The ballpoint pen cannot be used if the ink is dry or air has entered the ink cartridge. However, you can fix it right away with these steps:
Step
Method 1 of 2: Manual
Step 1. Swipe against the paper
There are times when the ballpoint pen just needs to be coaxed so that the ink runs smoothly again.
Step 2. If the ink cartridge is removable and the nib is not capped, you can blow the tip 1-2 times
This can be a temporary solution.
Step 3. You can also remove the ink cartridge and blow on the empty end
When finished, reinstall the ink cartridge as before.
Step 4. Gently press the ballpoint pen against the paper to make sure whether the ink is smooth or not
Step 5. Slide the ballpoint pen firmly against a piece of paper (while keeping it pressed) to get the ball rolling
Step 6. Make some dots
Once the ink comes out, make a circular pattern to make sure the pen is reusable.
Step 7. Shake the pen
Hold the pen by the tail, not the tip you use to write on, then shake it around as you would with a thermometer. This method makes the ink drop to the ballpoint pen and is used when there are air bubbles that enter the ink cartridge.
Step 8. Use the appropriate refill ink
If you fail to replace your favorite ballpoint pen, use the correct refill ink cartridge. Refillable ink cartridges can be found at stationery stores or from office supply providers.
Method 2 of 2: Using Home Appliances
There are many household appliances that can be used to fix a stuck ballpoint pen.
Step 1. Swipe the ballpoint pen against the sole of the shoe
After that, test it on a piece of paper.
Step 2. Tap the ball of the pen against a table or other hard surface
Line it with paper so that the ink does not contaminate the surface. In this way, the ink can flow again.
Step 3. Write on an eraser or other rubberized surface
This method can launch the movement of the ball pen.
Step 4. Remove the ballpoint pen and soak it in rubbing alcohol for 5 minutes
Step 5. Heat the ballpoint pen with a lighter
Do not be too long, so that the parts made of plastic do not melt. Press a ballpoint pen to a piece of paper, then use it to write, until the ink comes out.
Step 6. Rub the stuck pen tip into the nail sandpaper
Step 7. Put the ballpoint pen in an airtight bag
Place in a pot of boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Remove the bag from the pan, let it cool. Once cool enough to hold, remove the pen from the bag and scratch it firmly against the paper. After a few strokes, you should be able to use the pen again.
Step 8. Use a drop of acetone
Drop acetone onto a piece of wire, then stick it into the tube until it reaches the dry part of the ink. Remove as much of the dried ink as possible. Once the wire reaches the bottom of the tube, use a 0.010 guitar string to repeat the process, until you reach the ballpoint pen. The acetone will clean the ball pen so it can move smoothly again. However, this method tends to make a mess.
Step 9. If you see any air bubbles in the ballpoint pen, remove the metal tip, then force the ink down with the help of a wire clip
You can also use a small size sponge. Once the ink has gone down, reattach the metal tip. Use a ballpoint pen to scribble until the ink flows smoothly.
Step 10. Use water
Hot or cold water can also launch dry ink.
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Run cold water over the ballpoint pen. In this way, the compression on the ballpoint pen can be eliminated because the water will lubricate the dry ink.
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Run warm water over the ballpoint pen. The warm temperature will peel off the dried ink.
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Use a damp cloth. Try writing-pressing hard-on a damp cloth. This method can also re-launch the movement of the ballpoint pen. Make sure you don't wear clothes that are still on, as this will stain!
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Step 11. Microwave the refilled ink
Place the refill ink on a paper napkin. Microwave briefly, just until the ink is lukewarm.
- For older microwaves, heat in 2 sessions of 10 seconds each. For newer microwave models, it may take less time. Be careful not to melt the plastic parts.
- If you use this method, pay close attention to your ballpoint pen. Often ballpoint pens can explode or melt, leaving ink stains in the microwave.
Step 12. Use a permanent marker on the ballpoint pen
Usually permanent markers contain a strong solvent. Plug it into a ballpoint pen so that the dry ink can dissolve
Step 13. Use a baby snot suction
These can be purchased at pharmacies or baby supply stores. Insert the tip of the ink tank into the baby snot sucker, then squeeze the tool. Do this process until the ink appears to be flowing out.
Tips
- Sometimes, after everything is done, the ballpoint pen still jams. If all of the above fail, don't be afraid to buy a new ballpoint pen.
- Remember: blow, don't suck! Sucking will allow the ink to enter the mouth.
- Disassemble the ballpoint pen and check the ink cartridge. Most ink cartridges are made transparent so you can check if the ink has run out or if there are air bubbles in it. If there are air bubbles that get into the ink cartridges, rubbing them against the paper will do no good.
- In the future, make sure you bring a spare ballpoint pen, who knows if a stuck pen can't be repaired.
- If the ballpoint pen is used smoothly until the end but there is no ink refill, just pour the ink from another ballpoint pen into your ballpoint ink cartridge. Glue the two ink cartridges together or hold them tightly during the ink transfer process.
- Be careful when shaking the pen as the ink may splash onto other items. Do it outdoors or in an open space.
- Tie the pen with string to twist it around, but don't forget to put the pen cap on so the ink doesn't spill.
Warning
- When blowing the tip of the ballpoint pen, never suck it so as not to ink poisoning.
- Tapping or shaking the pen can cause ink to spill. Keep the ink away from yourself and other items and be careful not to splash the ink on your clothes or on your surroundings.
