I recently came across these ten tips on the Parker Pens site that will help us continue to enjoy our fountain pens longer.
These simple tips will help you keep your pens safe and will protect your investment. If you take of your pens, you can find joy in eventually giving some of your pens away to family and friends. Taking care of your pens will equip you to pass your pens along to the next generation.
1. If you don't want to lend your fountain pen, always keep a ballpoint in your pocket as a lender.
2. If you don't mind lending your fountain pen, keep the cap, that way it won't "accidently" be pocketed.
3. If you write with small letters, use a fine nib and vice versa.
4. If you're bothered by a scratchier nib, choose a broad one.
5. Always replace the cap with the nib upwards, that way the air pocket will force excess ink back into the pen.
6. If you're going to fly with your fountain pen, keep it full or empty. A little air could expand and force out some ink.
7. If you're not going to use your pen for a while keep it full or empty. The acid in inks together with oxygen starts oxidation, which corrodes your rubber sac.
8. Write with your cap posted, if you accidently drop your pen, the heaviest part will reach the floor first.
9. Replace the cap when you put your pen down, or keep it posted at all times, that way it won't roll off the table.
10. Rinse your pen once a month by filling it with luke warm water until no more residue escapes.
1. If you don't want to lend your fountain pen, always keep a ballpoint in your pocket as a lender.
2. If you don't mind lending your fountain pen, keep the cap, that way it won't "accidently" be pocketed.
3. If you write with small letters, use a fine nib and vice versa.
4. If you're bothered by a scratchier nib, choose a broad one.
5. Always replace the cap with the nib upwards, that way the air pocket will force excess ink back into the pen.
6. If you're going to fly with your fountain pen, keep it full or empty. A little air could expand and force out some ink.
7. If you're not going to use your pen for a while keep it full or empty. The acid in inks together with oxygen starts oxidation, which corrodes your rubber sac.
8. Write with your cap posted, if you accidently drop your pen, the heaviest part will reach the floor first.
9. Replace the cap when you put your pen down, or keep it posted at all times, that way it won't roll off the table.
10. Rinse your pen once a month by filling it with luke warm water until no more residue escapes.
Question: What tips would you add to this list?
Note: Picture is a Parker 45.
