can carry with you!

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Click image for larger version. 

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    Now why didn't I think of that. I wouldn't have all those puncture wounds in my chest.

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    emu roo (Nov 24, 2025), Jon (Jan 28, 2018)

  11. #6
    Supporting Member toma's Avatar
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    Possible further improvement..replace only bras tip of pen insert...with same size steel tip !

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    emu roo (Nov 24, 2025)

  13. #7

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    Great idea, I am going to make several this afternoon .
    Thanks !!

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    emu roo (Nov 24, 2025)

  15. #8
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    wizard69's Tools
    Great idea!!! Combine this with the materials available for Pen Makers and you have the potential for a completely custom scribe.



    2,500+ Tool Plans

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    emu roo (Nov 24, 2025)

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