Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: The Simplest Ways
• Method 2 of 2: Using the tools at hand
• Tips
• Warnings

When the ink in the ballpoint pen dries up or air enters the refill, the pen stops writing. In this article, we'll show you how you can restore a rod relatively easily.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: The Simplest Ways

1. 1 Scribble vigorously on paper. Sometimes this is enough for it to return to working condition.
2. 2 Breathe on the ball tip of the rod for a second or two. Sometimes it helps.
3. 3 If the refill can be removed from the pen and it is not sealed on the side opposite the ball tip, blow into the refill from that side. Then insert the rod back into the handle.
4. 4 Press the ballpoint pen lightly against something (preferably paper) and see if it starts to write after that.
5. 5 Press the pen firmly against the paper, then move it to the side while continuing to press down. This can make the ball spin again.
6. 6 Try applying a few dots with a pen. If possible, paint the pen in a circular motion.
7. 7 Shake the handle. Take it by the side opposite the writing end and shake it as you would with a thermometer. This helps in cases where air bubbles have entered the refill - shaking can move the ink column closer to the ball.
8. 8 Refill the pen with ink. Change the refill in the pen to a new one, or, if possible, refill the old refill with ink.

Method 2 of 2: Using the tools at hand

The problem can be solved with the help of available tools.

1. 1 Rub the pen against the sole of your shoe with the nib end. Check on paper to see if it helped.
2. 2 Tap the pen against a tabletop or other hard surface. Place a piece of paper on top to avoid splashing ink.
3. 3 Rub the pen end against an eraser or other rubber object. This can facilitate the movement of the ball in the rod.
4. 4 Take the refill out of the pen and place it with the nib end in alcohol.
5. 5 Take a lighter and hold the ballpoint of the pen over its flame. Do this for a short time or the tip may explode! Then try painting a pen on thick paper.
6. 6 Rub the tip of your broken pen on a piece of sandpaper.
7. 7 Place one or more defective handles in a zippered plastic bag. Place the bag in a pot of boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then remove it and wait for the handles to cool. Take the pens out of the bag and poke them hard on the paper. After a few strokes, the pens should start writing.
8. 8 After moistening a wire with nail polish remover, slide it into the refill, collecting dried ink on the wire. The wire will become dirty. For this purpose, a guitar string with a diameter of 0.25 mm is well suited - clean the rod with it to the very end (of the ball). Nail polish remover will serve as a solvent.
9. 9 If an air bubble is visible near the tip of the pen, remove the metal tip and push the ink further using a paper clip or wire. A small piece of cotton wool will do as well. After making sure that the air bubble is pushed out, put the metal tip back on, and then paint the rod.
10. 10 Use water. The ball tip can be moistened with hot or cold water.
    • Dip the handpiece in cold water. If the ink is frozen, the water will dissolve it and wet the dried ballpoint nib.
    • Place the handpiece under a hot tap. This will also help dissolve dried ink.
    • Press the handle firmly into a damp cloth - this method is also suitable for lubricating the ballpoint tip. Use an unnecessary rag, as this operation will likely leave ink marks on the fabric!
11. 11 Use a microwave. Place the rod on a small piece of paper towel and place in the microwave for a very short time to warm it up.
    • Turn on the old-style oven for two sessions of 10 seconds each; in the case of a more modern oven, it will probably take less time. Be careful not to melt the plastic rod.
12. 12 Attach a permanent marker to the tip of the pen.
    • These markers usually contain a strong solvent that will help "reanimate" dried ink.
13. 13 Use a baby nasal aspirator. You can buy it at almost any pharmacy. Insert the aspirator spout into the rod and squeeze it. Do this until ink starts flowing from the pen.

Tips

• It may happen that all the above-described efforts will not lead to the "reanimation" of the rod. Then just get a new one.
• When blowing through the rod, do not breathe air into yourself, or you risk getting fancy lip coloration!
• Take the rod out of the handle and inspect it carefully. Many rods have transparent walls so you can see if they are out of ink or trapped in air. In both cases, it is useless to paint the pen.
• It is useful to have a spare pen with you in case you cannot restore the main one.
• If the ball in the refill moves normally, but you do not have a spare refill on hand, refill the ink from another refill. Use a cotton swab to push the ink from one rod to the other, butting the ends of the rods together.
• Shaking the handle, be careful, otherwise you will get dirty everything around. Better go outside.
• You can use the principle of centrifugal force by tying a rope to the handle and spinning it well. Do not forget to wear a hat - preferably one that you do not mind getting dirty.

Warnings

• When blowing through the rod, do not breathe air into yourself, otherwise you risk swallowing the ink and poisoning it.
• Shaking or tapping the refill may cause ink splatter. Perform these operations with the refill rod away from you to avoid staining your clothes or anything of value.