Zebra Tactical Space Pen Mod Tutorial with f-701 and f-402
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- Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
- Showing how to make a tactical pen called the Zebra F-7402 mod. This Zebra pen mod uses both the Zebra F-701 ballpoint pen and the Zebra F-402 mechanical pencil, to create an all-steel tactical pen on a budget. If you plan on doing this Zebra pen mod, I recommend using all three items listed below. The addition of the Fisher Space Pen Refill will provide you with a more enjoyable and reliable writing experience compared to the standard Zebra gel refills.
F-701 Ballpoint Pen: amzn.to/2riI0Ii
F-402 Mechanical Pencil: amzn.to/2Dc3U12
Fisher Space Pen Refill: amzn.to/2DFzOo0
This custom pen has also been called the F-7401 or just known as the Zebra pen hack. A couple benefits from having a cheap diy tactical pen like this Zebra f701 mod, is that you can replace any wearing or damaged parts cheaply and quickly. All-metal pens such as this Zebra pen can be used as a last resort self-defense weapon if needed. Many all-steel pens which are designed for this particular application, are usually labeled or branded as tactical pens. They tend to be very expensive and heavy, not making for the best edc pen option.
Unfortunately many security checkpoints will consider this type of branded tactical pen a weapon, and will not allow it through into restricted areas. Although it's not guaranteed security will allow this pen through, it does offer a better chance as it hasn’t been designed to look like, or advertised as a tactical pen.
Check out my video review of the new Zebra F-xMD All-Steel Pen: • Zebra F-xMD Tactical S...
Best thing for me though, is not dealing with the panic, then anger, of losing an expensive purchased tactical pen. The loss of a diy Zebra pen mod will only set you back maybe a few bucks if you buy a three pack initially.
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#ZebraF701mod #TacticalPen #SpacePen #edcpen #penmod #intoweapons
I just did this mod, and it worked beautifully! I used a heat gun for maybe 20 seconds on the body of the F402 to loosen its clicker, then quickly swapped the 2 clickers and pocket clips while the glue was soft, so that now both are now glued in place. Since the F402 has its branding on the barrel and the F701 has it on the pocket clip, the new superpen has no writing on it at all (which I like) while the donor pen has both brandings. Both work perfectly.
2 notes about the heat gun: no freezing required, and be careful not to overheat because the inner plastic sleeve that the clicker screws into will warp
good to konw! about to do this now..cant believe it's taken so damn long....
Nicolas Desaulniers cool...
Thanks for the mod vid! Simple, easy, and straight to the point. And it worked. Gotta love it! I bought two pens and two pencils from the 701 series and did the mod to all four of them (using the tips, clips, and clicker rings from the pen and pencil 402 series), and now I have four completely smooth and clean, non-branded, stainless steel writing beauties! (The Frankenstein'd 402s I'm just gonna give away or toss)...
After the pens and pencils sat in my freezer for 35 minutes, instead of a lighter, I used a heat gun (so I didn't ruin the 402s), and I set it on high to apply and concentrate the heat onto one spot (like what you showed in the vid) for about 15 seconds and it loosened up the end like a charm so I could easily unscrew it.
Also, on the 701 pencil, I realized that it takes 0.7mm lead (with a tip size to match), whereas the 402 pencil takes the smaller 0.5mm lead (with a tip size to match). Because I prefer 0.5mm lead, I just swapped out the threaded guts of both pencils and swapped them, so my new 701 pencil now takes the smaller 0.5mm pencil lead, which allowed me to also use the nicer stainless steel tip from the 402 (which I had to, anyway, to fit the smaller lead). I use Pentel Ain Stein (get it? "Einstein"?) HB lead. Some of the best pencil lead you can get (and really nice cases, too).
I might get the Fischer ink refills later and experiment with that. For now, I'm good with the Zebra refills.
The only challenge I had with this mod was getting those stainless steel clicker rings from the 402 pens to screw into the 701 pens, which required some concentrated effort. The threads were clean, and they do fit, yet I finally had to resort to using some grippy fabric, a protective napkin over that, and a pair of pliers (being careful not to squeeze too hard or scratch anything) to screw them in tight. With a bit of time, patience, and persistence, I got it done and now these writing instruments are beautiful!
