Like all implements, fountain pens may need repairs after prolonged or faulty use. But the good part is that almost everything about a fountain pen is repairable. A few basic repairs can be done at home, and some repairs may require an expert’s services. Amateur enthusiasts have spoiled good pens by fiddling with them at their homes. So it’s always advisable to seek out an expert’s help when in doubt. Vintage pens may be in fragile conditions. So it’s strongly recommended that an individual should never set to repair vintage pens on his own. However, some fountain pen users are good at repairing a few minor problems through their experience and information from other users.

The nib is not likely to wear down during a pen’s lifetime since iridium is used as nib tips. But the tines of the nib may become uneven and produce scratchy writing. In such a case, the nib should be studied under a microscope, which would show that either the tines are bent forward or backward. It can be carefully setback to the correct position. Gentle pressure should be exerted while setting it; otherwise the tines could break.

When ink doesn’t flow properly, the gap between the tines should be checked and cleaned with a razor blade. The feed also should be cleaned along with the nib. This would clear any dirt that might have accumulated. If left for a long time unused, fountain pens with ink inside could get clogged. The pen should be washed with water for sometime and then cleaned.

Ink sacs may perforate and start leaking. The cap or the barrel may develop cracks. These are clearly an expert’s domain. Apart from setting faults right, an expert pen repairer can retip the nib to italic, oblique and stub according to the needs of the user.