Refill Maintenance
Keep your pen writing smoothly with these quick tips for installing refills, diagnosing leaks, and fixing a stuck refill.
How to Install a New Ink Cartridge
Because our machining creates a very tight, seamless fit, the front (tip) can be hard to spot. Replacing the cartridge is easy once you know where to unthread.
What you’ll need
- Two thick rubber bands (to improve grip without scratching)
- New compatible refill (see compatible refills list)
- Optional: small replacement O-ring (for rattle reduction), soft cloth
Steps
- Hold the pen body firmly and unthread the front (tip) from the body. If it’s hard to grip, wrap rubber bands around both the body and the tip for extra traction.
- Slide out the old cartridge and note the spring placement (most models place the spring on the nose/tip end).
- Insert the new refill. Reinstall the spring in its original position.
- Thread the front section back on until snug. Do not overtighten.
- If you notice light rattling, try the O-ring trick: add a small o-ring to the refill
What to Do If Ink Is Leaking
Ink leaks are most often caused by temperature or pressure changes (e.g., air travel, hot cars) or by minor tip damage on the refill itself.
Try this first
- Swap the refill for a known-good option from our compatible refills list.
- Avoid extreme heat/cold temperature changes.
- Wipe excess ink from the tip and inside the nose with a soft, lint-free cloth.
If leaking continues even with a different refill, we recommend sending your pen to our repair service so we can inspect and correct any internal issues.
Warranty & Repair Instructions
What to Do If the Refill Gets Stuck (Won’t Actuate)
A non-actuating refill usually means the front opening is slightly constricting the cartridge or the spring/O-ring isn’t seated correctly. This is typically caused by the refill being oversized due to loose tolerances in the manufacturing process by the refill manufacturer. Before doing the troubleshooting steps below, try installing a different refill of the same type to verify that the issue is with the pen and not the refill.
Checklist
- Disassemble the pen (see steps above or the video), remove the refill, and verify the spring orientation.
- Test fit another compatible refill to determine if the issue is refill-specific.
- Inspect the O-ring and nose opening for debris; clean gently with a soft cloth.
- Advanced: If the nose opening is undersized, you can very gently increase clearance with a .101" drill bit. Turn by hand only and remove minimal material—just enough for smooth actuation.
- Reassemble and test. If you’re unsure or lack the proper tools, send the pen to our repair service—we’re happy to make precise adjustments.
FAQ & Quick Tips
- Rattle after a refill swap? Check spring orientation and try the O-ring trick.
- Hard to unthread the tip? Use the rubber-band method for extra grip without tools.
- Traveling? Pressure changes can force ink out. Store tip-up and cap when possible.
- Need help choosing a refill? See our compatible refills list.
Still Need Help?
Contact Support or see our Warranty & Repair Instructions. We’ll make it right.
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