Multitool.org Forum

Tool Talk => The Mod Squad => Topic started by: Zack on August 27, 2009, 03:36:30 PM

Title: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Zack 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:
(http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy277/zrfraser/DSC_2450.jpg)

Tools needed:
(http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy277/zrfraser/DSC_2454.jpg)

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:
(http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy277/zrfraser/DSC_2455.jpg)

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:
(http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy277/zrfraser/DSC_2456.jpg)

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:
(http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy277/zrfraser/DSC_2457.jpg)

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:
(http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy277/zrfraser/DSC_2459.jpg)

Here you can clearly see the insert.

Adding the spring:
(http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy277/zrfraser/DSC_2460.jpg)

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:
(http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy277/zrfraser/DSC_2461.jpg)

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.
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Benner on August 27, 2009, 03:40:31 PM
Nice one (just needs that last pic swapping  :tu:).  :)
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Zack 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.
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Benner 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:
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Zack on August 27, 2009, 03:46:07 PM
That was the plan.
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Freudian Frog on August 27, 2009, 04:47:25 PM
Thanks! Will do this, I have a black medium fischer refill lying around somewhere...
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Gareth on August 27, 2009, 08:05:33 PM
Dead easy to follow that.  I reckon even I might be able to manage it. :tu:
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Zack 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.
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: AHB 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...  :)
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Tinnie 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 :)
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Neil on August 28, 2009, 07:54:17 AM
That looks easy enough. Nice clear pics, thanks Zack  :tu:
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Gareth 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.
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Zack 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.
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Smitty44 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:
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Zack on September 02, 2009, 02:52:03 PM
You are welcome sir.
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! on September 02, 2009, 04:24:37 PM
...and even figure out a way to add scissors.
(http://fc06.deviantart.com/fs30/f/2008/169/e/6/_cuttothechase__by_Mrichston.gif)  ::) :D :D
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: f00 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.
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Zack 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.
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: glorn 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?

Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: s7even 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
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: edcgear on September 05, 2010, 09:10:26 AM
 :2tu:
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Black Rose 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.
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: sawman 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. 
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: seattlejohn 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.
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: TMedina 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
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: ICanFixThat 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. 

Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Roebuck 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.
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: glorn 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:
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: kirk13 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
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: tattoosteve99 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!
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: Pecos Bill on August 20, 2013, 03:56:06 AM
Killer mod! :salute:
Took me all of 5 minutes to perform the 'transplant'.
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: MadPlumbarian on August 20, 2013, 06:19:22 AM
I turned one of well two 701's into pencils, but it was so long ago I don't remember, but I did take pics, here they kinda suck but, maybe they'll help, JR
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mrssabrina/Justins%20Projects/pen2pencil1.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mrssabrina/Justins%20Projects/pen2pencil2.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mrssabrina/Justins%20Projects/pen2pencil3.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mrssabrina/Justins%20Projects/pen4.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mrssabrina/Justins%20Projects/pen5.jpg)
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: detron on September 05, 2013, 06:20:05 AM
Done!  that was easy!  thank you.

OR I THOUGHT I WAS DONE, thanks MadPlumbarian  :pok: now It looks like I have to buy more and do more.
 :rofl:
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: MadPlumbarian on September 05, 2013, 01:25:31 PM
Done!  that was easy!  thank you.

OR I THOUGHT I WAS DONE, thanks MadPlumbarian  :pok: now It looks like I have to buy more and do more.
 :rofl:
No prob, you do know that you don't have to, they do make a M-701! :D JR
Here's just one,
http://www.amazon.com/Zebra-M-701-Mechanical-Pencil-59411/dp/B003G4SSLK
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: detron on September 05, 2013, 02:41:36 PM
thanks for pointing that out!

might still do the mod, because it is a mod
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: MadPlumbarian on September 05, 2013, 04:47:29 PM
thanks for pointing that out!

might still do the mod, because it is a mod
:tu: no prob :D JR
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: AimlessWanderer on September 05, 2013, 04:55:21 PM
I turned one of well two 701's into pencils, but it was so long ago I don't remember, but I did take pics, here they kinda suck but, maybe they'll help, JR
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mrssabrina/Justins%20Projects/pen2pencil1.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mrssabrina/Justins%20Projects/pen2pencil2.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mrssabrina/Justins%20Projects/pen2pencil3.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mrssabrina/Justins%20Projects/pen4.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mrssabrina/Justins%20Projects/pen5.jpg)

You turned a perfectly good pen into a pencil ? ? ?  :ahhh ....... WHY?

Kind of reminds me of when I got drunk and tried to twist a dog into the shape of a balloon ...  :whistle:



 :P
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: pfrsantos on September 05, 2013, 05:47:35 PM
I turned one of well two 701's into pencils, but it was so long ago I don't remember, but I did take pics, here they kinda suck but, maybe they'll help, JR

You turned a perfectly good pen into a pencil ? ? ?  :ahhh ....... WHY?

Kind of reminds me of when I got drunk and tried to twist a dog into the shape of a balloon ...  :whistle:


 :P
I'm affraid to ask how you blew it before twisting it...

 8)
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: MadPlumbarian on September 05, 2013, 07:30:14 PM
I turned one of well two 701's into pencils, but it was so long ago I don't remember, but I did take pics, here they kinda suck but, maybe they'll help, JR

You turned a perfectly good pen into a pencil ? ? ?  :ahhh ....... WHY?

Kind of reminds me of when I got drunk and tried to twist a dog into the shape of a balloon ...  :whistle:


 :P
I'm affraid to ask how you blew it before twisting it...

 8)
:rofl: lol, JR
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: AimlessWanderer on September 05, 2013, 08:37:10 PM
 :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh


 :D
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: rickinFL on September 05, 2013, 09:47:42 PM
I've modded a few of these. 
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LyGa5MDY03s/Tu1ZmVgsyFI/AAAAAAAAACE/t4xpDO3zFPE/s1600/zebragodot.jpg)
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: MadPlumbarian on September 05, 2013, 10:52:25 PM
I've modded a few of these. 
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LyGa5MDY03s/Tu1ZmVgsyFI/AAAAAAAAACE/t4xpDO3zFPE/s1600/zebragodot.jpg)
Nice! JR
Title: Re: How to mod a Zebra 701 into a 701 space pen
Post by: pfrsantos on September 10, 2013, 12:19:32 PM
I read this thread and took and old Inoxcrom for which I could not find refills and put a Parker refill in it.
(http://pictures2.todocoleccion.net/tc/2012/03/21/30980052.jpg)

The pen is metalic, extra-slim, very nice to use. The Parker refill is smaller and the tip to thin, it stood out more than half an inch and it had almost an inch of space to fill in the back. I used a piece of hollow plastic from one of these to keep the refill from sticking out.
(http://www.partydelights.co.uk/images/sweets/SWEE101/SWEE101.JPG)

I took the spring from a €0,50 plastic pen to put behind the Parker refill (still needs some tension adjustment) and got myself a Metal Parker Slim.

 :tu:

(I got to learn how to post my own pics to show it...)