If your pen runs out of ink or gets clogged, you might mistake it for being empty and throw it away, which is a waste. Today, I will share with you 9 quick and effective tips to fix a clogged ballpoint pen.
1 Scribble on Paper
Scribbling on paper quickly fixes a clogged pen
If your pen is clogged, try scribbling on a piece of paper. This helps the ball bearing in the pen tip to adjust and function properly again. This method is very effective in unclogging your pen and restoring its writing performance.
2 Blow into the Pen Barrel
Blowing into the pen barrel can unclog the pen
Blowing into the pen barrel is another way to unclog your pen, but it may require a bit more effort. For this method, you need to disassemble the pen and remove the ink cartridge. Then, gently blow into the end of the cartridge. The air pressure will help clear any blockages in the ink flow. However, this method may not always be successful.
Be careful when trying this tip to avoid getting ink on yourself.
3 Shake Vigorously
Shaking the pen vigorously can help resolve ink flow issues.
Sometimes, the ink may get stuck in the pen tip or there may be air pockets in the ink, causing uneven ink flow. By shaking the pen firmly downward, always pointing the tip away from you to avoid splatters, you can dislodge any air bubbles or ink clogs. This will allow the pen to write smoothly again.
Be cautious when shaking the pen to avoid ink splatters on your clothes.
4 Write on a Rough Surface
Writing on a rough surface can help unclog the pen
When your pen is clogged, try writing on a rough or textured surface. The goal of this method is to increase the friction on the ball bearing in the pen tip. This will help the ink flow smoothly again and is a very effective trick.
5 Write on an Eraser
Writing on an eraser can help fix a clogged pen
Writing on an eraser with your clogged pen is another effective method. The elasticity of the eraser will help dislodge any dirt or ink clogs from the pen tip. This will allow your pen to write smoothly again.
6 Press the Pen Tip Firmly
Pressing the pen tip firmly can be an effective fix
If the mini ball bearing in the pen tip has retracted into the pen, you can try pressing the pen tip firmly on a flat surface to create a gap for the ink to flow out. This will help improve the ink flow and make it more consistent.
7 Soak in Hot Water
Soaking the pen in hot water will restore its writing performance
Soaking the pen in hot water is recommended if your pen has thickened or dried ink. Simply wrap the pen securely and soak it in hot water for about 5 to 8 minutes. After soaking, let the pen cool down. This method is highly effective for pens with clogged ink.
8 Heat with a Lighter
Heating the pen tip with a lighter helps the ink flow again
Using a lighter to heat the pen tip works similarly to soaking it in hot water. However, this method is easier to do. Simply hold the lighter near the pen tip to melt any solidified ink, allowing the pen to write smoothly again. Be careful not to melt the plastic parts of the pen.
9 Use Alcohol
Soaking the pen tip in alcohol quickly unclogs the pen
Alcohol is an effective way to fix a pen that has stopped writing. Simply disassemble the pen, remove the ink cartridge, and soak it in alcohol for about 6 to 9 minutes. Then, remove the cartridge and let it dry. Your pen should now write smoothly again.
These are the 9 quick and effective tips to fix a clogged ballpoint pen. Hopefully, with these tricks, you can successfully unclog your pen. Good luck!
