Gel pen(s) question

I just revived one by taking it apart and soaking the ink cartridge (with the point on it) in hot water for about 10 minutes. I don't know if the roller-ball was clogged, the gel was thickened, or what. It worked. Peggy

I have had the same problem, usually with the ones I buy in large packages that look like they are a great deal. I have a whole list of tricks.

Take them back Letting the manufactures get away with selling cheap junk just encourages them to sell more of it. First I shake them like a thermometer. this will ocasionally move the ink into the tip. Then especially if the roller is stuck I will heat them with my embossing gun. Be careful I have melted them this way also. Finnaly I will take them apart, remove the tip from the little tube with the ink in it. then blow the paint into an inexpensive paint pot with a sealable lid. Use a tiny paint brush to apply. Usually the ink makes an execelant acid free paint.

snipped-for-privacy@aol.com (MargaretEckbold) stated:

Thanks, Peggy. I'll try that.

"Marcie Latham" stated:

I will if this happens again!

Okay. Will do.

Great idea.

Thanks, Marcie.

"Joy Quilts" stated:

Thats the first thing I tried. It didn't work. Maybe I'll heat it up just a wee bit longer. :)

Thanks, Joy.

Great tip on the PAINTING part.. never woulda thought of that one!

HEY! Those are some good suggestions! Me, being a man, I have this mentality, I bang it on the side of the table, whatever, if it doesn't work then I throw it, usaully in the trash!!! I agree with the cheap manufactors, that is why WE have so much stuff, ERR junk to choose from. I am to the point of almost sticking exclusively with those marker type pens from ZIG, they have a skinny end and a fat end on them and have one yet that does not write!!

OKC Dave 53 pages since 1 May 03

i know that the CM brand gold and silver gel pens have worked for me for a LONG time. i'm not sure of the exact price, but i really don't think they're that much more than other gel pens sold separately. and...CM now has the bolder pens that can work with them. good luck, lori shay louisville

Those are the only gel pens that have ever really worked for me. I love those pens! I think I spent $1.35 per pen about a year and a half ago. I'm still using them. In fact, I just finished rubber stamping my holiday cards and I used the silver gel pen to write the inside of the card (Night of Navy cardstock from Stampin Up).

Mary in OK (NOT associated with CM and never will be, just like a few of their products)

I work for Sakura--the co. that invented gel ink---and I was reading your discussion on gel pens. The mfgr. rep who told you how to get gel pens to start working was totally wrong---his explanation will more than likely cause an air embolism in the pen so it will really stop working. I'd advise going to Sakura's FAQ section on their website