Ink flow is one of the most important factors in how a fountain pen feels to write with. Too little flow and the pen writes dry and scratchy; too much and it floods the page. Most fountain pens are well-tuned from the factory, but flow can be affected by the ink you use, how the pen is stored, and normal wear over time. Here is how to diagnose and adjust it.
Understanding Ink Flow
Ink flows from the reservoir through the feed to the nib by a combination of gravity and capillary action. The feed is the plastic or ebonite component beneath the nib that channels ink to the tip. The gap between the two tines of the nib controls how much ink reaches the writing point. A wider gap means more flow; a narrower gap means less.
Before adjusting the pen itself, it is worth ruling out other causes of poor flow.
Step 1: Rule Out Other Causes
Poor flow is often caused by something other than the nib gap. Check these first:
- Dried ink in the feed: The most common cause of poor flow. Clean the pen thoroughly and try again. See our cleaning guide.
- A dry ink: Some inks have less flow than others. Try a wetter ink such as Diamine or Private Reserve to see if flow improves.
- Low ink level: Some pens write drier as the ink level drops. Refill and test again.
- Air bubble in the feed: Tap the pen gently nib down to dislodge any air bubble blocking the feed channel.
- Wrong paper: Very absorbent or rough paper can make a pen feel dry. Try the pen on smooth, quality paper such as Rhodia or Clairefontaine.
Step 2: Adjust the Tine Gap
If the pen is clean and the ink and paper are not the issue, the tine gap may need adjusting. This should be done carefully and incrementally, testing after each small adjustment.
To Increase Flow (Widen the Gap)
If the pen writes too dry or skips:
- Look at the nib from the front. The two tines should meet at the tip with a very fine, barely visible gap.
- To widen the gap slightly, insert a thin piece of brass shim or a folded piece of mylar between the tines near the tip and gently flex them apart. Work in very small increments.
- Alternatively, some writers use their thumbnail to very gently press down on the top of the nib, which can spread the tines slightly.
- Test on paper after each adjustment. Stop as soon as the flow improves.
To Decrease Flow (Narrow the Gap)
If the pen writes too wet or floods:
- Place the nib face down on a smooth, hard surface (a glass or ceramic tile works well).
- Apply very gentle, even pressure to the back of the nib with your finger to close the tines slightly.
- Test on paper after each adjustment. Stop as soon as the flooding stops.
Step 3: Check the Feed Channels
The feed has a series of channels and fins that regulate ink flow. If these are partially blocked by dried ink or debris, flow will be inconsistent. A thorough soak in clean water, followed by flushing with a bulb syringe, will usually clear any blockage. We stock bulb syringes and cleaning accessories at Pure Pens.
A Note on Caution
Adjusting a nib is a delicate process. Work slowly, make tiny adjustments, and test frequently. It is very easy to over-adjust and create a new problem. If you are not confident working on a valuable pen, it is worth consulting a professional nibmeister rather than risking damage.
If you have bought a pen from us that is not flowing as it should, get in touch before attempting any adjustment. We may be able to resolve the issue under warranty or advise on the best course of action.
Ink Recommendations for Better Flow
If you regularly find your pen writes dry, switching to a wetter ink is often the simplest solution. Our recommendations for good-flowing inks include Diamine, Private Reserve, and Noodler's. Browse our full fountain pen ink range for more options.