A new pen, like a car, requires running-in. Having bought a new pen, we sometimes encounter such a nuisance as intermittent writing. The pen leaves an intermittent stroke, which indicates an uneven ink supply. This is the first common problem. The second problem is that the pen scratches the paper. The third problem is the difficult movement of the piston in the dial mechanism. And the fourth nuisance is a sudden stop in the supply of ink to the pen.
Basically, this is a list of the most common faults with any fountain pen. But if we talk about the new pen, then this is the result of her “childhood illnesses”.
Why does the pen write intermittently? If it is working properly, then the problem is most likely with the factory lubricant, which has clogged the feeder channels. Why does this lubricant (usually technical petroleum jelly) end up in the feeder labyrinth and capillary? She shouldn't be here? It shouldn't. But factories that produce pens use continuous production. One section produces feeders, another produces barrels, a third produces caps, and a fourth collects handles. Production is organized in such a way that excess products are sent to the warehouse. This ensures the continuity of the assembly line - if the plant uses a conveyor production method. In addition, some of the finished feeders are sent to the warehouse as spare parts for repairing handles. To prevent oxidation of the surface of the feeder channels, an easily washable technical lubricant is used. Its particles clog the feeder channels if the lubricant gets inside.
Typically, a new nib will be cleared of grease when you refill the pen for the first time. Expensive handles assembled by hand do not contain any preservative lubricant at all. Therefore, expensive fountain pens are not subject to such troubles. And cheap ones happen.
What should I do if my new pen doesn’t write or writes intermittently? Rinse it. To do this, you need a glass of clean water at room temperature (and sometimes a few drops of ammonia). You need to rinse the handle by rotating the handle of the dial mechanism - drawing in and expelling water from the tank until complete cleansing feeder channels.
How to determine the moment of cleansing? Very simple. We can only detect the effect of intermittent writing after refilling the pen or installing a new ink cartridge. Consequently, the feeder fills with ink. And you need to rinse the pen until the channels (labyrinth and capillary) are completely clear of ink. If washing does not help, repeat the procedure. Does your pen still refuse to write? Then you need to contact the service.
The fact is that the feeder capillary may be clogged with shavings (plastic, hard rubber, metal). Regular washing is not enough here. A radical “treatment” is required with disassembly of the writing unit. The problem is rare and only happens with cheap fountain pens. But it happens.
Along the way, let’s clarify the question - why the handle starts slowly. That is, the stroke does not appear immediately, but after a centimeter or two of the path traveled by the pen. The problem may be in the same conservation lubricant, which can be solved by washing with water and ammonia. But there is another reason - the feather is not broken in.
A new nib always scratches the paper a little. We feel this through the resistance to writing and the creaking sound of the carbide ball of the pen rubbing against the paper. If the point of contact of the ball with the surface of the paper is too small, the pen will not start immediately.
How to fix it? Patience. The pen requires running-in, during which the ball of the pen tip is ground at a certain angle and takes on its final shape. The pen becomes a working tool quite quickly. The initial run-in requires 2 to 4 days. After this, the feeling of the scratching stroke of the pen decreases, and the pen acquires a soft stroke.
Full testing occurs within six months of regular writing. Six months is maximum term. But owners of good fountain pens say that over the years their favorite pen writes better and better. This is the result of a deep run-in. The carbide ball wears out in such a way that the contact area with the paper becomes ideal for our handwriting. All microprotrusions of the ball are ground off. The stroke of the pen becomes not only soft, but also as comfortable as possible.
About the dialing mechanism
Most fountain pens are equipped with either a cartridge refill system or a detachable piston converter. A small amount of elite fountain pens are equipped with a so-called “piston” mechanism - the same converter, but non-removable.
If the piston in a new converter moves with difficulty, the converter must be thoroughly washed. The problem may be that there is either preservative grease or a piece of shavings inside the reservoir. In converters of cheap fountain pens, the cause of converter malfunction may be the damper spring against which the end of the piston rests. This spring softens the pressure of the dial mechanism piston. In simple Parker handle converters (without a screw rod), the cause of the failure may be a ball that moves freely between the converter outlet and the piston. But this is a fairly rare malfunction.
