Basketball Pen

Intro: Basketball Pen

Do you remember Stabilo's iconic basketball pen from the early 2000s? Here's my attempt to recreate it.

STEP 1: 3D Printing

Print all attached STL files:

• Hull.stl
• Tip.stl
• Ring.stl
• Lid.stl

STEP 2: Primer and Rubber Coating

Spray the hull with one layer of primer. I held mine in place by mounting it on a stick. This allowed me to evenly spray it from all sides.

Once the primer has fully dried, apply 4 – 5 layers of rubber spray.

In Stabilo's original, the small ring indicates the color of the ink. You may decide to paint it in the corresponding color. I decided to leave mine black as I use a black fineliner.

STEP 3: Assembly

Install the tip on the pen. It should make a 'click' sound and sit tightly.

Slide the ring from the bottom of the pen towards the tip.

Put the pen into the hull. Firmly push it all the way in, you may use the original lid to apply pressure.

The ring should now be locked between the tip and the hull and not be able to move.

STEP 4: Fitting the Lid

Depending on the tolerance of the 3D-printed parts, the lid may be slightly too tight. In this case, carefully scrape off a thin layer on the inside of the lid and test if it fits. The lid should sit firmly on the pen but come off without too much force – similar to the original.

STEP 5: Lines

Cut four thin strips of black rubber tape (100 mm × 1.5 mm). Align them with the notches and fix them with a folding tool or the pointy end of a paper clip.

STEP 6: Sticker (optional)

On a cutting plotter, cut a logo (for example the attached Wilson logo) from a piece of black rubber tape. It should not be larger than 20 mm × 5 mm.

Carefully remove the logo from the cutting mat and place it on the rectangular placeholder on the side of the pen.

Use a piece of paper to apply pressure on the printed logo without moving it.

STEP 7: Done

That's it. Enjoy writing with your new basketball pen!

Comments

[Niokeskub]

Oh wow you just made me remember I had one of those a while ago! Thanks! I completely forgot about them until then...
Anyway, your build looks just like the real thing!

[sandro.ropelato]

Hi Niokeskub,
Great to hear that you like it :) Do you, by any chance, happen to still have an original one? I am very curious about the exact measurements. I had to guess them based on pictures I found on the internet since I don't have the original anymore.

[Niokeskub]

Sorry, I don't have it anymore...

[neonstickynotes]

Very Cool! Great job.

[NirL]

This is great, thanks for sharing! I never thought about making any kind of a personalized pen using my printer. The techniques here are perfect and inspiring! Thanks a lot for sharing!!