To compliment these new modified pen and pencil sets, I bought two stainless steel Sharpie branded pens that take refills. One has the standard black Sharpie marker nib, and the other has a fine black Sharpie nib. Both stainless steel and I carefully scrubbed off the printed branding on both. Now everything matches. :-)
glad you found the video useful! thanks for providing your feedback on the experience and some of the tips you had! enjoy the new pens!
Ha, I just realized I'm using the "frankenstein's monster" pen in my school supplies. I just happen to like writing with zebra pen refills, and the pen body isn't that ugly.
My pen/pencil sets look great and feel weighty.
Just did the in 3 minutes in my truck.
Little suggestion, once you stretch the tip insert, take a sharp knife and just trim about 1/16" or so off of the small end.
Eliminates the cartridge sticking on return.
Great video! I did the space pen mod a while back but put off the f-402 clicker mod just because I couldn't find good info on it. 30 min. in the fridge, heat, remove. Process was easy to follow. Thanks!
+Jason Cabreros thanks for watching!
BY FAR the best description I've seen on how to complete this process. Thanks for putting this together!
+Will Cockrell Glad it helped, I appreciate you watching and commenting!
I just performed this little mod,
Wonderful feel and a great cheap metal pen. Thanks for putting together the easy to follow steps.
***** thanks for watching!
Buy a Zebra F-xMD instead, all metal in one!
I just did it. Love it. Thanks for the easy step by step instructions. The hardest part is screwing the clicker back in. I used a rubber bracelet to pinch the clicker and rotated the barrel and it is now snug.
+13newbomb Glad it helped, thanks for watching!
Real easy to put the Fisher Space Pen Refill in the Zebra F-701 pen, but left the plastic tip insert out of the pen. Also the freeze and BIC lighter to heat the Zebra F-402 clicker end worked easy for removal. Left the pocket clip F-701 on the F-701 pen and if all clue is removed from the clicker; the F-402 metal clicker goes on without too many problems. If you must grab the F-402 metal clicker with the metal plies then use a paper towel or cloth ! Now have two all metal F-701 Space Pens and just one more to go. Take the left over parts and reassemble the F-402 pen clicker end; just a little bit of effort (pain) and maybe reheating. The Zebra F-402 now has a little bit of soot on it and makes a great gift... Now all my keeper pens have Fisher Space Pen Refills ! May engrave with name and/or "The Pen is mightier than the Sword." Thank you all YTers Zebra F-701 fans !
Eyes UP and lights down, tjl Sent by Win7Pro64 w/ADSL
I found there's a lot easier way to do the clicker mod. The F-402 and F-701 have an identical plastic sleeve on the inside. Just drive the outer metal bodies off both of them and switch between the pens. No cooling or heating required. Also, if you cut a tiny amount off the tip of the plastic the Fisher ink refill won't get stuck. It will also work without the plastic piece but then there is some wobble to the ink refill.
I just modded my Zebra 701 just as you did but I did want to let you know that if you take a razor and cut the little tip of that plastic piece inside the f-701 it solve that problem of the tight clicking and still has a firm grip on the space pen refill.
+crave4paint good to know, thanks for the tip!
lol.. tactical.
does anyone that uses tactical or edc to describe a pen to a person feel any kind of shame?
it’s a pen.
just a pen that is good at writing.
what tactics are used when utilizing this writing instrument?
are they technically tactical tactics?
Finally put one of these together. Have to say its pretty solid. I'm thinking it will be an excellent edc item for me since I'm restricted with my day to day ccw capabilities.
+Xavier Kalashnikov They do make great everyday carry pens! Best part is, it is not marketed as a tactical pen, and therefore really couldn't be used against you as such (legally speaking).
Thanks. There aren't many DIY videos for this mod. Very helpful.
Jonathan Grose Thanks, glad you found it useful!!
for the 701, all you need to do is remove the plastic thing from the tip. works fine.
