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Long-term storage of ballpoints



 
 
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  #1  
Old February 20th 09, 01:59 PM posted to alt.collecting.pens-pencils
Mike S.
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 5
Default Long-term storage of ballpoints


Or, more specifically - how to keep the ink from drying out?

I read a pen-related blog wherein the author suggested storing them in
zip-lock plastic bags from which air was removed with a straw prior to
sealing, in order to create a partial vacuum. No followup on whether it
works.

Thinking it through, the object seems to be to prevent the slow
evaporation of solvent(s) from the ink. Sealing it in something airtight
and low volume makes sense, but it would seem to me that the initial use
of a vacuum would (at least temporarily) _increase_ evaporation of
solvent.

Any real-world experience here? Any better suggestions?



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  #2  
Old February 20th 09, 06:44 PM posted to alt.collecting.pens-pencils
Brian Ketterling
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 250
Default Long-term storage of ballpoints

In ,
Mike S. wrote:

Air would bleed back into a zip-lock, and volatiles would bleed out. If
nothing else, polyethylene is porous (which is why sealed fountain pen
cartridges gradually lose ink volume).

With a metal BP refill, you could try dipping both ends in something like
paraffin, I guess. If it's plastic, you'd have to really cocoon it (a glass
or metal tube?).

Brian
--


  #3  
Old February 20th 09, 10:37 PM posted to alt.collecting.pens-pencils
Jimmy
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 35
Default Long-term storage of ballpoints

"Mike S." wrote in message
...

Or, more specifically - how to keep the ink from drying out?

I read a pen-related blog wherein the author suggested storing them in
zip-lock plastic bags from which air was removed with a straw prior to
sealing, in order to create a partial vacuum. No followup on whether
it
works.

Thinking it through, the object seems to be to prevent the slow
evaporation of solvent(s) from the ink. Sealing it in something
airtight
and low volume makes sense, but it would seem to me that the initial
use
of a vacuum would (at least temporarily) _increase_ evaporation of
solvent.

Any real-world experience here? Any better suggestions?


Mike,

I have always stored them point-down. The theory is, this keeps the ball
inked, and the column of ink stays unbroken. If you store them point-up,
it seems more likely that air bubbles will get into the ink, and the
ball may dry out, which will make the refill impossible to start.

As a real world example, I have a metal Parker "T Ball" refill from the
early 1970s that still writes. They can survive a long time.

You could store them in an airtight tin, with silica gel to absorb
moisture. I *think* the ink is oil-based, so it should not dry them out.

Brian's suggestion of coating the ends seems like a good idea. I have
noticed that some rollerballs have a little clump of sealant on the
point, which you have to peel off before you start using them.

--
Alan


  #4  
Old February 26th 09, 12:51 AM posted to alt.collecting.pens-pencils
James[_3_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2
Default Long-term storage of ballpoints

On Feb 20, 4:37*pm, "Jimmy" wrote:
"Mike S." wrote in message

...





Or, more specifically - how to keep the ink from drying out?


I read a pen-related blog wherein the author suggested storing them in
zip-lock plastic bags from which air was removed with a straw prior to
sealing, in order to create a partial vacuum. No followup on whether
it
works.


Thinking it through, the object seems to be to prevent the slow
evaporation of solvent(s) from the ink. Sealing it in something
airtight
and low volume makes sense, but it would seem to me that the initial
use
of a vacuum would (at least temporarily) _increase_ evaporation of
solvent.


Any real-world experience here? Any better suggestions?


Mike,

I have always stored them point-down. The theory is, this keeps the ball
inked, and the column of ink stays unbroken. If you store them point-up,
it seems more likely that air bubbles will get into the ink, and the
ball may dry out, which will make the refill impossible to start.

As a real world example, I have a metal Parker "T Ball" refill from the
early 1970s that still writes. They can survive a long time.

You could store them in an airtight tin, with silica gel to absorb
moisture. I *think* the ink is oil-based, so it should not dry them out.

Brian's suggestion of coating the ends seems like a good idea. I have
noticed that some rollerballs have a little clump of sealant on the
point, which you have to peel off before you start using them.

--
Alan


Yes, pen refills from the 1970's made by Parker have a propensity to
last a long time, but not pen refills made in the 50's and 60's. One
trick I use to loosen ink in a refill is to hold it briefly over a
open stove flame a few seconds and then scrawl on a scratch pad
nearby. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not and then I discard
the refill in trash. Every refill is different as you do not know how
long they will last.

