Often, a hard-starting fountain pen that isn't writing can be revived by reactivating dried ink in the nib, typically with water.
Fountain pens, while elegant writing instruments, sometimes encounter issues that prevent them from writing smoothly. Understanding the common culprits and their solutions can quickly get your pen back in action.
Reviving a Hard-Starting Pen with Water
One of the most frequent reasons a fountain pen won't write is due to dried ink in the nib or feed, especially if it hasn't been used for a while. The good news is that this is often easily fixable.
Step-by-Step Water Activation
As highlighted in fountain pen maintenance guides, water is highly effective at reactivating any dried ink in the nib. This simple process should get a hard-starting pen writing again.
- Prepare: Have a small cup of clean, cool water ready.
- Dip the Nib: Gently dip just the tip of your pen's nib into the water. Ensure only the nib and perhaps a small part of the feed are submerged, not the entire section of the pen.
- Soak Briefly: Let it sit for a few seconds. The water will begin to dissolve and loosen the dried ink.
- Test and Observe: Remove the pen from the water and try writing on a scrap piece of paper. Initially, the ink may come out a little light as it mixes with the residual water, but it should then return to its normal color and flow once the water is pushed through.
- Repeat if Necessary: If the pen still doesn't write, you can repeat the process or consider a more thorough cleaning (detailed below).
This method is excellent for quick fixes when your pen has simply been left uncapped for too long or has minor clogs.
Other Common Reasons Your Fountain Pen Isn't Flowing
Beyond dried ink, several other factors can cause a fountain pen to stop writing or write inconsistently.
Clogged Feed or Nib
A more significant clog than simple dried ink can prevent ink from reaching the nib. This often happens if pens are left unused for extended periods with ink inside, or if using heavily pigmented inks without regular cleaning.
- Flushing the Pen: Disassemble your pen (remove the converter/cartridge). Flush the nib and feed section thoroughly under cool, running water until the water runs clear. For stubborn clogs, you can soak the nib section in clean water (or a specialized pen flush) overnight.
- Ultrasonic Cleaner: For persistent clogs, an ultrasonic cleaner (designed for jewelry or dentures) can be very effective in dislodging dried ink.
Improper Ink Flow
Sometimes the issue isn't a clog, but rather how the ink is flowing.
- Ink Choice: Some inks are "wetter" or "drier" than others. A very dry ink in a fine-nibbed pen can sometimes lead to hard starts or skipping.
- Air Bubbles: If you're using a converter, an air bubble can sometimes get trapped, preventing ink from flowing down to the feed. Gently flicking the pen (nib down) can sometimes dislodge it.
- Converter/Cartridge Issues: Ensure the converter is fully seated or the cartridge is pierced correctly. A loose connection can break the capillary action.
Nib Issues
The nib itself can sometimes be the source of problems.
- Misaligned Tines: The two halves of the nib (tines) must be perfectly aligned for proper ink flow. If they are spread too far apart or too close, or if one is higher than the other, the pen won't write well. This usually requires careful adjustment, often with a loupe, and can be delicate.
- "Baby's Bottom": This refers to a phenomenon where the very tip of the nib is too rounded, preventing it from making good contact with the paper and leading to hard starts. This requires professional nib grinding to correct.
- Oil on Nib: Natural oils from your fingers can transfer to the nib, creating a barrier that prevents ink flow. Gently wipe the nib with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Empty Converter/Cartridge
While seemingly obvious, sometimes the simplest explanation is the correct one. Double-check if your converter is empty or if your ink cartridge has run out.
Troubleshooting Quick Reference
| Problem | Potential Solution | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Starting/No Ink | Dip nib in water | Reactivates dried ink in the nib. Ink may be light initially, then return to normal. |
| Persistent Skipping/No Flow | Flush the pen with water/pen flush | Disassemble nib section, run water through it until clear. Soak overnight for stubborn clogs. |
| Ink Flow Intermittent | Check converter/cartridge alignment | Ensure it's fully seated. Gently flick pen (nib down) to dislodge air bubbles in converter. |
| Scratchy or Uneven Writing | Inspect nib tines | Check for misalignment (use a magnifying glass if available). Caution: Nib adjustment can be delicate and may require professional help. |
| Ink Not Reaching Paper | Clean oils from nib tip | Gently wipe the nib with a clean, lint-free cloth. |
| Pen Suddenly Stops Writing | Check ink level | Ensure converter is not empty or cartridge hasn't run out. |
Regular Maintenance for Smooth Writing
To keep your fountain pen running smoothly and prevent issues, integrate these practices into your routine:
- Regular Cleaning: Flush your pen with clean water every few weeks, or whenever you change ink colors, especially if using different brands or types of ink.
- Proper Capping: Always cap your pen securely when not in use to prevent the nib from drying out.
- Quality Ink: Use good quality fountain pen ink, as some calligraphy or India inks can contain shellac or pigments that will irrevocably clog your pen.
By following these steps, you can ensure your fountain pen provides years of enjoyable writing.