It does let the refill rattle a bit. Not a functional issue, but some people don't like the extra movement and sound. Modifying the bushing (the plastic thing) and putting it back in keeps the action quieter by preventing side to side movement of the refill.
Is it necessary to swap in the metal F402 clicker? Does this make the pen stronger? Any weakness with that part being plastic?
Or is it just for appearance reasons?
Great vid man!! Glad to see someone do this video!!
In both pens, you can merely unscrew the tip about 2 threads, and holding the barrel using grippy gloves press firmly down on a hard surface until the plastic tube inside the pen pushes slightly out of the top. Then unscrewing the clicker is easy. And, it doesn't destroy the doner pen.
Ed Waller So no heating or freezing or pliers required? please tell me more?
Gary, No destruction of the pen using heat/cold or Pliers. Just partially unscrew the tip about 2mm. Then, firmly holding the barrel with rubber gloves, push down on the tip on a firm surface. The plastic tube inside the metal barrel will push up slightly from the top. Now the clicker assembly will unscrew easily. If you need further instruction, I'll try making a short video.
You can do the same thing to the m-701 pencil. I took it a step further and replaced the guts of the m-701 with the guts from a m-401 pencil.
+Jerry Parmely That is great! I did the original one - cost me about $20 Canadian and now I have a decent pen!
Don't forget to take whats left and make a "writing pen"
Nice, I might need to build one or two of these.
i have a 2 pack of both the 402 pen and pencil. and a 701 pen. will do this mod on the 701 pen soon.
Thank you for the video. I just did the modification today (except for the fisher refill). I used the tip and the clip from the f-402 as well as the clicking mechanism onto the f-701 body. It looks great in my opinion. I swapped the f-701 parts back onto the 402. Now I have two nice pens. I am curious to see if the fisher spacemen refill will work in the f-402 tip.
thanks for watching!
Awesome video. I lost the pocket clip on both f-402 clips. Didn't go with the Space Pen refill. I like how the Zebra writes.
Darn, I was waiting for you to make the pen a 7.62x39
454pakr lol
Do not forget to Switch the "Pocket Clip" F-701 to the F-402 clicker and mount on the F-701 pen Space Pen conversion. Also makes a great gift for not much money. Now part of my EDC, the Pen is mightier than the Sword !
Eyes UP and lights down, tjl Sent by Win7Pro64 w/ADSL
This might be a dumb question but, if the F-402 is all steel could you have just used that alone with the Fisher refill and not bothered with the F-701 parts?
sorry, been so long since I did this mod, couldn't even tell you :( Could give it a try and see, or perhaps another viewer might be able to assist. thanks for watching!
I will give it a shot, cheap mod anyway. I just ordered the F402 from Amazon...
The only con is it is not Ti ! Now will have to UPgrade the Zebra F-701 Space Pen with the F-402 SS clicker ! The Budget, the budget...
Eyes UP and lights down, tjl Sent by Win7Pro64 w/ADSL
When I went on eBay to get a 701 I ended up getting the F-XMD it was advertised as the update F-701 have you heard of this pen cannot find out what the upgrade was. Only cost £8.90
I have not, but it looks like an all steel pen designed for the food industry... very interesting, it looks like a very solid pen! haven't seen it available except for Ebay: goo.gl/zcQSdc But I do notice that Zebra has it listed as an official product on their webpage: www.zebrapen.ca/shop/f-xmd-ballpoint-retractable-pen/ , so it must be a legit product. thanks for sharing and watching!
Hi there hope you had a good 4th July. mine arrived today nice pen. all steel, seems Zebra watch You Tube as well
worked like a charm. Thanks
glad you found it useful, thanks for watching!
Great video. I have had trouble screwing the clicker part from the f-402 onto the f-701 barrel. How did you screw it on off camera ? I've cleaned the threads and still couldn't get the end screwed in until I eventually used plyers and scratched the hell out of the end
+Eric Burt Yeah, I had a lot of issues with that... I ended up heating up the area and cleaning off the glue from the threads, then essentially forced it on, back and forth - seemed to loosen up as I did it. Good luck!
