How To Fix An Inky Pen That Refuses To Write

We’ve all been there. There’s that one holy grail pen that we love to use, our favourite ballpoint, gel, rollerball, or marker. And it just…won’t…write. 

The first instinct is probably to burst into tears. Or to recite a dramatic soliloquy. “How could you betray me, dear pen?” But guilting the pen into working isn’t exactly the most efficient method of reviving it. So, what is? 

1. General First Steps

Sometimes, scribbling or doodling mindlessly on a scrap of paper can encourage ink flow. Or, leave the pen tip down for a few hours, or overnight, and let gravity do its thing. 

2. Ballpoint & Gel Pens

If ink is visible and just won’t flow, it might be a little stuck. You could gently heat the ink, which tends to help. Remove the refill from the pen, and use a hairdryer to warm the tip in ten-second bursts. Scribble intermittently to check the flow. 

3. Fineliners & Markers

Dip the pen in hot water for ten seconds, and then try scribbling with it. You could also leave the pen in water until you see ink leaking from it - that’s a sure sign that the ink is flowing, but beware! Marker ink may become watered down if left in water for too long. 

4. Dry-Erase/Whiteboard Markers

Typical tricks won’t work with these pesky pens. Instead, we need to use a little bit of physics. Tape a long piece of string to the barrel of the marker; and ensure to use tape to cover any holes in the cap to prevent ink splatter. Then, swing the marker like a lasso. Make sure you swing away from anything breakable! Here, you’re using centrifugal force to move any ink left in the pen towards the tip. See, physics! After about thirty seconds, gently uncap. You should probably do this over a paper towel, or sink. Have fun!

5. Thermosensitive Ink Pens

Thermosensitive ink disappears in the heat, so these pens need slightly different care. If yours refuses to write, it’s possible that it’s been left in direct heat, such as sunlight. Store it in the freezer overnight, and let it come to room temperature before you write. 

While we’re still at this, why don’t we briefly cover how to store pens? There are a few very simple guidelines that’ll help to make sure your pens pen when you need them to pen.

Ballpoint ink is viscous. Keep them in cups or boxes with the tips always pointing down, keeping the ink near the tip at all times. Gel pens and rollerballs have fluid, water-based ink. Store them sideways in a drawer to prevent leaks. 

Hopefully, you now know how to fix a pen that won’t write, and how to store pens so they do write. Hopefully, you won’t be freaking out before an exam. Hopefully.