If your fountain pen stops writing, it’s usually due to common issues like dried ink, low ink levels, or misaligned nibs. Here’s how to fix it:
- Check ink levels: Ensure the cartridge or converter has ink and is installed securely.
- Use proper ink: Stick to fountain pen-friendly inks to avoid clogs.
- Clean the nib and feed: Rinse with lukewarm water to dissolve dried ink.
- Prime the feed: Dip the nib in ink or gently squeeze the cartridge to restart flow.
- Fix nib alignment: Inspect the nib tines for unevenness and adjust carefully if needed.
- Address blockages or air leaks: Ensure all parts are tightly connected and replace damaged components.
- Try a different ink: Switch to a wetter ink or repeat cleaning for stubborn issues.
With these steps, most fountain pens can be restored to smooth writing in no time.
Pen Not Writing? Here's 13 Tips To Get It Working Properly
Check Ink Levels and Installation
Before tackling more complex troubleshooting, start with the basics. Many fountain pen problems stem from something as simple as an empty cartridge or a loose connection. Taking a moment to check your ink situation can save you a lot of hassle.
How to Check Ink Levels
A drop in writing performance often points to low ink levels. As fountain pen expert Jeffery Hamilton explains:
Your first clue is that it stops providing ink.
But you don’t need to wait until your pen stops completely to check.
For pens with cartridge or converter systems, unscrew the barrel to inspect the ink reservoir. Hamilton notes:
Most these days let you unscrew the cartridge and visually check the level.
Even for opaque cartridges, you can usually estimate the remaining ink. Many modern pens also feature transparent ink windows, allowing you to monitor ink levels without disassembly.
If you’re using a pen with a transparent converter or a demonstrator model, look for air bubbles. With a full reservoir, you’ll notice small, frequent bubbles. As ink runs low, the bubbles become larger and less frequent, sometimes accompanied by a “glugging” sound that signals it’s time to refill.
Install Cartridge or Converter Correctly
Proper installation is key to maintaining the airtight seal that ensures steady ink flow. The Goulet Pen Company emphasizes:
If there are any air leaks between the cartridge and feed, it will stop the capillary flow of ink down the feed.
When installing a new cartridge, press it firmly until you feel it puncture completely, ensuring it’s fully seated. After installation, gently squeeze the cartridge to help the ink saturate the feed and flow down the channel.
The connection between the cartridge or converter and the nib section must be tight to prevent air leaks. JetPens highlights:
Excessive ink flow can be caused by an air leak somewhere in the pen, often when the opening of an ink cartridge or converter doesn't form an airtight seal with the nib section.
If you’re still facing flow issues, try removing and reinstalling the cartridge or converter to ensure it’s snug. If the problem continues, test a different cartridge or converter - sometimes the issue lies with a defective unit that fails to seal properly.
Use Quality Compatible Ink
Not all inks are suitable for fountain pens. Using the wrong type can cause flow issues, clogging, or even damage. High-quality fountain pen inks are specifically designed for smooth flow and to avoid clogging the delicate feed channels.
Stick to reputable fountain pen inks that are formulated with the right viscosity and properties for capillary action. Avoid using regular writing inks, calligraphy inks, or India inks, as these can clog or damage your pen’s internals.
Additionally, consider the properties of your ink. Some inks are wetter than others, and switching between vastly different ink types without cleaning can lead to flow issues or chemical reactions.
The age and storage conditions of your ink also matter. Old ink may develop sediment or change in consistency, which can disrupt flow. To keep your ink in good condition, store bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Once you’ve confirmed your ink levels and proper installation, you’re ready to move on to cleaning the nib and feed to ensure peak performance.
Clean the Nib and Feed
If your fountain pen isn’t writing smoothly and ink levels or installation aren’t the issue, dried ink buildup in the nib and feed might be the culprit. The tiny channels in the feed can get clogged with dried ink, disrupting the flow of ink to the nib. A good cleaning can usually fix this and get your pen working like new.
Rinse with Lukewarm Water
Start with the simplest method: lukewarm water. Remove the cartridge or converter, then hold the nib under a gentle stream of lukewarm water (around 70–80°F). This temperature is safe for both plastic and metal parts and helps dissolve dried ink without causing damage.
Let the water flow through the feed from the back end where the cartridge connects. You’ll likely see colored water as the ink dissolves. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear, which usually takes about 2–3 minutes.
If your pen has a removable nib, carefully pull it straight out - don’t twist - to rinse the nib and feed separately. This gives the water better access to any blocked areas.
Avoid hot water or harsh chemicals like rubbing alcohol. These can damage the feed material or the nib’s finish. Lukewarm water is usually enough to dissolve most fountain pen inks safely.