Even less often, another accident occurs when a normally written, serviceable fountain pen suddenly completely refuses to write, completely losing its functionality. The reasons may be different - up to the destruction of the feeder capillary. But usually this occurs due to the accumulation of thickened ink particles in the feeder channels.
How to “cure” a failed pen? Rinse the feeder - as described above. Did not help? Place the feeder in a glass of water at room temperature and let it soak for a long time (a day is enough). Then rinse the feeder again.
You can prevent fountain pen failure by following simple rules. First, the pen should not remain idle for a long time. Once you have refilled your new pen, write with it. Second, don't use bad ink. Choose a brand that you like. Don't skimp on ink. And don’t be tempted by the low price, the domestic “Rainbow” is not the best the best option- quality is unstable. And third, wash your fountain pen regularly. Better after the next bottle of ink runs out. Switching to other inks - washing the pen. This can be done using a standard converter.
By the way, you should keep the converter at hand, even if you use replaceable cartridges. It makes it easier to wash the handle.
And one last thing. A fully break-in pen will be only for you and your writing style. In the wrong hands, even a very old fountain pen will behave like new. The process of breaking in the nib of an old pen is no different from the process of breaking in a new fountain pen. In this sense, good feathers never grow old.
What to do if the pen doesn't write? Of course, this stationery item is inexpensive, and you can always buy a new one. But sometimes with each new purchase we get another problematic pen - they either don’t write at all or stop leaving marks on the paper after a while.
And many people are concerned about the question of whether they can somehow be revived. So, here you can find out what to do if the pen does not write.
Types of faults
What could be wrong with your pen? There are quite a lot of malfunctions, we list the most common ones:
- The new pen writes intermittently, in strokes, and a creak is heard.
- The pen doesn't write after it hasn't been used for a while.
- The paste has dried out.
- The ballpoint pen is missing a ball.
- The paste has leaked out of the rod.
In order to determine why the pen does not write and what to do if there is no way to immediately buy a new one, you need to carefully examine it. Most often, the cause of the malfunction is determined fairly quickly, after which it is necessary to decide whether it is possible to somehow revive it and bring it into working condition.
What to do if the pen does not write
- If a ballpoint falls out of a ballpoint pen, it cannot be saved. You won't be able to insert the ball, but you can get the paste dirty from head to toe. Accept the loss.
- If the paste of a gel or ballpoint pen has leaked out of the refill, the easiest way is to throw it away, since when cleaning it and subsequent use there is a high chance of staining both yourself and the environment. But if there is no choice, then disassemble the mechanism on sheets of paper and wipe every part wet wipes. Then assess the level of paste in the rod, blow it out and assemble the handle.
- A new pen often writes poorly due to poor ball break-in. This is why a new pen needs to be painted, and in some cases, a little more effort than usual.
- If a pen doesn't write after it hasn't been used for a couple of months, it usually means the paste has thickened too much. And if you don’t use it even longer, the paint inside the rod will completely dry out. To solve this problem, experts advise using one of two methods. The first is to heat the metal tip with a lighter to soften the ink. It is not recommended to use it due to the fact that open fire is unsafe. In addition, this way you will most likely just melt the plastic rod. The second way is to hold the rod under hot water. This technique is safer. If it is not possible to use hot water, then you can simply rub the rod in your palms.
But sometimes malfunctions occur not with a cheap ballpoint or gel pen, but with a more expensive and prestigious one - a fountain pen.
A fountain pen
What to do if he doesn’t write? Typically, inexpensive items suffer from this problem, while exclusive hand-built models are less susceptible to such malfunctions. But occasionally problems arise for them too.
If the new pen writes intermittently and with a slight squeak, this is a break-in problem, exactly the same as with a ballpoint analogue. The pen needs to be painted, and this takes time and patience.
But what to do if the problem does not disappear over time? Most likely, the problem is the factory lubricant that has clogged the feeder channels. Occasionally, tiny metal shavings may end up there. In case of this problem, it is recommended to rinse the pen:
- Disassemble the mechanism.
- Rinse under running water to remove the ink. Use only cold water, as hot water can deform some parts.
- Soak the feather for 1-2 hours in clean water.
