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Why Does My Fountain Pen Skip?
Simple Solutions for Beginners
Your new fountain pen was working fine, but now it skips or won't write at all. Don't panic! This is super common and usually easy to fix.
🔧 The 3 Most Common Problems (And Quick Fixes)
1. Air Bubble 💨
Fixes 80% of skipping🤔 What happened:
There's an air bubble blocking the ink flow
🛠️ How to fix:
- 1. Hold your pen with the nib pointing down
- 2. Gently shake it 2-3 times (like a thermometer)
- 3. Try writing again
✅ Why this works:
The shaking moves the air bubble up and lets ink flow down to the nib
2. Dried Ink on the Nib 🧽
Fixes 15% of problems🤔 What happened:
The ink dried on the tip of your pen
🛠️ How to fix:
- 1. Get a damp tissue or paper towel
- 2. Gently wipe the nib tip
- 3. Try writing on scratch paper
✅ Why this works:
You're removing the dried ink that's blocking the flow
3. Wrong Paper 📄
Fixes 4% of problems🤔 What happened:
Some papers don't work well with fountain pens
🛠️ How to fix:
- 1. Try writing on different paper
- 2. Use copy paper or notebook paper for testing
✅ Why this works:
Some papers are too slick or rough for fountain pens
📋 Step-by-Step: What to Do When Your Pen Skips
Step 1: Shake it gently (nib down)
This fixes most problems immediately
Step 2: Wipe the nib with damp tissue
Gets rid of dried ink
Step 3: Try different paper
Some papers just don't work
Step 4: Still not working?
The pen might need cleaning or replacement
⚠️ When to Be Concerned
🚨 Call it a problem if:
- • Pen won't write for more than a week
- • You've tried all the fixes above
- • The pen leaks ink everywhere
- • It was expensive and should work better
✅ Don't worry if:
- • It takes a few seconds to start writing (normal)
- • It works better after a few uses (break-in period)
- • It works fine most of the time
🛡️ Preventing Problems
✅ Good Habits:
- Cap your penwhen not using it (even for 2 minutes)
- Use your pen regularly(at least once a week)
- Store it uprightwhen possible
❌ What NOT to do:
- • Don't press hard (fountain pens need light touch)
- • Don't leave it uncapped for hours
- • Don't shake it violently
🔄 If Nothing Works: Time for a New Pen
Sometimes pens just don't work. That's okay! Here are reliable starter pens:
🏆 Almost Never Skip:
💰 Good Budget Options:
🎯 The Bottom Line
90% of fountain pen problems are fixed by:
Gentle shaking (nib down)
Wiping the nib with damp tissue
Trying different paper
Don't overthink it! Fountain pens are supposed to make writing easier, not harder. If a pen gives you constant trouble, it's okay to try a different one.
Remember: Even experienced fountain pen users have pens that don't work perfectly. The key is finding one that works reliably for YOU.
Quick reminder: Good fountain pens should work without fuss. If you're constantly fixing problems, consider trying a different pen from our recommended list.
Last updated: August 2025. Simple troubleshooting guide for fountain pen beginners.