Fountain Pen Not Working

So your fountain pen isn't working, i.e., writing.

We've identified the most common fixes to get the ink flowing again! Unlike ballpoint pens, fountain pens have delicate nibs that require patience when troubleshooting. Be mindful not to forcibly test your pen on hard surfaces.

Note: This guide is for fountain pens, but these tips may work for other types of pens. For ballpoint pens, see Pen Not Working.

If the nib of your fountain pen is damaged, it may not write properly. If this is the case, you may need to replace the nib. Damaged nibs can be caused by dropping the pen, or by using it with too much force.

A fountain pen won’t write without ink. You can check ink levels by opening up the pen and visually inspecting the cartridge to see if you have ink.

If the cartridge is full or at least has some ink inside of it. The following steps will help you get the ink flowing.

Before trying these steps, inspect the nib to make sure that it isn't damaged. If your nib is damaged, you will need to replace it.

1. Gently shake the pen to see if that loosens up dry ink that may be in the cartridge. Air bubbles can become trapped in the cartridge, you can carefully (and gently) tap the pen on a paper towel that is laying on top of a hard surface.
2. Note: Using a paper towel will add an extra layer of protection for your nib and also for the surface that you're using.

1. Visually examine the nib to see if it has dry ink.
2. The nib of a fountain pen can become clogged with dried ink, preventing the ink from flowing smoothly. You can use a fine needlepoint to clear out the clog. Or you can take a q-tip mildly soaked in warm water to help lubricate the dry ink.
3. If the pen hasn’t been used in a while, you might need to try soaking the nib for about ten minutes in warm water.