- Dry the handle. The procedure will take from 12 to 24 hours.
- Assemble the mechanism.
Also, washing a fountain pen should be done if it has not been used for a long time and there is a risk that the ink has dried out. If the pen malfunction cannot be resolved by washing, you should contact customer service.
Corrector pen
A correction pen is an indispensable attribute of any student. It is found in any office and often helps out when you need to quickly and quietly correct a mistake. But what to do if the corrector pen does not write?
In fact, they dry out quite quickly and also often begin to leak, which complicates the work.
If the new correction pen does not write, then it must be shaken well for several minutes. Then remove any leaking marks on the tip. And you can start working.
If this doesn't work, try pressing harder when correcting mistakes - this will release more of the corrective agent. In cases where the corrector is water-based, when it dries out, you can soak the tip and the pen will work again.
Even in the age of computer technology, we still use ink and paper. But very often, our pens simply don’t write. And this has nothing to do with the pasta running out. But how can you write quickly on a ballpoint pen if you don’t have a spare one? To begin, draw it properly on a piece of paper. Sometimes the pen needs to be “stirred” in this way so that it can write. If not, then move on.
How to simply paint with a pen?
First of all, you should try the pen on different sheets of paper. It may not be the writing instrument itself.
For example, if the paper has a greasy content (invisible to the eye), then it may well not accept ink. And you will torture your pen.
If this is not the case, then simply take the rod and blow into it, as in balloon With reverse side. This will increase the ink pressure inside. And the pen will definitely start writing better. I should at least start...
You can also try drawing with a pen on the sole of your shoe. Because of its structure, the sole of any shoe or eraser causes the ball in the rod to spin vigorously, as if working it out.
Painting with a ballpoint pen
In addition, the pen may not write if some of the ink has dried out. In such a situation, the iron tip of the rod can be heated.
This can be done in your hands by properly twisting the rod. Another option is to put the rod in warm water. This will most likely help.
Just do not heat the rod in boiling water or over an open fire. After all, the iron part of it can simply fall out. And in some cases, the rods even melt or explode. And their contents end up on everything.
And remember that it is better to paint pens on plain paper. For example, the ball simply does not write on glossy paper and other surfaces.
Always have at least two pens with you. Then you will never find yourself in an awkward situation.
Don't be foolish and don't conduct different experiments. For example, someone says that you can pull a ball out of a rod. The result of such pulling out can be dirty clothes, hands and everything around.
Feel free to throw away old or poorly writing pens. This way you won't bump into them again and again. And you won’t have to suffer with them again.
Among other things, look at the rod writing pen to the light. It may be out of ink. But they still remained on the walls, creating the illusion of fullness.
In general, pens are quite cheap. Just always have them on hand. And you don’t have to “conjure” artificially prolonging their service life.
There are situations when you have to write a lot by hand:
When passing the Unified State Exam,
- at a lecture at the university,
- at an important meeting,
- when drawing up various statements.
Usually, without thinking, we buy a cheaper option and get problems with it. The manufacturer of a low-quality product saves on materials: it uses bad paste, inserts a cheap ball, uses low-quality rods. Bringing a cheap pen to life is more difficult than an expensive one, but you can try. Below you will see 6 ways to make the capricious tool work:
1. Just warm it up. When the paste warms up, it flows better to the ball. You can warm it on a radiator, over a lighter, in your hands, or in warm water.
2. Dip the tip into cologne or alcohol for a few seconds.
3. Blow into the rod. The culprit for the fact that the pen does not write may be an air lock - it needs to be eliminated.
4. Develop a ball. Press it harder, try writing with different pressure levels, different angles of inclination - on different types of surfaces.
5. Change paper. Expensive polished paper is subjected to special treatment; as a result, the ball does not have good grip; it slides along the surface, but does not spin.
6. Cover the bottom of the sheet with something to prevent your hand from touching the paper.
The natural sebaceous secretions of our body leave imperceptible marks on the surface of the sheet, because of this, the ballpoint pen sometimes does not write.
The same tips will be useful for reviving a new pen. Problems with new instruments arise due to improper storage, inappropriate temperature conditions, and “unworked” individual parts. Therefore, it is better to check the product before purchasing in the store.
