A sticky mess

[terry q]

Anyone ever have an ink cartridge leak like this? This pen has not been left in a car or exposed to high heat. Guess I will have to knock it apart to clean. I made this pen for myself about 8 years ago. It is a cigar pen.

 

[SteveG]

That is an unfortunate mess! There are a number of benefits to using premium (or upgraded) refills. For the most part, because it helps greatly to sell the pens in which they are installed. I would expect the quality control on a "brand" refill will be better than a "no name". Can you tell us the model and brand of this one that failed?

 

[terry q]

Sorry there no markings.

 

[dtswebb]

Terry, you can use pipe cleaners and/or long handled cotton swabs (available at sporting goods stores - used for cleaning firearms) for cleaning out the mess. Since I puff on a pipe from time to time, I have plenty of pipe cleaners all over the house. Double them over to make them a little more sturdy. Less of a chance of damaging the pen from disassembly.

 

[Gary Beasley]

Alcohol should dissolve the ink without damaging the finish as well.

 

[terry q]

Pipe cleaners worked nicely. I was able to clean up the ink smears on the outside with Huts plastic polish. I now have a useable pen again. Thanks