James
  #5  
Old February 26th 09, 09:50 AM posted to alt.collecting.pens-pencils
Bluesea[_3_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 273
Default Long-term storage of ballpoints


"James" wrote in message
...
On Feb 20, 4:37 pm, "Jimmy" wrote:
"Mike S." wrote in message

...





Or, more specifically - how to keep the ink from drying out?


I read a pen-related blog wherein the author suggested storing them in
zip-lock plastic bags from which air was removed with a straw prior to
sealing, in order to create a partial vacuum. No followup on whether
it
works.


Thinking it through, the object seems to be to prevent the slow
evaporation of solvent(s) from the ink. Sealing it in something
airtight
and low volume makes sense, but it would seem to me that the initial
use
of a vacuum would (at least temporarily) _increase_ evaporation of
solvent.


Any real-world experience here? Any better suggestions?


Mike,

I have always stored them point-down. The theory is, this keeps the ball
inked, and the column of ink stays unbroken. If you store them point-up,
it seems more likely that air bubbles will get into the ink, and the
ball may dry out, which will make the refill impossible to start.

As a real world example, I have a metal Parker "T Ball" refill from the
early 1970s that still writes. They can survive a long time.

You could store them in an airtight tin, with silica gel to absorb
moisture. I *think* the ink is oil-based, so it should not dry them out.

Brian's suggestion of coating the ends seems like a good idea. I have
noticed that some rollerballs have a little clump of sealant on the
point, which you have to peel off before you start using them.

--
Alan


Yes, pen refills from the 1970's made by Parker have a propensity to
last a long time, but not pen refills made in the 50's and 60's. One
trick I use to loosen ink in a refill is to hold it briefly over a
open stove flame a few seconds and then scrawl on a scratch pad
nearby. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not and then I discard
the refill in trash. Every refill is different as you do not know how
long they will last.

James



Dad taught me that scribbling on newspaper was best because it got the ball
rolling more times than other paper. If that failed, a match was employed
just like your stove flame, then back to the newspaper. If that didn't work,
the refill went into the trash.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi, but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.


  #6  
Old February 26th 09, 09:59 PM posted to alt.collecting.pens-pencils
Jimmy
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 35
Default Long-term storage of ballpoints

"James" wrote in message
...
On Feb 20, 4:37 pm, "Jimmy" wrote:
"Mike S." wrote in message

...

snip
Or, more specifically - how to keep the ink from drying out?

snip
Any real-world experience here? Any better suggestions?


Mike,

I have always stored them point-down. The theory is, this keeps the
ball
inked, and the column of ink stays unbroken...

snip
As a real world example, I have a metal Parker "T Ball" refill from
the
early 1970s that still writes. They can survive a long time.
--
Alan


Yes, pen refills from the 1970's made by Parker have a propensity to
last a long time, but not pen refills made in the 50's and 60's. One
trick I use to loosen ink in a refill is to hold it briefly over a
open stove flame a few seconds and then scrawl on a scratch pad
nearby. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not and then I discard
the refill in trash. Every refill is different as you do not know how
long they will last.

James

I notice the Parker broad refills are back in production. Demand, or
just marketing whim? Originally they did broad, medium, fine and extra
fine - I tried them all in school.

--
Alan


  #7  
Old February 26th 09, 10:17 PM posted to alt.collecting.pens-pencils
Jimmy
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 35
Default Long-term storage of ballpoints

"Bluesea" wrote in message
...

"James" wrote in message
...
On Feb 20, 4:37 pm, "Jimmy" wrote:
"Mike S." wrote in message

snip

Or, more specifically - how to keep the ink from drying out?

snip
Any real-world experience here? Any better suggestions?


Mike,
I have always stored them point-down. The theory is, this keeps the
ball
inked, and the column of ink stays unbroken...

snip
Alan


Yes, pen refills from the 1970's made by Parker have a propensity to
last a long time, but not pen refills made in the 50's and 60's. One
trick I use to loosen ink in a refill is to hold it briefly over a
open stove flame a few seconds and then scrawl on a scratch pad
nearby. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not and then I discard
the refill in trash. Every refill is different as you do not know how
long they will last.

