S1:P5 - Deep cleaning a piston filler fountain pen

A tutorial on deep cleaning a piston-filling fountain pen – for those times when a regular flush just isn’t enough. Or for when tinkering is called for. — Season 1, Post 5

———

The process of deep cleaning ink from a fountain pen can be meditative, and even fun with the right tools to hand.

Pens that fill with a piston have a knob, usually at the back of the pen, that you turn to fill or empty the pen. This is great for filling your pen with ink as your hands steer clear of the ink bottle. Piston filler pens also tend to hold a good deal of ink, so you can go long stretches of time before needing to refill.

Before we begin, I’d like to draw an important distinction between cleaning a pen and deep cleaning a pen. The most common method for cleaning out a piston filler is

1. fill your pen with water by turning the piston knob,

2. empty it by turning the knob the reverse direction, and

3. repeat.

This process can take quite a while. And it requires you to open and close the piston in a cup of water until the water ejected from your pen runs clear. This cranking-away method works for many inks and most occasions, especially if you refill your pens with similar color inks.

And this method is safe. True luxury piston fillers can be expensive — think close to $1,000. In most cases, cranking away will clean your pen well enough. And keep your pen’s manufacturer warranty intact. Bonus.

For other ink changes, you may want a thoroughly clean feed and barrel. I deep clean after finishing with a shimmer ink and when changing from a dark color to a light color ink. This post introduces you to my method for deep cleaning a piston filler pen. I’ve seen many methods. This one is mine.

I use two pens as examples throughout this tutorial: the TWSBI Eco has a friction-fit nib; the TWSBI 580-AL has an easily-removed screw-in section.

Three steps take a piston filling pen from inky to squeaky clean.

Cleaning Kit

But first, you’ll want a few cleaning tools: a tub of clean water, tub for inky water, blunt syringe, bulb syringe, and a towel (reusable or disposable work equally well). Always have a towel. Especially for space travel.

Step 1 — Nib flush

Friction-fit nib. Start with pulling the nib and feed. With the nib against your pointer finger and the feed against your thumb, gently pull directly out. Do not twist, or you risk damaging your pen.

I’m a fan of filling the “inky water” tub with a little water and then soaking the nib and feed. Let it soak while you move on to step two.

Screw-fit collar. Holding the nib between your thumb and pointer finger, with your thumb resting on the feed, gently unscrew the collar.

Fill the bulb syringe with clean water and affix the end to the interior end of your nib collar. Be sure to make a seal with your fingers or you’ll have a shower.

Slowly use the bulb syringe to run water through your nib unit. You’ll know you’re done when the water runs clear. Now you’re ready for step two.

Step 2 — Barrel flush

Fill the blunt syringe with clean water. Insert the syringe into your pen’s barrel. Hold the barrel over your inky tub and slowly inject clean water into the barrel of your pen.

Now gently shake it. Preferably to music.

Use the piston mechanism to empty the barrel of your pen into the inky water tub.

Well done. You’re now ready for the final step of deep cleaning your piston fountain pen.

Step 3 — Water fill

Re-install your nib and feed, reversing the removal process from step one.

Note for friction-fit nibs: you want to line up the tines of your nib with the ink channel of your feed.

Fill and then empty your pen once using the Crank Away method. The water should fill clear, telling you you’ve done a great job.

Set it on a towel to dry out with the knowledge that you’ve deep cleaned your pen – and that you should only have to do so again on rare occasions.

Zen and the art of pen maintenance

Most people can get away without ever deep cleaning their pens. Use safe and non-permanent inks to ensure your pen always plays nicely when you want to write. Regular flushing via cranking away should work well.

Deep cleaning makes sense when you use shimmer inks, permanent inks, or are switching from dark colors to very light colored inks.

Deep cleaning your pen can be enjoyable, even meditative, when you follow a methodical process. And if you’re willing to do so periodically, you can use wild and crazy inks to your heart’s content.