How To Replace Pen Refills

Cross®-style refill pens

Cross®-style refills are replaced by carefully separating the top section from the bottom section. These two sections pull apart. The old ink refill is removed by unscrewing it from the refill holder. Discard the old refill and replace it with a new one. The new one is screwed in place into the refill holder. Then, carefully push the top section onto the bottom section. Cross-compatible, liquid ink refills are available in black and blue.

Parker®-style refill pens

Parker®-style refills are replaced by unscrewing the top and bottom sections of the pen at the middle (or very near the middle). Holding the pen such that the top is facing toward you and the writing end facing away from you, unscrew the top in a counter-clockwise fashion until the two pieces separate. The refill then slides out of the lower portion of the pen. BE CAREFUL TO KEEP THE SPRING THAT IS ON THE REFILL. Remove the spring from the used refill and discard the old refill. Place the spring on a new refill and slide the unit into the bottom section of the pen. On our Parker®-style "click" pens, there is also a small chrome spacer that sits on top of the refill. This piece must be moved to the new refill when replacing. BE CAREFUL NOT TO LOSE IT! With the top of the pen facing you and the writing end facing away from you, gently press the two halves together and screw them together in a clockwise fashion until just snug. Do NOT over-tighten. Parker-compatible, liquid ink refills are available from us in black and blue. NOTE: Many of our kits will accommodate gel refills. If you have difficulty in getting a gel refill to work, please email us for a simple fix!

Roller ball pens

Our roller ball pens are all capped.  To replace the roller ball refill, separate the body of the pen from the cap by unscrewing it at or near the center of the pen.  The metal part that holds the refill is the nib holder.  Unscrew the nib holder from the pen body carefully.  Remove and discard the old refill.  Insert a new roller ball refill, then lightly press and screw the nib holder in place snugly.  Replace the cap by screwing it back onto the body.  Do NOT over-tighten.  The cap should always be tightened snugly to avoid having the cap come off and the ink leak.  We cannot assume any liability for ink damage caused by improper capping.  The back end of a roller ball pen has a spring to keep the refill pressed against the nib holder.  Be careful not to lose this spring when replacing your roller ball refill.

Fountain pen pumps

Your fountain pen comes with a piston-action or vacuum-style pump which is loaded from bottled ink.  Please see our care tips for inking fountain pens as it gives a great deal of additional information on fountain pen care.

Fountain pen cartridges

Your fountain pen comes with one international standard cartridge which can be used in place of the piston action or vacuum-style pump.  To use cartridges, uncap the pen and unscrew the nib holder assembly from the body.  Gently and carefully pull the piston-action or vacuum-style pump straight out of the nib assembly and set aside for future use.  One end of the cartridge has a smaller diameter "nipple."  Insert the cartridge, nipple first, into the nib holder assembly until is snaps into place.  Hold the nib over a trash can or drain and gently squeeze the cartridge, expelling a drop or two of ink.  Your cartridge is now ready to write.  We recommend and sell Private Reserve Ink cartridges.  Include some with your order!

5.6mm pencil refills

5.6mm pencil leads are available in black as well as a wide variety of colors from your local art supply stores.  To refill, simply press the top of the pen, opening up the jaws at the point.  Remove the existing lead and slide a new piece in to the appropriate length.  Release the top to secure the lead in place.