Having a pen malfunction in any way can be annoying for any writer. Pens can skip, stop writing, or write unevenly, but nothing is as inconvenient as a leaking pen. All types of pens can leak, including rollerballs. Here, we’ll talk about why this is the case and how to stop a leaking rollerball pen.
Why do pens leak?
It is certainly frustrating to have a pen leak, but why does this happen? You might think that your rollerball is defective, but there are actually certain conditions that may make your writing instrument more susceptible to leaks.
We previously discussed how temperature affects ink and why this causes skipping in ballpoint pens. If cold temperatures slow down ink flow and make it more viscous, then applying heat can improve how well ink moves in your pen. Unfortunately, this may also lead to leaking if your pen is in an environment with high temperatures.
The properties of rollerball pen ink also makes it more likely to leak, especially when compared to a ballpoint pen. Rather than using an oil-based ink, rollerballs have water-based ink similar to fountain pen ink. Combined with the rollerball nib, this ink allows for a smoother writing experience. However, this thinner ink may cause leaks when exposed to heat.
How to stop a leaking rollerball pen
Proper storage is your best bet if you want to stop a leaking rollerball pen.
If your pen has already leaked, disassemble it to clean each component. You can wipe away ink stains with a damp cloth before using a dry paper towel or another dry cloth to wipe off the residual moisture. If your ink cartridge is profusely leaking or already empty, you may opt to replace it.
Reassemble your pen, ensure it is capped or retracted, and store it vertically with the nib pointing up. It is best to keep your rollerball in room temperature or a slightly cooler place. Keeping it away from heat and storing it vertically will prevent the ink from causing any unwanted leaks. When walking or traveling with your rollerball, it is best to keep it in something like a LAMY leather case to protect it and keep it upright.
Ultimately, this might seem like a simple solution to a common problem, but people often forget how to store their pens properly. Keeping your writing instruments in the appropriate environment will prevent issues such as leaking, and it will also allow you to keep them in tip-top condition for many years to come.
Happy writing!
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
