If your pen has any metal components, dry them thoroughly to prevent corrosion. You can also take the pen apart and soak just the cartridge if you don’t want to get the barrel of the pen wet.
Don’t use an industrial heat gun! They get extremely hot and will probably melt your pen.
Be careful not to burn yourself or melt the pen. Hold just the very tip of the nib in the flame, and don’t do it for longer than 2-3 seconds. If you’re worried about melting the barrel of your pen, remove the cartridge first. That way, it’s easier to just heat the nib of the pen. Scribble on some paper right away to get the ink moving and check if your pen works.
Ballpoint pen ink is generally not considered toxic, so don’t worry about getting sick from licking the pen. Any mildly toxic components, such as glycols, are present in such small amounts that they won’t cause any harm. [6] X Research source
Most ballpoint pens have oil-based ink, which is part of the reason it’s so hard to get ballpoint stains out of clothing. Solvents, such as alcohol, are better at thinning oil-based ink than plain water.
Acetone releases harsh fumes, so always use it in a well-ventilated area. Try to dip only the very tip of the pen in the acetone, since acetone can damage many types of plastic. [9] X Research source
Alternatively, some people find it helpful to scribble on a glass surface (such as a hand mirror) to get a stuck ballpoint pen going again. [11] X Research source
You can also try tapping the pen firmly on a hard surface, like the edge of a desk or table.
If the cartridge is too narrow to fit a cotton swab in, use a smaller object, like a paperclip. If the cotton swab gets ink on it, toss it in the trash right away so that the ink doesn’t spread around and stain anything.
