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Why Do Old Pens Stop Working?

Posted by Marketing Department on

We've all been there—reaching for a pen, only to find that it has dried up or refuses to write after months or even years of sitting in a drawer. It’s frustrating, especially when you need to jot something down quickly. Whether it’s a ballpoint pen you’ve kept for ages or even promotional pens that were gifted to you at an event, many pens seem to stop working over time, regardless of their original quality. So why does this happen, and is there anything you can do to revive an old pen? In this post, we’ll explore the science behind why old pens stop working, the common causes of pen failure, and some tips to get them writing again.

1. Ink Drying Out

One of the most common reasons old pens stop working is because the ink has dried up. This usually happens when a pen has been left unused for a long period of time. Pens—especially ballpoint and rollerball pens—use ink that is designed to flow smoothly while writing. However, over time, exposure to air can cause the ink to dry out, hardening and clogging the pen’s tip.

Why Ink Dries Out:

  • Exposure to Air: When a pen is stored without its cap or if the cap is loose, air enters the barrel of the pen and dries out the ink inside. This is especially true for pens with liquid ink, like gel pens or fountain pens, which are more susceptible to drying out.
  • Evaporation: Even in pens with caps, over time, the solvent in the ink can evaporate, leaving behind thicker, more viscous ink that struggles to flow smoothly through the pen’s tip.
  • Clogged Ballpoint: In ballpoint pens, the small ball at the tip of the pen can become clogged with dried ink. This stops the ink from flowing out smoothly, leaving the pen unusable.

How to Fix It:

  • Heat the Tip: One way to get ink flowing again is to warm the pen’s tip. You can do this by holding the tip under warm water for a few seconds or using a hair dryer. This helps loosen dried ink.
  • Rub the Tip: Another method is to gently rub the pen’s tip on a piece of paper or a soft surface to try to break up any dried ink around the ball. This can sometimes restore the flow of ink.
  • Shake or Tap the Pen: Gently shaking or tapping the pen against a surface can help move the ink inside and get it flowing again.

2. Ink Separation

Another reason pens stop working over time is ink separation. Over time, especially with ballpoint pens and promotional pens, the ink’s ingredients can begin to separate, causing the pen to stop working properly. The pigments and solvents in the ink can settle or separate, leading to inconsistent ink flow, which is why the pen may write intermittently or not at all.

Why Ink Separates:

  • Age of the Pen: As pens age, the different components of the ink—solvents, pigments, and other additives—can begin to separate. This causes the ink to thicken or settle, making it difficult to flow through the pen tip.
  • Lack of Use: Pens that are left unused for long periods of time are more likely to experience ink separation. This is especially true for pens stored in hot or cold environments where temperature fluctuations can accelerate ink separation.

How to Fix It:

  • Roll the Pen: Try rolling the pen between your hands for a few minutes to redistribute the ink. This can sometimes mix the components back together, allowing the ink to flow more smoothly.
  • Store Pens Correctly: Storing pens tip-down in a cool, dry environment can help prevent ink separation over time, as gravity helps keep the ink near the tip.

3. Temperature Changes

Extreme temperatures can also affect the performance of old pens. Both heat and cold can impact the viscosity of the ink, causing it to either dry out or become too thick to flow properly.

Why Temperature Affects Pens:

  • Heat: Excessive heat can cause the ink in pens to evaporate more quickly, especially in gel and liquid ink pens. This can lead to a pen drying out even when it hasn't been used much.
  • Cold: On the other hand, extreme cold can cause ink to thicken and become too viscous to flow through the tip. Cold temperatures can even cause some types of ink to freeze, making the pen unusable until the ink thaws and reverts to its original consistency.

How to Fix It:

  • Warm It Up: If a pen has been exposed to cold, try warming it up by holding it in your hand or placing it in a warm environment for a few minutes. This can help return the ink to a more fluid state.
  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: To prevent temperature-related issues, store pens in a controlled environment—somewhere that’s not too hot or too cold, like a desk drawer or office shelf.

4. Ink Flow Blockage

Sometimes the issue with old pens is not that the ink has dried up or separated but rather that something is blocking the flow of ink to the tip. This is often the case with pens that use thicker ink, such as gel or ballpoint pens.

Why Ink Flow Gets Blocked:

  • Dried Residue: Dried ink can block the small mechanisms inside the pen, particularly in ballpoint pens where the ink needs to flow around a tiny rotating ball at the tip. This residue can stop the ball from turning properly, cutting off the ink supply.
  • Debris: Occasionally, dust or small particles can get inside the pen, causing a blockage. This is more common with pens that have been left uncapped or stored in less-than-clean environments.

How to Fix It:

  • Clean the Pen Tip: Try cleaning the pen tip with a damp cloth or tissue to remove any dried ink or debris. You can also dip the tip in rubbing alcohol to dissolve any stubborn blockages.
  • Tap the Pen: Sometimes a gentle tap on the pen can help dislodge any blockage inside the tip. Be careful not to tap too hard, as this could damage the pen.

5. Internal Damage

Over time, pens can suffer from internal damage that makes them stop working. This can happen if the pen has been dropped, stored improperly, or if the internal ink reservoir or cartridge becomes damaged. For instance, cracks or leaks in the ink reservoir can cause the ink to dry out prematurely, rendering the pen useless.

Why Internal Damage Occurs:

  • Wear and Tear: Old pens, particularly promotional pens, that have been used extensively or stored poorly may develop internal issues such as leaks, cracks, or loose components that affect their functionality.
  • Rough Handling: Dropping or mishandling a pen can damage its internal mechanisms, such as bending the tip or damaging the ink cartridge.

How to Fix It:

  • Replace the Ink Cartridge: If the pen uses refillable ink cartridges, try replacing the cartridge to see if this resolves the issue. Many higher-end pens allow you to swap out the ink cartridge or refill the pen with fresh ink.
  • Handle Pens with Care: To avoid internal damage, store pens properly and handle them with care, especially if they are valuable or sentimental.

Conclusion

Old pens can stop working for various reasons, from dried ink and temperature changes to ink separation and internal damage. Understanding these common issues can help you better care for your pens and even revive them when they seem to have run their course. Whether it’s your favorite ballpoint or a stash of promotional pens from a recent event, you can often bring these writing instruments back to life with a little patience and some simple tricks.

For businesses looking to use promotional pens as part of their marketing strategy, quality matters. Choosing durable, reliable pens will ensure that your branded pens don’t end up in the “non-working pen” drawer. Whether you’re selecting pens for clients or looking to inspire creativity in your office, explore our customizable selection of promotional pens and find the perfect tools for the job.

Need help? Talk to an expert now at 1-888-377-9339 or Email us at care@qualityimprint.com.


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