What to do if feather pen Not writes
We list the main reasons for failure of a fountain pen and how to eliminate them:
1) Ink does not flow to the pen because it is dry, clogged, or simply not there. You need to disassemble the instrument, wash, dry, reassemble and refill with new ink.
2) The pen was made of poor quality material and became deformed when writing. Replace the pen or buy a new tool.
3) The work used inappropriate ink. We do the same steps as in point 1.
4) The pen wrote on soft, coarse-grained paper, and small fibers became clogged with it. You need to disassemble the tool and clean it.
What to do to ensure that the pen writes in any conditions
A. Buy a high-quality, expensive pen from a well-known brand.
B. Always have a supply with you different types handles
C. Test the tool before purchasing, buy such things not on the market, but in a specialized store.
D. Have several types of paper for notes.
D. Take care of your writing instruments.
And most importantly: any tool must be handled carefully. Then the problem is that the pen doesn't write at a crucial moment, will no longer arise.
Error in the text? Select and press Ctrl+Enter!No. 1. Write with a fountain pen with strong pressure. Perhaps the most remarkable quality of a fountain pen is that it does not require pressure when writing - it can literally write under its own weight. And yet, people who are accustomed to using ballpoint pens often continue to put pressure on the writing unit when switching to fountain pens. Excessive pressure may cause the tips of the pen to separate and ruin the pen. Do not try to draw on a dry fountain pen by pressing the nib or tapping it on a hard surface; you risk ruining it. It’s better to hold it under running water - the handle will “come to life”.
Advice: just relax and enjoy writing without pressure and without the consequences of numb fingers from fatigue.
No. 2. A fairly common mistake: carrying a pen together with other metal objects: keys, keychains, a folding knife, etc. The body of your pen can get scratched, whether it is made of plastic, metal with a lacquered or anodized surface.
Tip: Always carry your pen separately from these items: in another pocket, in a pencil case, or place the pen in a case or case.
No. 3. Use special calligraphic ink in your fountain pen, marked like: India Ink, Lawer’s Ink, Pigmented Ink, etc. This ink is intended for dipping pens. Some of these inks are formulated specifically for use in fountain pens, but most are not. Calligraphy ink contains shellac, a resin that, when dried, completely blocks the ink channels in your pen. This ink is only dissolved by alcohol, which can also ruin your writing instrument.
When a fountain pen needs to be refilled with waterproof ink, for example, for sketching using the “ink + watercolor” technique, pigmented ink is usually used - special for fountain pens, for example, Platinum Carbon Ink. Remember that when using such ink, the pen must be washed more often.
Tip: When purchasing ink, make sure it is the type that is suitable for fountain pens.
No. 4. This mistake is often made by more experienced users: Do not care for your fountain pen. Caring for a fountain pen is quite simple: the pen must be periodically washed with water at room temperature. Sometimes it is enough to hold the writing unit under running water. If a pen filled with ink has been left unused for a long time and the ink in it has dried, place the writing unit in a glass of water for a while. If you are using a converter, simply fill the pen with water and empty it, repeating this several times until the water becomes clear. By the way, with constant use of the converter, the pen requires less maintenance— the piston ink intake system automatically rinses the pen.
*The Goulet Pen Company blog also recommends a syringe as a handy means for cleaning the writing unit of the pen. As they say, everyone has their own rituals, choose the one you like best.
If you use one color of ink, you can wash your pen once a month. If you change ink, wash it before each new refill.
No. 5. This is not a mistake, but rather a death sentence for your fountain pen: wash it with alcohol or acetone. Acetone dissolves plastic, and alcohol is quite aggressive to both external and internal parts of the handle.
Tip: Use water to rinse your fountain pen - it is sufficient for this task.
No. 6. This mistake can be fatal for your pen: dropping a fountain pen when there is no cap on it. According to the law of the sandwich, it will fall feather down. If the surface is hard, it will bend and the nib will usually be beyond repair. In premium pens, repairs and replacement of the nib can cost the cost of the entire pen. You will have better luck if you own a Lamy pen or a couple of other brands whose pens you can change the nibs yourself.
Tip: When you finish writing, immediately put the cap on your pen.