Soak for Stubborn Clogs
If rinsing doesn’t clear the blockage, soaking can help dissolve hardened ink deposits. Fill a small glass or cup with lukewarm water and submerge the nib and feed completely. The water level should cover the entire assembly.
For moderate clogs, let the parts soak for 2–4 hours. For more severe blockages, leave them soaking overnight. You’ll notice the water gradually turning the color of the ink as it dissolves. Swirl the pen gently every hour to help loosen stubborn particles.
For tougher ink deposits, mix one part ammonia-free window cleaner with ten parts water. This solution is especially useful for breaking down pigmented inks, which can leave more residue than standard inks.
After soaking, rinse the parts again under lukewarm running water to flush out any loosened debris. If you see small particles in the water, that’s a good sign the cleaning worked.
Dry All Parts Completely
Drying is just as important as cleaning. Any leftover water can dilute fresh ink and affect how smoothly your pen writes. Shake off any excess water, then place the parts on a clean towel to air dry for 2–3 hours or until they’re completely dry.
Make sure the feed channels are fully dry, as even a tiny bit of water can interfere with ink flow. For faster drying, you can gently blot the outside of the parts with a paper towel, but don’t insert anything into the feed channels. Cotton swabs or tissues can leave fibers behind, creating new clogs.
Stick to room temperature drying - don’t use a hair dryer or place the parts near a heat source. Rapid temperature changes can warp or crack plastic feeds, so patience is key.
Once all the parts are dry, reassemble your pen and install a fresh cartridge or refill the converter. With the cleaning complete, your pen should write smoothly without any extra priming.
If your pen still doesn’t write, it may be worth checking the nib alignment and feed connection for any remaining issues.
Prime the Feed and Restart Flow
After cleaning your fountain pen, priming the feed is a key step to get rid of any lingering air bubbles or dried ink that might disrupt the ink flow. A pen that suddenly stops writing often just needs a little push to get the ink moving again. Here’s how you can restore a smooth flow.
Dip the Nib in Ink
One of the quickest ways to jumpstart a stubborn pen is to dip the nib directly into ink. This works particularly well if you have a bottle of the same ink already in your cartridge or converter. Simply remove the pen cap and dip just the tip of the nib into the ink. There’s no need to submerge the whole nib - just the very tip will do.
Hold the pen at a slight angle and let the nib rest on the ink surface for about 10–15 seconds. Through capillary action, the ink will naturally make its way into the feed channels. You may even notice a small amount of ink being drawn up into the feed.
Once done, gently wipe off any excess ink from the nib using a soft cloth or paper towel. Then try writing on a piece of scrap paper - most pens will start flowing again right away after this simple fix.
Gently Squeeze the Cartridge or Converter
If your pen uses a cartridge, applying gentle pressure can help push ink through a dry or blocked feed. Hold the pen with the nib pointing downward and locate the cartridge inside the barrel. Using your thumb and forefinger, give the cartridge a light squeeze for about 5–10 seconds.
You might see a small drop of ink appear at the nib tip, which is a good sign that the flow is restarting. For pens with converters, the process is similar but requires even more care. Lightly squeeze the converter while keeping the nib pointed down, then slowly release the pressure.
This method may take 2–3 gentle squeezes before you see results. Be cautious not to apply too much force, as you could damage the cartridge or converter, or worse, flood the feed with too much ink.
Use the Converter to Draw Ink Through the Feed
If your pen uses a piston or twist converter, the filling mechanism itself can help improve ink flow. Start by making sure the converter is filled with ink.
For piston converters, turn the knob forward slowly to push ink into the feed. For twist converters, operate the mechanism as if you’re drawing ink into the pen. Stop immediately if you notice excess ink appearing.
Handle this step carefully, as too much ink can flood the feed and cause blotting when you begin writing. If you see ink pooling around the nib or feed, wipe away the extra ink and let the pen sit nib-up for a few minutes. This gives the ink level a chance to stabilize before you start writing again.
sbb-itb-1dd4fe9
Fix Nib Alignment Problems
If your fountain pen glides smoothly in one direction but feels scratchy or rough in another, you’re likely dealing with misaligned nib tines. This issue, though common, can make even a high-quality pen feel frustrating to use. The good news? It’s often something you can fix.
Check Nib for Misalignment
The first step is to inspect the nib closely for any signs of misalignment. A magnifying glass or loupe is your best friend here. Look at the nib from the front, focusing on the tip where the tines meet. Rotate the pen to get a clear view from different angles - many nib issues aren’t visible when you’re only looking at the open face of the nib. Misaligned tines will appear uneven, with one sitting slightly higher or lower than the other. Even a tiny difference can affect how the pen writes.
"Sometimes you'll come across a fountain pen that feels slightly scratchy when you use it – the nib might write smoothly in one direction but scratchy in another direction. This is the classic symptom of tine misalignment." – ChrisR
You might also notice other symptoms during a writing test, such as skipping, snagging, or inconsistent ink flow. Once you’ve confirmed the misalignment, you can move on to making adjustments.