James

Dad taught me that scribbling on newspaper was best because it got the
ball rolling more times than other paper. If that failed, a match was
employed just like your stove flame, then back to the newspaper. If
that didn't work, the refill went into the trash.

--
~~Bluesea~~


The other method is to dip the metal refill point-first into hot water
for a few seconds. It should not be boiling - think hot tea temperature.

I've noticed that Parker and Papermate are both much tougher to write
with when they are cold than when they have been in a shirt pocket.

--
Alan


  #8  
Old February 27th 09, 04:51 AM posted to alt.collecting.pens-pencils
Bluesea[_3_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 273
Default Long-term storage of ballpoints


"Jimmy" wrote in message
...
"Bluesea" wrote in message
...

"James" wrote in message
...
On Feb 20, 4:37 pm, "Jimmy" wrote:
"Mike S." wrote in message

snip

Or, more specifically - how to keep the ink from drying out?

snip
Any real-world experience here? Any better suggestions?

Mike,
I have always stored them point-down. The theory is, this keeps the ball
inked, and the column of ink stays unbroken...

snip
Alan


Yes, pen refills from the 1970's made by Parker have a propensity to
last a long time, but not pen refills made in the 50's and 60's. One
trick I use to loosen ink in a refill is to hold it briefly over a
open stove flame a few seconds and then scrawl on a scratch pad
nearby. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not and then I discard
the refill in trash. Every refill is different as you do not know how
long they will last.

James

Dad taught me that scribbling on newspaper was best because it got the
ball rolling more times than other paper. If that failed, a match was
employed just like your stove flame, then back to the newspaper. If that
didn't work, the refill went into the trash.

--
~~Bluesea~~


The other method is to dip the metal refill point-first into hot water for
a few seconds. It should not be boiling - think hot tea temperature.


Hot tea that's at a drinkable temperature? Black teas are properly brewed
using boiling water.

I've noticed that Parker and Papermate are both much tougher to write with
when they are cold than when they have been in a shirt pocket.


That makes sense because temperature affects viscosity and a shirt pocket
lends bodily warmth.


--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi, but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.


  #9  
Old March 1st 09, 12:03 AM posted to alt.collecting.pens-pencils
Jimmy
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 35
Default Long-term storage of ballpoints

"Bluesea" wrote in message
...
snip thread back-story

The other method is to dip the metal refill point-first into hot
water for a few seconds. It should not be boiling - think hot tea
temperature.


Hot tea that's at a drinkable temperature? Black teas are properly
brewed using boiling water.

I've noticed that Parker and Papermate are both much tougher to write
with when they are cold than when they have been in a shirt pocket.


That makes sense because temperature affects viscosity and a shirt
pocket lends bodily warmth.


Hot tea must be *less* than 100 deg C. After 3 minutes infusing, it
might be 98 deg, or 95 deg. It's not boiling. The point is to avoid
creating bubbles if there's any moisture in the ink.

Are you a tea fan? I like Whittard (UK), which came perilously close to
failure.

What's going on with Papermate? You can buy the metal refills anywhere
here, but if you want the pens, you have to buy second-hand on eBay, or
(as I did) find a pristine boxed sample in a charity shop.

--
Alan


  #10  
Old March 1st 09, 06:55 PM posted to alt.collecting.pens-pencils
Mike S.
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 5
Default Long-term storage of ballpoints


Thanks for all the thoughts, folks.

In trying to strategize I'm first trying to understand the nature of the
process that makes ballpoint refills dry up and stop working.

For instance: is it evaporation of solvent? chemical reaction with oxygen
(oxidation), ozone, or other component of the air? a self-sustaining
chemical change that is smewhat independent of the environment?

My understanding is that ballpoint ink contains a mixture of volatile and
non-volatile solvents. If the evaporation of solvent is what causes aging,
then anything which prevents that should help. I came into this quoting a
web site that advocated placing refills in evacuated zip-lock bags. To my
mind, that would _increase_ evaporation of solvent by increasing the vapor
pressure of the solvent in an evacuated environment. A _pressurized_
storage vessel might do better.

If it's reaction with oxygen or other component of ambient air, then (as
was pointed out here) an "airtight" container made of a material that
actually allows slow diffusion of air would not do very well in the long
term.

For my part, I'm trying zip-lock bags which are then placed in a food
storage tub having rubberized seals along the mating surfaces.


 




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