I just use a Ti Arto pen it's my all time favorite pen
That background makes my eyes go out of focus
yeah, stopped using that particular background... it was a table place mat I thought would look good, bothers me too tho. thanks for watching!
Well done and succinct video, thanks!
goldfieldgary thanks for watching!
I'm having a hard time choosing which clip I should put on my Zebra, should I put the F701 clip or the F402 clip?
Can you share the link to the forum you saw this mod in? Thank you!
sorry, been so long I can't even remember what forum it was!
i have 2 f-402s and 1 f-701. i want to do the mod but just am concerned that i don't want to damage the f402 permanently so was wondering if through your method will the parts from the f-701 be able to be out back on the f-402 to make it functional?
Yup. I did this mod a year ago, and I end up with two functional pens. The by-product ends up with a pocket clip with the 701 branding and the body says 402...but it's functional (although ugly).
I just did the Mod. It went very easily. However, I kept the F-701 clip when I brought over the 402 clicker assy. I wanted the branding to remain in case there are any questions. I used a toothbrush to clean out the thread grooves on the 402 clicker case and it all screwed down easily onto the 701 body. It works great! Yet I could not reassemble the 402 with the 701 clicker assy. The clicker case would not seat into the 402 body. Stuck. I tried screwing down into the body but no joy. I’ll save the parts in case a solution arises. In the meantime, I have the awesome pen I’ve been wanting for quite a while. I have Tactical Pens but they can’t get through Security. They’re wise to them now. Now I have a strong, sturdy pen that can be used as a last choice for self defense but won’t be confiscated when passing through security checkpoints. The same pen used by Jack Ryan and Jack Ryan Jr. in ‘Point of Contact’. Woohoo! I’ll still keep a Tactical Pen in my car, though.
Most excellent - thanks.
thanks for watching!
does replacing the plastic part on the clicker of the 701 with steel make it more tactical or is it just for looks?
ultimately plastic can break, gets brittle, and will "decay" over time - especially if exposed to extreme weather conditions frequently. Will it ever fail in this application, I couldn't tell you... But I do know that steel won't fail, matches the rest of the pen, and provides a sure-proof tactical pen if needed. hope it helps and thanks for watching!
Is the 701 "clicker" could be replace to the 402?
Dimas Andriyanto Great question, unfortunately not. During the freezing/heating process to remove the F-402 clicker, it essentially destroys the threads... So the F-701 clicker is unable to be screwed into the F-402 body.
+Dimas Andriyanto If you use less heat. I just did the deep freeze and literally rolled it gently off on a candle flame (I have mostly butane lighters), The seal broke after like five seconds of heat, and I found that I could still replace the 701 clicker back onto the 402. It's a Frankensteined pen, but it's still a great gift.
For the life of me, I couldn't get the F-402 metal clip end to screw into the F-701. No apparent adhesive left on the end, but wiped it off with Goof anyway~still no luck. Wish I knew what the problem was. Any ideas??
It was a pain to get it to screw in and took me a while to do it... Just keep at it, eventually it should come together!
Amazon has all metal fisher space pens for $10.
What kind of ink is in the f 701 is it thick and oily
Not really. I found it to be too fine for my tastes. I only like writing with that pen if I have a thicker stack of paper to write on.
i have alot of the fisher pen refills lying around and would like to use them with a pen case, does anyone know which pens they might fit into? Preferably a click pen. Fisher pens are just weird and they only make a few clickers
Try the zebra f-xmd all steel pen. the fisher space pen refill should be drop-in.
Did anyone else have trouble screwing the 402 clicker into the plastic threads of the 701?
muthagoose00 Yes, I had a heck of a time getting it into the 701 threads... I warmed up the 402 clicker and really cleaned out the threads in case there was left over adhesive. After warming again, I was able to twist it in, but it took some work back and forth. After it goes in once, it gets much easier. Good luck!
