How to Get a Ballpoint Pen to Start Writing Again
Why does it not just write the moment I first try it?
| Further Reading: How Do Ballpoint Pens Work |
Tips on how to get a pen to write again:
- Dip the tip in a drop of oil. Cooking oil is fine, any oil will do.
- Water can also work, but we suggest oil.
- Let it soak for 5-10 seconds, swirling it around in the drop of oil is best.
- Scribble vigorously on a piece of paper until the oil absorbs and only ink starts to flow.
- If it does not start, then soak the tip in oil for 20 minutes and try again.
If this did not work, here are additional tips
- The video below demonstrates a second way to get a pen to start writing.
- If none of the above works, then warming the ink just a little can tried. You should remove the refill from the pen before you warm the ink. Warming it can thin the ink or melt a clog, allowing the ink to flow easily.
Here is a video. NOTE: We are NOT responsible for any damage to the pen or refill if you choose this method.
The table below summarizes some issues you might face when using a ballpoint pen and their solutions:
| Issue | Solution |
| Pen won't start | Shake the pen gently to get the ink flowing |
| Dry ballpoint tip | Draw small circles on scrap paper to encourage ink flow |
| Old or dried ink | Soak the pen tip in warm water for a few minutes |
| Air bubble in cartridge | Tap the pen gently on a hard surface to release the air bubble |
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Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn. |
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14 comments
I live in a developing country. A ballpoint pen is a luxury & when they do not work it’s a small fortune to get another one!!!
Thank you enormously. This worked on my S pen for my S22. I’m amazed. I came to say thank you 🖤
@BILL Interesting! I am curious to hear if the method works on pens that are of that age. I know after that length of time, some ballpoint inks will dry out in the cartridge even sealed and still “new”.
The pens I’m trying to get working were brand new and still in the package. They could be 15 years old. The heat the tip method in a flame worked for some ballpoint stick pens, but not for some other ballpoint pens. I did the flame and oil thing. I’m soaking them in warm water now.
sometimes a pen will write on your skin(!) -a bit oily and textured – when it will not write on paper :( then you need to wash up but works in a pinch
