Unsticking a Stuck Gel Pen

[@noeleenbyrne5197]

I saw a programme on TV about how they make gel pens, apparently the ink is hot going in because it's thinner, that's why you find the little nubby bit at the tip, this stops the ink flowing out the end, then as it cools it thickens up a bit, so heat of some sort will theoretically start it flowing again. Not sure if this helps any but I found it interesting 😊

[@jeaninevercelli1223]

Sandy, you are so FUNNY!!! I want to thank you for ALL you do for us. Total strangers, most of whom you’ve never meet. You are such a wonderful person. I love all your videos. Very informative, each and every one. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@uckristi9418]

I'm so glad I watched this. So far, 6 pens in a row are rolling right alone after the thermometer shake. Thank you

[@SandyAllnock1]

So glad it worked for you!

[@CKArts6]

OMG! It worked! I had to take apart my uniball- remove the nib- stick a pin in the nib and that clog was HARD- I had to push through it- then I rinsed with very very hot water- put a tiny bit of hot water in the pen and blew on it and shook it like a thermometer. When I put the pen back together and scribbled for a minute it started to work!!!!! Holy cow!!!!! Thank you!

[@SandyAllnock1]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Kateoe]

I did the same and thought that the clog was really hard - until I realized that there was a second little ball (about 3 mm in diameter) in there, not a clog at all. This ball seems to regulate the amount of ink that gets to the (even tinier) writing ball at the tip, so I hope your fixed pen does not leak all over your work!!

[@strandedinseattle9931]

I purchased 4 Sakura Gelly Roll gel pens and an Uniball all in white. None of them ever worked. I did not understand why so many artists toted these pens because they were crap imo and never worked for me. Then I came across a video (I forget by who) on unclogging the Sakura Gelly Rolls, and he used a tissue and rubbing alcohol and just cleaned the pen tip really well (no disassembly). The rubbing alcohol seemed to get the gel flowing for him. I tied it and it worked when nothing worked previously. Now all my Gelly Roll pens are useful and no longer in the 'crap' box. I did find that I need to store them tip-side down in my pen caddy or the thickness of the white ink will clog the tip again as it dries.

[@DADA-ir6kq]

yes, always store them tip down or that oily liquid they put at the end (to prevent the ink from drying out) can move slowly to the tip if you store them with the tip up. I didn't know that back in the day and stored them wrongly. I had to wait several month for it to settle at the back of the pens again

[@ArtBrain]

What you're describing has worked for me too. If it ever doesn't work and I'm ready to throw the pen out, I'll try my mom's method that she'd use with regular ball point pens, which was to quickly swipe the very tips into a candle flame. That always worked with her pens, but who knows with these. The interesting thing is the metallic Uniball pens don't seem to dry out as rapidly. I have gotten much better with gouache because of the persnickity white pens.

[@strandedinseattle9931]

@@ArtBrain I'd purchased Kuretake White Ink 30 from Amazon and just used a fine liner brush with it (you can use a dip pen, as well). It's what the manga artists use and it comes in a little pot like any liquid ink. I love that stuff, so much brighter than white gouache and more opaque (less applications) - it is supposedly the king of white liquid ink. Was using this method before unclogging my white pens, but I still use it, as well, even now. You just can't get white ink like Kuretake in a pen because it will clog immediately due to thickness. Word to the wise, however, it is not water resistant (I don't think Uniball or Sakura are, either).

[@ArtBrain]

@@strandedinseattle9931 Good idea! I just recently bought Set 1 of the Ph Martin India Ink. I may try the white from that set with my dip pen. The India Ink is water resistant; in fact, it has shelac in it. It's very pretty.

[@strandedinseattle9931]

​@@ArtBrain Awesome! I like PH Martin, it works well in lightly watered down gradients & layers with brushes. Lately I have been favoring Noodler's Ink Black because it is one of the only waterproof inks which you can use in a fountain pen and not worry so much about it getting clogged (waterproof inks have larger particles). Anyhoot, good luck checking out the Kuretake white, it's a dream! ♥

[@ghlmk5931]

Thanks for sharing! I got too frustrated with these pens, while I do like how bright white they are, they were just too inconsistent to justify the price and aggravation. I switched to the Gelly Roll which now comes in 3 sizes, and while not as bright, it’s far more consistent. I’ve had one of them for years and it never fails to write right away. I’ve also used my heat gun (very, very carefully and constantly moving) on other (colored) gel pens and some of them have been fixed. Thanks again for the video.

