How to Make a Pen Last Longer

People are protective about their pens and usually have their favorites. Once you've finally found the right pen the bond is strong and having to give it up because of damage or improper wear is painful. Make your favorite pen last so you may have a longer, happy life together.

Instructions

1. Know your pen. Fountain pens, roller ball pens and ball point pens all have their weaknesses. Knowing your pen's particular sensitivities helps you avoid improper and damaging use that shortens the life of the pen.

2. Use your pen only in the way it was intended. Some pens are made strictly for writing with an up and down or slightly slanted stroke, at generally accepted speeds. Force the tip to track across the paper any other way and you risk damaging the tip. Don't draw or color with a writing pen.

3. Press down gently on any pen when writing with it.

4. Cushion your writing surface by placing two or three sheets of paper under the sheet you are writing on.

5. Clean your pen often. Hold the tip under clean running water. No chemicals are needed. The water will not damage a pen tip as it dissolves caked-on or dried ink.

6. Cap, retract or clean your pen properly after each use and before putting it away. This prevents the ink from drying which in turn prevents you from potentially damaging the pen tip with heavy cleaning.