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How to Unclog a Fountain Pen

Introduction

Over time, frequent fountain pen use can lead to a clogged pen with little to no ink flow. Repairing a clogged fountain pen might seem daunting, but this easy-to-follow guide demonstrates how to get your pen writing again.

Before using this guide, review the Troubleshooting page as oftentimes, a faulty fountain pen can result from a damaged nib or dry ink. Otherwise, it may be clogged. Review the Anatomy of a Fountain Pen to identify the different parts of your pen.

What you need

  1. How to Unclog a Fountain Pen, How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 1, image 1 of 2 How to Unclog a Fountain Pen, How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Disassemble the fountain pen.

    Edit

  2. How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 2, image 1 of 2 How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the ink cartridge from the section.

    • Run the section under warm running water.

    Edit

  3. How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 3, image 1 of 3 How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 3, image 2 of 3 How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the feed and nib from the section.

    • Separate the nib and the feed.

    • Run the nib and feed under warm water and use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently scrub the ink residue on the two pieces.

    Edit

  5. How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Leave the nib, feed, and section to air dry until completely dry.

    • Reassemble and test the pen

    • If the fountain pen still does not work, continue to Step 5.

    Edit

  6. How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 5, image 1 of 3 How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 5, image 2 of 3 How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • To create the cleaning solution, mix equal parts of ammonia and water in a container.

    • Add a few drops of dish soap to the solution and stir.

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  7. How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 6, image 1 of 3 How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 6, image 2 of 3 How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Drop the nib and feed in the cleaning solution.

    • Soak the pieces for approximately 12-24 hours.

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  8. How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Leave the nib, feed, and section to airdry until completely dry.

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  9. How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 8, image 1 of 3 How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 8, image 2 of 3 How to Unclog a Fountain Pen: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • When it's dry, replace the ink cartridge or converter and reassemble the fountain pen.

    Edit
Conclusion

Reassemble your fountain pen and you are ready to write.

Author

with 3 other contributors

Mara Alagon

Member since: 01/30/24

157 Reputation

1 Guide authored

Badges: 2

Team

UC Davis, Team 2-2, Andersen Winter 2024 Member of UC Davis, Team 2-2, Andersen Winter 2024

UCD-ANDERSEN-W24S2G2

3 Members

2 Guides authored

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