[@dumbkitkat]

I was just using colorful gel pens from crafty crochet and ran into this issue when there was plenty of ink but none of it was going down so I took the pen out of the barrel and just used my fingers to warm it up And u have to put friction if u want it to work It worked out great thank god!

[@erinwood4968]

Great tips, thanks for sharing 😊 As a side note, the casing for the pens should be totally recyclable ♻️ I believe as crafters we should really be conscious of this.

[@CraftRoulette]

Another tip is to write in circles -both clockwise and reverse clockwise - in addition to the up and down movement. It exposes a different side of the ball which may have ink on it. I didn't have as good of experience with this pen (although I like the tiny tip when it works) as with Gelly Roll pens. Thanks for the experiments and tips.

[@gloriaalvarado2553]

Thank you for your tips and the tips of those who commented. The tissue and rubbing alcohol tip of cleaning the tips of the pens carefully worked with my Uni ball white gel pens! Now to make snow on my Christmas cards!

[@sandrafluharty7212]

Yay!!!! The water in the ink well and blowing on it WORKED!! The first thing you said! Thanks!!

[@SandyAllnock1]

So glad that worked for you!🥰

[@kimhund2782]

Thank you for the tips. Not much luck with tips on my Signo pens but my Gelly Roll pens all worked well with the shake method.

[@SillySeamstress]

It never occurred to me to research dealing with this problem. I just threw out three enormous sets of metallic, glow in the dark, and other specialty gel pens, because they were so frustrating. Thank you for the tips. Hopefully the next set fares better. 😊

[@520sera]

Me too!!!!!

[@redfly5937]

OH NO!!!! I would have cried!!!

[@amyalphin7053]

In the middle of an art piece, my glitter gel pen just stopped. I had already tried cleaning with water and alcohol, neither of which worked and was about to just toss it out. But, came across your video and shaking it like a thermometer did the trick! It flows again like brand new. Thanks!

[@SandyAllnock1]

awesome!

[@ednam7]

This is what I have the most trouble with. Will try some of your methods an d hope for the best.

[@outofthecraftermath8497]

Thanks! And I love your mug. Fearfully and wonderfully made. Amen!

[@BaerbelBorn]

Woh! Just found your channel a few days ago and learned a lot (about beeing an artist) but now saw this video was released exactly on my 60s birthday. Magic! And funny because gelpen are my personal nightmare. Thank you so much and Cheers!

[@SandyAllnock1]

Happy birthday!😃

[@FreeSpokenOne]

At least I now know it’s not just me! I can’t complain too much though, only one out of my pens was so cruddy that there was no fixing it and I finally had resorted to fine sand paper, still no hope, tossed. All in all it’s not a bad record and I buy these in packs like you do Sandy, all three of their colors. I also use Gelly Roll pens, but as mentioned by ghlmk5931 below, they aren’t quite as good as these Signo pens so I’ll continue to buy them. Thanks to you and everyone here for sharing their ideas and tips, I’ll file that information away for the potential next time there is an issue with these for me.

[@kimsharabba5386]

Thanks for not only giving WORDS, but showing examples. I have not only WHITE gel pens, I have dozens of the Jelly Roll pens that are clogged. Coz, yes, holidays mostly. I'll give the steaming water a try. Thanks so much for the advice.

[@myobacctsgirl]

Thanks for the tips lol. Can you swap the scratchy nib out for one of the empty ones?

[@SandyAllnock1]

No I tried. Darn.

[@deejohnson827]

Thank you for sharing these tips!

[@Rockymtnbloom]

Thanks Sandy. The pens seem to stop more often when writing on top of paper where watercolor or ink has been applied. Then testing on paper, they will work, but stop again going back to inked or watercolored paper! I have also been told the rough surface of watercolor paper wears the ball out.

[@SandyAllnock1]

I don’t think the roughness of the paper has anything to do with it.

[@karenmarie2282]

Great tutorial thanks Sandy! The thermometer shack worked for mine, but it doesn’t last long tho😮

[@520sera]

Oh My God!!!!! I just throw them out I never thought of investigating dried up gel pens you are a life saver How can I thank you 😊❤️❤️❤️😂

[@donnalynn2]

I usually blow in the end. Never tried putting a couple drops of water down there b4 though. Will have to try the steam trick. I literally just finished going thru all of my gel pens and I have a bunch with almost new ink that don't work so yeah, not throwing those away!

