A Quick Thought From the Repair Desk: Why Fountain Pens Stop Writing
Earlier today I was cleaning a fountain pen that had completely stopped writing. When I opened it up, the issue was exactly what we see most often during repairs: dried ink inside the feed.
Fountain pens use liquid ink, and when the pen sits unused, that ink slowly dries out. As the moisture evaporates, the remaining ink becomes thicker and eventually forms residue inside the feed. Once enough ink dries there, the flow gets restricted and the pen starts skipping—or stops writing altogether.
This is probably the most common problem we see with fountain pens, and fortunately it’s usually preventable.
A Simple Habit That Prevents Most Clogs
If you use your fountain pen regularly, it usually stays healthy because fresh ink keeps moving through the feed.
The trouble happens when a pen sits unused for several days or longer.
If you know you won’t be using the pen for a while, the easiest solution is to clean it before putting it away. Removing the grip section and giving it a rinse with water removes the ink from the feed so there’s nothing left inside to dry out and cause a blockage. Make sure to continue rinsing until the water is runs clear to make sure all of the ink has been removed.
It only takes a few minutes and can prevent most clogging issues.
Removing Dried Ink with a Shim
Sometimes the ink has already dried enough that flushing the pen isn’t enough to restore the flow.
In those cases, we sometimes use a thin brass shim to clear the space between the nib and the feed. The shim gently slides between them and helps loosen dried ink that may be restricting the ink channel.
However, this should only be done if the nib can be safely accessed or removed. Some pens are designed to allow this type of cleaning, while others are not. If the nib isn’t meant to come out easily, forcing it can cause damage.
When a Pen Needs Professional Cleaning
Occasionally we receive pens that have been sitting for months or even years with ink inside. By that point the ink can become quite stubborn and requires a more thorough cleaning.
If you have a fountain pen that has stopped writing due to dried ink, we offer cleaning services for clogged pens at Art Brown International. Many pens that seem completely stuck can be restored with proper cleaning.
One Last Thought
Fountain pens don’t require much maintenance, but a small habit makes a big difference.
If you remember just one thing, it’s this:
If a fountain pen won’t be used for more than a few days, clean it before storing it.
That simple step prevents most clogs and keeps the pen ready to write whenever you pick it up.