Adjust Nib Tines Carefully
If you’ve identified that one tine is higher than the other, you can try adjusting it yourself. This requires a steady hand and patience. To fix a high tine, turn the nib upside down and use a soft-edged tool, like a credit card. Gently press the higher tine against the card’s edge with minimal pressure. Work slowly, checking your progress frequently with a magnifying glass, and make small adjustments to avoid overcorrecting.
However, if the tines appear even but the gap between them seems uneven, it’s best to leave it alone. Adjusting the gap requires specialized tools and expertise, and attempting it without proper knowledge could cause permanent damage.
DIY vs Professional Nib Repair
After attempting minor fixes, you’ll need to decide whether professional repair is necessary. This depends on the pen’s value and the complexity of the issue.
For inexpensive pens, DIY adjustments are often fine, especially if replacement costs are low or professional services aren’t easily accessible. But for expensive or vintage pens, or for complex alignment issues like uneven tine spacing, seeking professional help is usually the safer choice. Many pen manufacturers and authorized dealers offer nib adjustment services, which can save you from voiding warranties or risking further damage.
Keep in mind that attempting DIY repairs on a valuable pen could void its warranty, potentially costing more in the long run than a professional repair would. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult an expert.
Proper nib alignment is essential for smooth ink flow and an enjoyable writing experience. Taking the time to address alignment issues - whether on your own or with professional help - can make all the difference in how your pen performs.
Find and Fix Blockages or Air Leaks
If priming hasn’t resolved the issue and your pen still isn’t writing smoothly, it’s time to investigate potential blockages or air leaks. These problems can persist even after cleaning and priming, so taking a closer look at the internal connections is important.
Air leaks can disrupt the delicate balance that keeps ink flowing steadily from the reservoir to the nib. When air sneaks into the ink system where it shouldn’t, you might notice intermittent writing - where the pen writes fine for a few words and then stops - or inconsistent ink flow, which can make your writing appear uneven or patchy.
Check Feed and Filling Mechanism Connection
The connection between the feed and filling mechanism plays a key role in maintaining proper ink flow. This junction must be airtight to keep the pressure balanced, allowing ink to move seamlessly from the cartridge or converter to the nib. To inspect this, start by unscrewing the barrel of your pen and examine where the cartridge or converter connects to the feed system. This complements the earlier step of checking the cartridge or converter installation.
Look closely at the cartridge opening or the converter connection for any signs of wear, cracks, or looseness that could let air in. Dried ink buildup around these areas can also indicate a leak.
Ensure the cartridge or converter is seated correctly. Cartridges, especially those that have been removed and reinstalled repeatedly, can develop small fractures. Similarly, check that the seals on converters are intact and that they’re securely attached.
Pay extra attention to the feed collar, the area where the feed meets the section housing. This connection should be snug, with no visible gaps. If you notice light shining through where parts should be tightly joined, or if components feel loose when handled, you’ve likely pinpointed the source of the air leak.
Tighten or Replace Damaged Parts
Once you’ve identified any issues, your next step is to either tighten or replace the affected parts.
For loose connections, start with gentle tightening. If you’re using a converter, unscrew it and reattach it securely by hand - just snug enough to hold firmly without over-tightening, which could cause damage.
If you find cracked cartridges, replacement is your only option. A damaged cartridge will continue to let air in and may eventually leak ink. When installing a new cartridge, push it firmly onto the feed until you feel it pierce the seal, then give it a final gentle push to ensure a complete connection.
For issues like worn seals or O-rings, replacement is often necessary. Many manufacturers offer replacement parts, and these small rubber components are generally inexpensive. However, if you’re working with a vintage or high-end pen, it’s a good idea to have the replacement done by a professional to avoid damaging delicate parts.
In some cases, the problem might lie with the feed itself. If the feed has cracks or isn’t seated properly in the section, it may need to be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. Keep in mind that feed removal and reinstallation methods vary widely depending on the pen model, so it’s best to consult the pen’s manual or manufacturer guidelines before attempting this.
If you encounter stripped or cross-threaded parts, this compromises the airtight seal entirely. In such cases, professional repair or part replacement is usually the safest solution, as trying to fix damaged threads on your own can often make things worse.
When reassembling your pen, take care to ensure every component fits smoothly. Avoid forcing parts into place - if something doesn’t fit easily, double-check the installation rather than applying extra pressure.
Try Different Ink or Clean Again
Sometimes, the issue with your fountain pen might not be mechanical - it could be the ink. Different inks can behave in unique ways, and if cleaning and priming haven’t fixed the problem, the ink itself might be the culprit. Let’s explore how switching inks or giving your pen another thorough cleaning might help.
