How do you get ink into a fountain pen?

To get ink into a fountain pen, you typically use either ink cartridges or a bottled ink and a filling mechanism. Here's how both methods work:

Using Ink Cartridges

1. Open the Pen: Unscrew or pull apart the barrel of the fountain pen to expose the section where the ink cartridge will be inserted.
2. Insert the Cartridge: Take a new ink cartridge (small, pre-filled plastic tube containing ink).
3. Align and Push: Locate the small, hollow piercing point inside the pen section. Align the small, open end of the ink cartridge with this point.
4. Puncture the Seal: Gently but firmly press the cartridge onto the piercing point. You should hear or feel a click as the point punctures the seal on the ink cartridge. This allows the ink to flow into the pen.
5. Test the Flow: After inserting the cartridge, you might need to gently flick the pen or hold it nib-down for a few moments to encourage the ink to start flowing.
6. Reassemble the Pen: Screw or snap the barrel back onto the pen.

Using Bottled Ink (with a filling mechanism)

Many fountain pens use internal mechanisms to draw ink from a bottle. Here are a few common types:

• Piston Fill:

  1. Prepare the Pen: Unscrew the end cap of the pen to reveal the piston knob.
  2. Dip the Nib: Submerge the nib (the writing point) completely into the bottle of ink.
  3. Draw the Ink: Turn the piston knob to draw the ink up into the pen's reservoir.
  4. Expel Air: Turn the knob slightly to push a few drops of ink back into the bottle, removing any trapped air.
  5. Refill (if needed): Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the reservoir is full.
  6. Clean the Nib: Carefully wipe the nib with a soft cloth to remove any excess ink.
  7. Close the Pen: Screw the end cap back on.

• Converter (with a squeeze or twist mechanism):

  1. Insert the Converter: Attach the empty converter to the section of the pen where a cartridge would normally go.
  2. Dip the Nib: Submerge the nib and the front of the converter into the ink.
  3. Fill the Converter: Squeeze or twist the converter mechanism to draw ink into the converter. Some converters use a squeeze bladder, while others use a twist piston.
  4. Clean and Reassemble: Wipe the nib clean and reassemble the pen.

• Eyedropper Fill: (Less common, requires specific pen models)

  1. Prepare the Pen: These pens have a large, open barrel designed to hold ink directly. They usually require silicone grease on the threads to prevent leaks.
  2. Fill the Barrel: Use an eyedropper or syringe to carefully fill the barrel with ink.
  3. Seal the Pen: Screw the section back onto the barrel, ensuring a tight seal.

Regardless of the filling method, it's always a good idea to wipe the nib and surrounding area with a soft, lint-free cloth after filling to remove any excess ink and prevent smudging.