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How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen

Zack · 43 · 77593

spam Offline Zack

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How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
on: August 27, 2009, 03:36:30 PM
I remember when I first wanted to try the mod I couldn't find a decent writeup with pics of it anywhere.  There were a lot of text based tutorials, but I learn by seeing how something is done.  So hopefully this tutorial will help anyone wanting to try this very easy mod.

First the basic components:


Tools needed:


The reason the Spirit is there is sometimes I like to trim the spring a bit if I want a softer click on the pen, however I did not need it this time.  It just depends on how you want your pen the feel.

Out of the packages:


The Fisher refill comes with a white spacer to use with Parker pens, but you will not need it for the Zebra, so you can throw it away or keep it for future use.

Showing the sizes of the Zebra refill and the Space pen refill:


You will notice that both refills are the same size, and the neck of the Fisher refill is perfect for accepting the Zebra's spring.

Getting the plastic spacer out:


In the tip of the Zebra there is a clear plastic insert that needs to be removed in order for the Fisher refill to work.  This is easily accomplished by using the awl from a Alox Swiss Army Knife.  Simply put the awl in the back of the tip and twist.  The insert will then come cleanly out.

Showing the insert:


Here you can clearly see the insert.

Adding the spring:


Here is where you can fine tune how the pen clicks open and closed.  Some people prefer a softer click, if you do start by taking one spiral at a time off with wire cutters until you get the feel you want.  If you like a authoritative click then keep it stock.

Finished pen:


You can now see the Fisher refill in the Zebra pen.

Hopefully you will go out and give this very easy and somewhat economical mod a try.  You know have the reliability of a mostly all metal pen, and the smoothness of a Fisher Space Pen in the same package.
« Last Edit: August 27, 2009, 03:39:21 PM by Zack »


england Offline Benner

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #1 on: August 27, 2009, 03:40:31 PM
Nice one (just needs that last pic swapping  :tu:).  :)
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spam Offline Zack

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #2 on: August 27, 2009, 03:43:12 PM
Should be fixed now, it was my first time using photbucket and the links got a little screwy.  Just did a refresh and everything looks good on my end.


england Offline Benner

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #3 on: August 27, 2009, 03:44:21 PM
Should be fixed now, it was my first time using photbucket and the links got a little screwy.  Just did a refresh and everything looks good on my end.

Looking good here too.  :tu:

I think anyone would be able to do that following that tutorial.  :tu:
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spam Offline Zack

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #4 on: August 27, 2009, 03:46:07 PM
That was the plan.


00 Offline Freudian Frog

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #5 on: August 27, 2009, 04:47:25 PM
Thanks! Will do this, I have a black medium fischer refill lying around somewhere...
Got those frog legs.


scotland Offline Gareth

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #6 on: August 27, 2009, 08:05:33 PM
Dead easy to follow that.  I reckon even I might be able to manage it. :tu:
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


spam Offline Zack

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #7 on: August 27, 2009, 08:20:17 PM
I'm sure you could do it without the tutorial and even figure out a way to add scissors.


dk Offline AHB

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #8 on: August 27, 2009, 09:11:34 PM
I'm sure you could do it without the tutorial and even figure out a way to add scissors.
;)  :D


Good tutorial...  :)


Offline Tinnie

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #9 on: August 27, 2009, 10:55:45 PM
Wow...nice job Zack :)

Definitely will be doing it to the other one ;) Very easy to follow tutorial...very good job :)
[


gb Offline Neil

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #10 on: August 28, 2009, 07:54:17 AM
That looks easy enough. Nice clear pics, thanks Zack  :tu:
I'm not taking any more mod orders at present, sorry.


scotland Offline Gareth

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #11 on: August 28, 2009, 11:39:00 AM
I'm sure you could do it without the tutorial and even figure out a way to add scissors.

LOL. :D  Unfortunately Wenger beat me to it. ;)

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/bestknives_2062_91624053

I just noticed that Wenger have has to go back to using a Vic style spring on the scissors.
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


spam Offline Zack

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #12 on: August 28, 2009, 02:06:37 PM
Evidently there is also a way to make the 701 a mechanical pencil, so I guess I will give that a shot next.  It would be nice to have matching pen and pencil sets in the 701 frame.


us Offline Smitty44

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #13 on: September 02, 2009, 05:51:11 AM
Thanks Zack,I have three fisher pens and one 701,I prefer the fine tip myself,but I have the med and bold also.

Great pic's also,I'm going to have to learn how to do that also.

 :cheers:& :salute:


spam Offline Zack

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #14 on: September 02, 2009, 02:52:03 PM
You are welcome sir.


us Offline Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #15 on: September 02, 2009, 04:24:37 PM
...and even figure out a way to add scissors.
 ::) :D :D


Offline f00

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #16 on: February 03, 2010, 02:14:29 AM
One improvement I came up with:
I didn't like the feel of the fisher cartridge in the 701 without the plastic grommit in the tip.  It felt loose and didn't sound right.  I modified the plastic insert to fit the fisher cartridge by pulling it out then pushing it up the shaft of the fisher cartridge backwards until it met the body of the cartridge, and using that body to stretch it out a bit, until it slid freely along the tip shaft of the cartridge. 
Also, I didn't have a swiss army knife handy, so I used a screw with success.


spam Offline Zack

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #17 on: February 03, 2010, 02:43:09 AM
One improvement I came up with:
I didn't like the feel of the fisher cartridge in the 701 without the plastic grommit in the tip.  It felt loose and didn't sound right.  I modified the plastic insert to fit the fisher cartridge by pulling it out then pushing it up the shaft of the fisher cartridge backwards until it met the body of the cartridge, and using that body to stretch it out a bit, until it slid freely along the tip shaft of the cartridge. 
Also, I didn't have a swiss army knife handy, so I used a screw with success.

