How to Get Dry Ballpoint Pens to Write

Check to see if your ballpoint pen is out of ink before throwing it away.

Ballpoint pens are not generally expensive, but they occasionally dry out if the cap is left off for a long period of time. Throwing these pens away when they are still filled with ink is a waste of money. Before throwing your ballpoint pen away, check to be sure it is out of ink.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pen
• Sink
• Rubbing alcohol
• Pot
• Ziplock bag

Instructions

1. Scribble in a circular motion on a piece of paper with the pen. Sometimes the ball becomes stuck due to dried ink, and by moving the ball in all directions you may be able to dislodge the old ink.

2. Run the tip of the ballpoint pen under hot running water to wet the dried ink. Scribble on a piece of paper to check. Give the pen a few tries to get the ink flowing again.

3. Dip the tip of the ballpoint pen in rubbing alcohol for a few seconds, then try scribbling on the paper. Again, give it a few tries before giving up on this method.

4. Tap the tip of the pen against a table, using the piece of paper as a barrier so as not to get ink on the table. After several taps, try writing on the paper.

5. Place the pen in a small ziplock bag, and place the bag in a pot of water. Bring the water to a boil briefly, then remove the bag and allow it to cool. Try writing dots or scribbles with the pen once the pen is cool.

Tips & Warnings

• Disassemble the pen and examine the ink tube to see if it is out of ink. With the tube removed, use a long, slender stick or brush to remove any dried up ink stuck in the shaft of the pen.

• It's often easier to get the pen writing if you have a little padding under your paper (such as a couple of additional sheets), as opposed to a very hard surface.