Looking for latex/silicone 'sac' alternative

[JPeters]

Hi everyone, this might be a bit of a strange question, but I'm looking for an alternative to small 'sacs' that are used in vintage pens to hold ink. I'd like to show pics but I'm not allowed, you can see what I mean by googling 'pen ink sac'.

The prices for these are ridiculous, and I need a few, so I'm looking for a cheap alternative. It basically needs to be a thin wall - less than a milimetre preferable - and have a bit of flexibility to go over the nipple (and to be squeezed, as that's how the pens are filled with ink).

I've seen rubber tubing that fit the bill, and figured I could seal one end with bike puncture kit glue, but I wondered if there's anything already sealed at one end that might be even better.

Thanks a lot.

 

[Howsie]

Welcome to the forum.

These are reusable as I understand. Why not bite the bullet and buy something fit for purpose.

 

[JPeters]

Since most of these were used on pens pre-1940 you frequently find pens where the rubber has perished. They perish after a few years with ink inside of them (different inks, different components, etc). Some inks will stain them too. Once you put one on a pen, properly sealed, you can wreck the pen by taking it off (depending on what kind of seal you use), and I want one on each of my pens anyway.

They're not really used anymore, so pen sellers make a mint off selling them. Also, they're not very easily available elsewhere - and I'm in Russia at the moment. So my options are spending a tenner on two of them (plus shipping) or a quid on some rubber tubing and having enough to make ten of my own. I just want to know if there's something more suitable - there must be!

 

[Dotty]

I can see what you're trying to achieve. Not sure we'd be the correct guys to advise you though, most of the tubing we deal with has fairly thick walls which could be far too impractical for what you want to do.

Have you tried any of the hobbyist or modeling forums? They might have come across this sort of thing before.

 

[JPeters]

Good idea, I'll try that. Cheers!

 

[Dotty]

Good luck and I'd love to know how you get on.