How to Install Ink Cartridges

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How to Install Ink Cartridges

June 20, 2017 - Posted by Kristin to Guides, Fountain Pens, Brush Pens, Pens, Tutorials, Markers and Felt Tip Pens, Pen Maintenance, Beginners' Guides, Fountain Pen Beginners' Guides

Cartridges are the most straightforward way to refill fountain pens. They are easy to carry, simple to install, and don’t spill. Refillable brush pens and markers also often use cartridges, which work the exact same way as fountain pen cartridges. This article will show you how to install ink cartridges in any pen that uses them. If you want to learn about other ways to put ink in a fountain pen, read our Guide to Fountain Pen Filling Systems. It explains how to use the most common fountain pen filling methods and the pros and cons of each.

Table of Contents

FIND THE OPENING

Common cartridges from different manufacturers.

Most cartridges have a cup-like rim on the end with the opening.

The first step to using a cartridge is to find the opening. You can usually identify the correct end of a cartridge by its cup-like rim. Sometimes you may even see a metal or plastic ball inside the rim to act as a seal for the ink. If there is a ball, it will be pushed in when the cartridge is punctured. It then functions as an agitator bead to improve ink flow by breaking the surface tension that causes ink to cling to the sides of the cartridge. The pictures above show some of our most popular refills.

The ink cartridges shown are:

HOW TO PUT IN AN INK CARTRIDGE

Watch the video and read the instructions below to see how to install an ink cartridge. We used a Platinum Preppy Sign Marker for the pictures and a Kaweco Ice Sport Fountain Pen in the video. The installation process is the same for any pen that uses a cartridge.

Step 1: Disassemble the Pen

Take the pen apart by unscrewing the grip section from the barrel.

Unscrew the pen’s barrel from its grip section. You may be able to see a plastic protrusion if you look into the grip section. This part of the pen’s feed is what punctures the cartridge and carries ink to the tip.

Step 2: Insert the Opening into the Grip Section

Put the end of the cartridge with the opening into the grip section.

Find the opening of the cartridge as explained above and insert it into the pen’s grip section. As you can see, the Platinum Preppy Ink Cartridge has a telltale metal ball at its opening. Other cartridges may show only a plastic cup.

Step 3: Press Firmly

Press firmly until the cartridge punctures.

Push the cartridge in firmly until you feel the cartridge puncture. This may take more force than you expect.

Step 4: Leave the Pen Tip Down

Leave the pen tip down until the feed is saturated with ink.

It takes time for ink from a cartridge to work its way to the tip of the pen. Leave your pen pointing down until ink saturates the feed. This can take an hour or two. If you’re using a marker, you can tell that it’s ready when the tip is soaked through.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Use the Right Cartridge

Standard international cartridges share the same design.

Cartridges come in many shapes and sizes. Some pens use standardized cartridge sizes called standard international long and standard international short, while others can only use proprietary cartridges made specifically for them. Make sure to check that any cartridges you buy will fit your pen. You can easily do this by visiting the pen’s product page and clicking on “Recommended Refills/Parts.”

Check for Cartridges & Spacers

Remove any cartridges or spacers inside the pen.

Cartridges that come with a pen are often shipped inside the barrel. Some manufacturers also include an empty spacer in the pen barrel to prevent cartridges from rattling around during shipping. These items may become stuck inside the pen if you try to install a cartridge without removing them. Check for cartridges and spacers in a new pen by unscrewing the barrel and giving it a firm tap to dislodge anything that’s inside.

Prevent Writing Problems

Give the ink time to saturate the pen's feed before writing.

Sometimes a pen may seem dry after it has been recently filled. This is usually because ink has not yet saturated the feed. Try leaving the pen tip down for a while longer before writing. You can also encourage the ink to move down by covering the tip with a tissue and gently shaking the pen or lightly squeezing the cartridge. In the case of fountain pens, you can also dip the nib in water to draw the ink down.

Clean Your Pen When Changing Inks

Clean your pen every month or two, or when changing inks.

Always clean your pen before installing a new cartridge if you plan to use a different ink. You can see detailed instructions in our Guide to Cleaning a Fountain Pen. You don’t have to do this if you’re just popping in a new cartridge of the same ink that’s already in the pen, but you should still clean it every month or two. Markers also need to be cleaned if you change to a new ink, but it’s difficult to remove all traces of ink from a felt marker tip. You may want to purchase replacement tips if they’re available for your marker.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Cartridges are a simple and mess-free way to fill fountain pens and refillable brush and marker pens with ink. Do you have any thoughts or questions about using ink cartridges? Let us know in the comments below!

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