IntoWeapons so you reheated the f402 clicker after initial removal and cleaning the threads but before installing into f701 barrel? that may be the trick I need since I've done three of these now and boogered up the hub. looks like crap.
Gary Cims yep, that seemed to help with fitting. thanks for watching!
These are just regular pens. Nothing tactical in them.
I would agree... kinda the point of this pen mod :)
I notice the EDC community is very big on the Fisher Space Pen. It perplexes me because Fisher Space refills are arguably some of the worst writers made by major pen companies. But I suppose most people don't write that often and just need something that writes. But if that's the case, why not go for a cheap Papermate or Bic?
Never heard that before on the Fisher Space Pen or Refills, usually they are very reputable. My Pen is actually still on my desk in front of me, use it regularly, and it writes better than any other pen I currently have... But I'm not into very fancy pens, so my comparison level is fairly low :)
I know that whenever I go to a flashlight or EDC forum and I hear about their favorite pens (there's always one of those threads), I keep seeing Fisher Space pens, and I bought a couple, along with several refills, and for the life of me I can't grasp why people like them so much. I thought maybe because they're a bit gimmicky with writing upside down and under water, but people swear by their quality. Even after seeing your video, I used one of my Fishers for the day to see if I can have a change of heart, and yet still I detest it - it requires so much pressure to write with, and you have to write in a very vertical position.
Compare it to a $5 or $10 Parker Jotter and see the difference - the Parker floats across the paper and the ink is so dense that it stands out from even across the room.
But like I said, it might be because most EDC enthusiasts don't need a pen for more than a quick note in which case the Fisher seems perfectly adequate. Unfortunately for me, I write pages upon pages of notes per day, and I have to fish around for pens that are smooth and have dark ink. So maybe I'm just more picky or sensitive to different types of pens than the average person is.
What Fisher space pen's having going for them is rock solid reliability. I have twenty year old cartridges that still write. And they and the other pressurized pen I discuss below, will write on incredibly wet paper and have no problem with thermal paper (receipts, etc), and don't care about cold until it gets extreme.
That being said, if you want better lay down, there are a couple of better options from the standard Med. Fisher refill. They do sell a bold that has a better lay down. And In pressurized pens I actually prefer the Uni-ball Power Tank. The standard version of it has a clear plastic refill so you can see how much ink you have left (it will write until it is truly out of ink) and it has a better ink lay-down then a Fisher does. Its cost per pen is less than a Fisher cartridge. The downside is that the write-out length is closer to a gel pen or roller ball then a ball point. And its cartridges are so big they won't fit in any other pen I am familiar with.
It's laughable that there are terms like "tactical pen".
I'm wondering what your definition of tactical would be then?
I've done this mod. I use this as a field pen. I use another one as a note taking pen with some Japanese gel ink refill that write similar to the Pilot G2. I like it a lot.
But with that being said, I've never thought of this as "tactical" in the sense that it's something "of tact", relating to "tactics" to achieve an end goal, or associated with the military or police. We're throwing the word tactical on a lot of stuff nowadays and it seems pretty silly. More of a marketing scheme than anything. Throw the word tactical on anything and guys will eat it up.
High quality? Yeah. Well-made? Yeah. Tactical? What? I guess.
Tactical pens are meant to be usable as a Kubotan in hand to hand combat. The heavier solid body is the key to that. And yes, I'm sure they are using "Tactical" as a selling point to inflate the price. You can get the same basic result from a reasonably solidly built pen. Doesn't even need to be metal, a pen with even just a decent amount of plastic to it would work just fine. Hell even a cheap Bic would do okay.
It is not a tactical pen
+Ahmed Yasser not sure anyone really has the authority to classify if a pen is tactical or not. I built this pen specifically as a "tactically capable" pen, but not marketed as such - therefore, eliminating the chance of airport or other security confiscating it as a "weapon" (which they can and have done for marketed tactical pens). I figure if the pen is strong (steel or better) and can do some serious damage in a tight spot, you have yourself a tactical pen, right?
Did you really need gloves? Like Jesus christ
Michael Matos Why not? Better to be safe than sorry.