Switch to Wetter or Different Ink
Using a wetter ink can often solve issues like dry or inconsistent ink flow, skipping, hard starts, or ink that looks faint on the page. Wetter inks are designed to flow more freely, making them a great choice for pens that struggle with dryness.
Some highly regarded wetter inks include Waterman, Monteverde, and Pilot Iroshizuku. Waterman inks, in particular, are known for improving flow in pens that tend to write dry. For everyday use, black and blue inks from brands like Parker, Waterman, and Lamy are generally reliable and thinner, which can help resolve dry-starting problems. If you’re dealing with a finicky pen, Diamine inks are often recommended for their smoother flow.
If you don’t have access to a different ink, you can try adjusting the viscosity of your current ink. Add a few drops of distilled water to dilute it slightly - this can temporarily improve flow and help you determine if the ink’s thickness is causing the problem.
On the other hand, avoid inks that are known to be drier, like Parker Quink, as they can exacerbate flow issues. Similarly, Pelikan 4001 and LAMY inks, while well-behaved, are considered drier options and may not be ideal for pens struggling with ink flow.
Repeat Cleaning if Needed
If switching inks doesn’t resolve the issue, it might be time to revisit the cleaning process. Some ink residues can be stubborn, especially if you’ve been using pigmented or heavily saturated inks, and may require multiple cleanings to fully clear out.
Repeat the lukewarm water rinse and soaking process described earlier. This time, you might want to let your pen soak overnight if you haven’t already tried that. Stubborn deposits often need extra time to dissolve.
Pay close attention to the feed channels during this second cleaning. If you still see colored water coming out during rinsing, keep at it until the water runs completely clear. The feed channels are critical for smooth ink flow, so even small amounts of residue can cause problems.
How Ink Properties Affect Performance
Understanding how ink properties influence performance can help you make better choices for your fountain pen. For example, ink viscosity is a key factor. Thinner inks flow more easily through the small channels in your pen’s feed, while thicker inks may struggle, especially in pens with tighter tolerances.
Surface tension also plays a role. Inks with lower surface tension wet the feed more effectively, enhancing capillary action and ensuring smoother starts when you begin writing.
Other factors, like pH levels and chemical composition, can impact how an ink interacts with your pen. Some inks dry out quickly in the feed, while others maintain consistent flow even after sitting unused for a while.
Conclusion: Proper Pen Care and Storage
Taking care of your fountain pen doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple habits, you can keep it writing smoothly and extend its lifespan.
Start by cleaning your pen every 4–6 weeks, or whenever you switch ink colors, to avoid dried ink and clogs. If you’re storing your pen for a longer period, make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned, emptied, and capped. Keeping it in a protective case will help prevent internal damage and dried ink issues.
Be mindful of where you store your pen. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, and if it’s filled with ink, store it nib-up to reduce the risk of leaks and clogs. Heading on a flight? Either use a full cartridge or remove the ink refill altogether to handle pressure changes effectively.
If your pen has been sitting idle for over a week and stops writing, try soaking the nib and feed overnight in clean water. This simple step often resolves the issue before you need to explore other fixes.
At Fountain Pen Revolution, we design our pens and inks to deliver reliable performance. Whether you’re starting out with a $35 set or enjoying the elegance of a Gold Nib Collection pen, proper care ensures years of smooth, enjoyable writing. Plus, our range of accessories is there to help you preserve your investment.
FAQs
How do I know if the ink I'm using works well with my fountain pen?
The type of ink you choose can significantly impact how well your fountain pen writes. If your pen feels scratchy or doesn’t glide smoothly, the issue might be the ink itself. It could be too thick, too thin, or just not compatible with your pen's design. To avoid problems, stick to high-quality fountain pen ink that’s specifically formulated for these pens. Using the wrong kind of ink can lead to clogs or even damage the nib.
If switching to a better ink doesn’t solve the problem, you might want to experiment with a different brand or cartridge. Sometimes, a simple change can make a big difference in flow and the overall writing experience.
What should I do if my fountain pen still won't write after trying all the fixes?
If your fountain pen still refuses to write after trying all the usual fixes, it might be time to look into more serious problems. Issues like a misaligned nib or a damaged feed can often be tricky to spot but might be the root of the trouble.
When you're unable to sort it out on your own, it's worth contacting a professional fountain pen repair service. These experts have the skills and tools needed to pinpoint and fix complex problems, helping to bring your pen back to its best.
How often should I clean my fountain pen to keep it working smoothly?
To keep your fountain pen working smoothly, give it a good cleaning every 4 to 6 weeks, or whenever you change ink colors. This routine helps avoid clogs, keeps the ink flowing effortlessly, and prolongs the pen’s lifespan. If you use your pen daily or prefer heavily pigmented inks, you might want to clean it more often for the best results.