How to fix a ballpoint pen that skips? This article is for you if you have the same problem: a skippable ballpoint pen.
While most of our writing is done with computers and other gadgets nowadays, there are still some tasks that require a traditional pen. Writing a list of groceries, a daily entry in a diary, signing important documents, or applying for a credit card are all examples.
Anyone can tell that there’s probably nothing more disturbing than having a pen that skips or does not work anymore. Most pens stop working because they run out of ink. Instead, it is because they can’t do their job.
Two things are constant causes of pens skipping, according to our experience. The first is the ink cartridge’s air, and the second is dried ink that blocks ink flow.
These problems occur most often when the pen is not used for a long time. The ink on the rollerball or tip may dry and block the ink, or make the pen unable move freely.
Unfortunately, either of these two happens to your pen certainly causes you a headache especially if you don’t have a spare one.
So how do you fix a skip in your ballpoint pen?
This article will solve your problem. These tips will help you bring your pen back to life.
A few items or tools that you frequently find in your home are all you need. A little bit of your effort. Yes, it may take a few minutes to get your pen working again.
If your ballpoint pen stops working, the first thing to do is to look for any bubbles in the ink cartridge. Bubbles interfere with the ink’s flow down to the tip of the pen. Ballpoint pen stops functioning as a consequence.
To remove the pinout on the cartridge’s tip, it is best to take the ballpoint pen out of use. To force ink to flow downwards, first poke or strike the cartridge’s tip with a hard surface.
This requires extra care and timing. You should not strike the cartridge with your finger too hard. Pay attention to how the ink moves. Once the bubble has disappeared, you can re-join your pen tip into the cartridge.
Ballpoint pens that dry on the tip of their pen are another reason they fail. This will prevent the ink flowing freely. You will need to have some materials in this situation. The following items may be required:
- Lighter
- Match
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Cardboard
- Paper
First 1
Dip the tip of the pen in the rubbing alcohol. This will help the ink dissolve. If the issue is on the tip of the pen, the pen must be working right after you’ve done this step. If the pen is not working, you can move on to the next strategy.
Step 2
Using your match or lighter, slowly heat up the tip of the pen. You should heat the pen enough to melt the ink. This process should continue until the ink is flowing freely. However, excessive heat can also cause pen to melt.
It may be necessary to constantly monitor the temperature during this process. You can touch the tip of your pen with your fingers occasionally. If it’s hotter than what you expect, temporarily get the tip of the pen out of the flame. You can then continue the process by repeating it intermittently.
Step 3
After performing the second step, carefully strike the pen on the edge of a table or any hard surface to remove any blockage that stops the roller ball to move freely. Do not use too much force. This could damage your pen.
Step 4
Now, try to write on rough paper or cardboard. This will allow the ink to come off the rollerball. At this point, your pen should be functioning properly.
No matter what problems you have with your pen, patience is the best thing. That is right, patience. To be able to use any of these techniques, you must have peace of mind. You will not be able fix your pen if you let your frustration and anger take over.
Your blood pressure will rise if your pen stops working during an emergency writing situation.
You need to keep your emotions in check when this happens. It is not a good idea to react violently. Focus on your pen and make a simple inspection.
Make sure the ink is clean. If there’s plenty of ink, then the problem is either the air inside the cartridge that prevents the ink from flowing down the tip. Dry ink may also prevent the rollerball from moving freely.
Once you have identified the cause of the problem, choose which strategy to use.
The strategies we have shared here might not work for you in extreme cases, but it depends on how severe the damage is. If that happens, the only solution is to purchase another pen.
We hope you find this simple guide to fixing a skip-in ballpoint pen helpful. More information about ballpoint pens can be found here.