[@patticallihan8515]

Thank you for sharing Sandy. This is a great video with some great tips.❤️

[@jeanettedonahoe3293]

Thanks, Sandi, that was a BIG help.

[@SirChivalRegal]

Regarding your dropping water drops in the cylinder method, one side is filled with silicone to seal the ink in. The bottom side. So I assume you removed the nib and then dropped some drops in..

[@heathereberle1009]

I read putting the nib in oil of some kind six as cooking oil and scribble vigorously for a little while. I'm going to try coconut oil if the hot water doesn't work

[@SandyAllnock1]

Let me know if the oil works, I never heard of that before!

[@Dianaprimartinez]

That has always been my problem with them. Thanks for the tips! I will try them soon!

[@cindym9851]

Great suggestions!! I threw a whack of gel pens away about a month ago!! Sure wish I’d held off a bit!!🤦🏼‍♀️

[@743linda]

Thanks for the great tips!

[@robincooper9323]

Thank you for this video! It helps for me to see how to do this. I will give them a try also.

[@anitatrippi7072]

Thanks Sandy! I needed this❤️

[@schuhujin5019]

Great, it worked for a red and a green jelly pen. I was just throwing away a whole lot of them, which I didn't use for some times. Because it is such a pity, I asked youtube and found Sandy again. I just "worked" them between my fingertips quite a while and blew in them from behind. Perfect. At least some of them will not go to the waste.

[@SandyAllnock1]

Great! 😍

[@jennyc5132]

Thanks Sandy..you wouldnt mind so much getting the odd faulty one but at around $5 AUD its not cheap - especially if youre on a pension...so frustrating when you stick a skewer down the hole and it comes out wet you know its in there grrrrrr. I find Posca pens are the same....and why is it mainly the white ones in bith is it something in the mix???? Just discovered you and enjoying what Ive seen so far cheers from Western Australia 🤗🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘🧡

[@vickicervantes1817]

I've never had any bad luck with any of my white gel pens. But one time I had one that was scratchy on the paper, on my finger and everywhere! So, I just happened to turn it upside down and look at the tip and the little ball was gone.. So you might want to check to see if the ball point is still there, next time uhh😉❤😊❣ Thanks Sandy, I always appreciate everything you do for us. Sending Love, Hugs and Blessings to you and your Fur Babies ❤ and to your KZbin Family ❤ Xoxo Vicki from the State of Utah 🐝🍯😉❤😊❣

[@SandyAllnock1]

Missing the ball entirely!? Cray!

[@marcialemaster8684]

My life of crime starts now!!! Now to figure out what to forge with a gel pen 🥸 Thanks for the tips.

[@SandyAllnock1]

🤣

[@annetelecky1522]

Thanks🙏🤗

[@karenzemko6518]

Great tips to try. I've not had the problem (as of yet) but I will now be prepared if I do. TFS

[@Psychett03]

I watched a video on youtube by Coloring Bliss called Gel Pens 101: How to Use, Store and Care for Gel Pens. This video has some good tips and tricks for gel pens.

[@valsfaves787]

Thanks Sandy. My gel pens are getting pretty “iffy” lately. Maybe one of these tips will help. BTW, love your mug quote…and yes, you are!

[@lizmonard]

All my uniball gel pens are stuck.. damn expensive pens too. Currently trying a hot water method I saw on another video. Hoping to find help here.

[@georgesgentry5835]

Great tips Sandy. TFS. Guess I'm lucky with my pens, I rarely have a problem.

[@SandyAllnock1]

I rarely do either. You and I are the lucky ones! 🥰

[@GoutamDAS-ls1wb]

I wonder if you tested by adding a few drops of water and then sonicating the refill in an ultrasonic bath for 5 min

[@SandyAllnock1]

I didnt test but give it a try and let me know!

[@Scrappicat]

I carefully use my heat tool on faulty gel pens. Work fast and keep the heat moving. Don't do it too long because you might melt the pen components. You can also wave a lit match on the tip. Again, move fast so as not to melt anything. That works 75% of the time.

[@SandyAllnock1]

That’s where I think the steam helps. Hot but not melty hot.