You will soon enough, and thanks for the tip I will have to try it out when I get some more pens and refills.  Welcome to the forum too.


spam Offline glorn

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #18 on: February 03, 2010, 06:44:51 AM
Has anyone taken the 402 metal clicker and put it on the 701 for an a truly all metal pen? If so, how did you go about it?

G


Offline s7even

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #19 on: September 05, 2010, 06:02:13 AM
Mod's not working for me. If I swap in the fisher with the plastic insert out, the clicker doesn't work. The tip of the refill doesn't stay out when I click it down and when it does it gets stuck in that position. Any advice? THanks


cs Offline edcgear

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #20 on: September 05, 2010, 09:10:26 AM
 :2tu:
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ca Offline Black Rose

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #21 on: October 26, 2010, 04:09:28 PM
Has anyone taken the 402 metal clicker and put it on the 701 for an a truly all metal pen? If so, how did you go about it?
I haven't done it, but some folks on edcforums have.

The clickers simply unscrew (once you are able to get a grip in them) and then you can install the metal clicker from the 402 into the 701.

The clicker from the 701 will not fit into the 402 though, so you end up sacrificing the 402 in order to get an all metal 701.


us Offline sawman

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #22 on: October 26, 2010, 04:58:50 PM
Zack - very cool tutorial.  I love pens and have filled many Parker's with the Fisher refill.  I like these refills, although they do on occassion gum-up. 
SAW


Offline seattlejohn

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #23 on: December 19, 2010, 02:08:07 AM
This a great tutorial and great idea. Today I went out to my local Office Max and bought some F- 701's. No sign of the Fisher inserts and the folks at OfficeMax steered me to the online store.  On arrival home, I noticed the F-701's are "Fine 0.7mm." So question on for the list is did I screw up?  Second possible screw up is I duly ordered the inserts online. They were listed as "Penatia Fisher Astronaut Pressurized Ballpoint Refill, Black, Medium, 2/pk." Is this the same as the item in the tutorial? And will it fit the "Fine 0.7mm"?  Sorry to be such a dope on these matters.


us Offline TMedina

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #24 on: December 19, 2010, 09:58:03 AM
Seattle: nope, you're fine.  The 701 only comes in "fine", insofar as I am aware.

The mediums will fit just fine - the Fisher medium and fine refills are the same, with the exception of the very tip where, obviously, one is medium and the other, fine.

I have a medium tip in my bullet pen and a fine tip in my newly modded 701 (very cool tutorial!).

Minor modification: I kept the plastic insert in my pen, but shaved off the very tip to allow the Fisher cartridge to slide easily and avoid the minor rattling sounds I heard without the insert.

-Trevor
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us Offline ICanFixThat

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #25 on: January 07, 2011, 12:36:16 PM
Has anyone taken the 402 metal clicker and put it on the 701 for an a truly all metal pen? If so, how did you go about it?
I haven't done it, but some folks on edcforums have.

The clickers simply unscrew (once you are able to get a grip in them) and then you can install the metal clicker from the 402 into the 701.

The clicker from the 701 will not fit into the 402 though, so you end up sacrificing the 402 in order to get an all metal 701.

I've done this, in fact it is my EDC pen.  There is a tutorial on-line that shows the process in detail.  Just use google, it was easy to find.  Works great.  I put the plastic ring on the 402 and gave it away.  I like having the all stainless pen.  They also converted to Fisher refill, but I'm fine with the stock refil for now. 



de Offline Roebuck

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #26 on: February 28, 2011, 05:24:55 PM
Thanks for the tutorial.
Just ordered some F-701's and 402's from the US. So I will try the Space pen and "all stainless" mod soon.


spam Offline glorn

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #27 on: March 02, 2011, 07:32:54 AM
I did wind up doing the "all stainless" mod a while back. Makes for a great EDC pen. I did one with the Fisher cartridge, and one with the Zebra. My favorite all steel clicky pens!
 :tu:
G


00 Offline kirk13

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #28 on: August 19, 2013, 07:52:35 PM
Thread necro ala Kirk!

Just spent time zipping around the web looking at the conversion,just to end up back at MTo!

Need to get around to trying this :ahhh
There is no beginning,or ending,and for this we are thankful,cos now is hard enough to understand!


us Offline tattoosteve99

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Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Reply #29 on: August 20, 2013, 02:34:03 AM

Thread necro ala Kirk!

Just spent time zipping around the web looking at the conversion,just to end up back at MTo!

Need to get around to trying this :ahhh

It's all your fault anyway!
If I remember correctly, wait, what was I saying?


 

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