Understanding the ballpoint pen
Before knowing how to fix a ballpoint pen, it is important to understand its mechanism. A ballpoint pen consists of a small ball bearing that rotates and rolls over the paper, leaving behind a trail of ink. The ink is stored in a plastic or metal cartridge that is placed inside the pen’s barrel. This cartridge is connected to the ball through a tiny tube that contains ink. When the user clicks the pen, a mechanism inside pushes the ball forward, exposing it to the paper, and ink starts flowing from the cartridge to the ball, allowing the user to write.
Finding the issue
Usually, when a ballpoint pen stops working, it is because of an issue in the ink flow. The ink may dry out, or the ball may become clogged with paper fibers or dust particles over time. The first step to fix the pen is to identify the issue. To do this, remove the cartridge from the pen and try scribbling on paper. If the pen writes, then the cartridge may be the problem, and you may need to refill it or replace it. If it does not write, then check the ball and the tube for any clogs or stuck ink.
Cleaning the pen
Cleaning the pen is an essential step to fix a ballpoint pen. First, remove the cartridge and clean it with a soft cloth or tissue paper. Then, place the tip of the pen in lukewarm water and refill the cartridge with clean ink using a syringe. If you notice any clogs, you can use a needle to clear the blockage. Next, clean the ball and the tube using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Make sure to remove any debris that may cause clogging.
Replacing the refill
If the cartridge is empty, you can refill it with ink. However, if it is damaged or worn out, you may need to replace it. To do this, unscrew the pen’s barrel, remove the old cartridge, and insert a new one. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as some pens may have specific cartridges that fit them.
Final checks and considerations
After fixing the pen, test it on a piece of paper to ensure that it works correctly. If it still does not write, you may need to take it to a professional repairer or replace it. Additionally, to prevent this issue from happening again, store your pen in a dry place and keep the cap closed when not in use. You can also try writing more frequently to keep the ink flowing smoothly.