[@DADA-ir6kq]

i always put them on my radiator or in the summer close to my bodyheat. That is usually enough

[@beckymaupin1330]

Heat gun for the win!!!! Thank you

[@nattyw495]

Thank you..

[@SandyAllnock1]

You're welcome

[@ArtisticEndeavors]

Great suggestions - TFS! ✌🏻🎨☕️

[@susandzama3000]

We were taught eons ago in college to hit the end with a lighter . ..works most of the time

[@junebovenzi]

Thank you for these tips! I hate it when my gel pens clog up!

[@marcydome8258]

My hubby rescues my "dead" pens for me, and sometimes has success with Staz on stamp cleaner. Does not always work, but has about 1/2 the time.🤷‍♀️

[@hebatallahemara2373]

Many gel pens stop working cause they get an air bubble somewhere in the ink or in between the ink and gel. Best way to get it flowing is to stuff a piece of paper in there and push it down using some long thin object, toothpicks work great or q tips if you strip the cotton off of it, kebab scewer if there's less ink.

[@katzarm]

Thanks for the handy tips on how to try and revive our white gel pens. I do find that the Gelly pens don't gunk up as much as the other pens, but they are not as bright. When I have a pen with a lot of ink left and won't write, I take a lighter and put the pen through the flame - at a very safe distance. A lot of times, this will get the ink flowing again.

[@SandyAllnock1]

The softness of gelli roll pens is one reason I don’t like them. The ink is thicker/brighter in the signo uniball.

[@sarahj4cardsandcrafts]

I’ve never been able to get a good white gel pen! Maybe I’m buying the wrong ones, but it’s super frustrating that I write one letter and it gives out (I do the write on your hand method to get it going again for each letter of a word)😡 also, my pen leaves a little track in the ink which I hate. I’m definitely trying some of these tips and possibly looking for a better pen to start with! Thanks!

[@amycairns6005]

Hi Sandy. I found your video while researching as my white Signo pens refuse to work 😑 I’ll give your techniques a go and we’ll see. I hope they do as those pens are not cheap 😔 Thanks for making this video

[@SandyAllnock1]

Good luck!

[@artbybhoomika]

I tried everything but nothing worked for uniball🙂

[@aalishas8438]

Nothing is working on my pen, uniball signo white gel pen. And it has so much ink.. almost new

[@cppawley]

I wish I had seen this earlier, as I’ve just thrown out two white gel pens as they wouldn’t work 😬

[@beverlyrowan5259]

I find taking the pen apart and blowing into the tube of ink works most of the time.

[@tinribs303]

You're making my finger sore writing on it like that! 😉

[@theaverageguy7423]

You are the pen doctor

[@peniandrews165]

I have a silver gel Pilot G 2.0 I have tried everything any of the programs suggested, nothing works, guess what it is thrash for 1.00 I can go to Dollar General and get another one with a lot less stress!!

[@DADA-ir6kq]

A tip for all pens that can be opened. Blow strongly in the backside WHILE you paint with it

[@joanpringle-canning2834]

🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@pattiestarzynski]

Love you tea cup :)

[@World_ofgame-j11]

Woooooooooooooooooooooow😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@dlrockmark7886]

Do you have suggestions on a "working"gel pen to work on inked paper, colored pencil drawings or glossy paper. I can't seem to get them to flow onto the dried ink, color pencil or glossy paper. They do fine on cardstock before inking or coloring.

[@SandyAllnock1]

It’s because the surface is too slick once you’ve added all of those mediums.

[@jacquiposener7262]

I like the Jelly Roll brand.. I don’t use mine all that often and it never lets me down. I think they’re fantastic,

[@bine9526]

Thank you Sandy! I wonder why they are unable to produce a white pen, that writes ... They make robots and fly to the mars but there is no white pen what really can write to our satisfaction. ;o)

[@SandyAllnock1]

It’s the nature of the ink. To get that kind of flow you give up other features. It’s science.

[@bine9526]

@@SandyAllnock1 💖

[@9liveslisa]

They can be frustrating. :-)

[@w.vangaal1077]

Throwing them on the floor for a decent hight.. that's what helps a posca pen.. so maybe it works for gelpens too.. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

I can not believe How many pens i have thrown away…

[@ClearlyCards]

My friend lays her “trouble gel pens” on a heating pad for a while or sits them “writing side down” in hot water in a coffee cup for an hour.

[@jlm517rocks]

ii give up...