How to fill a fountain pen with an ink cartridgeUpdated 10 months ago

Step 1: Disassembling Your Fountain Pen

Every fountain pen has its own disassembly method, so refer to the detailed instructions in your user manual the first time. Gently unscrew the barrel from the grip section to take it apart. Handle the feed and nib with care, as these are the most delicate components of your pen.

Step 2: Preparing the Ink Cartridge

Shake your new ink cartridge lightly to ensure no particles are clogged or settled. Even a new ink cartridge will have an air bubble inside. Even though the cartridge is sealed, it is possible for the cartridge to dry out over time. If you have a cartridge that is less than half full, ink probably evaporated. Once the cartridge is punctured, the ink will saturate the feed and work its way down to the nib.

Step 3: Inserting the Cartridge into the Pen

Line up the open part of the front section with the narrow end of the cartridge. Insert the cartridge into the section. Apply a little tension, and push it in gently until you hear an audible click. Once the cartridge is pierced, it should be firmly attached to the section.

Step 4: Ensuring Proper Ink Flow

After installing the cartridge into your fountain pen, you have two choices: wait for the ink to slowly saturate the pen feed, or you can prime the pen straight away and squeeze the attached cartridge. Either way, work slowly and with patience to draw the ink into the nib and to avoid excess ink spillage. If you squeeze the ink cartridge, do so over a towel or sink just incase a droplet of ink comes out.

Step 5: Reassembling and Testing Your Pen

With your fountain pen ink cartridge in place, screw back on the barrel. Then, hold the pen nib-side down on a sheet of paper. Allow gravity and capillary action to initiate the slow and noble flow of ink. Again, this may take a few gentle shakes or squeezing the cartridge to encourage the ink to descend. Some fountain pens have translucent barrels where you can see the ink inside the pen. Give it a few test strokes across your paper. If nothing happens, dip the nib in water and try again.