How to Unclog a Pen

You’re trying to unclog a pen? Start with the basics – scribble vigorously on scrap paper while applying pressure. Or run warm water over the tip for 30 seconds. Still nothing? Dip the tip in rubbing alcohol for a minute, then wipe clean. And if you’re dealing with a gel pen, try rolling it between your palms to warm the ink. Sometimes the solution’s stupidly simple, but there’s more to this pen resurrection game.

Key Takeaways

• Heat the cartridge with a hairdryer on low for 30 seconds to thin thick oil causing clogs
• Use a toothpick or paperclip to gently remove buildup from the mouthpiece opening
• Clean sticky residue with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, avoiding electronics
• Pull slowly and gently when inhaling to prevent flooding the coil with excess oil
• Store the pen upright in a cool location to prevent oil leakage and future clogs

So your vape pen’s clogged again. You’d think something designed to deliver smooth hits wouldn’t constantly act like a blocked straw, but here we are. Before you chuck it across the room, there’s actually a bunch of ways to fix this annoying problem.

Heat’s your first weapon against stubborn clogs. Grab a hairdryer and blast that cartridge on low for about 30 seconds. The warmth thins out the oil that’s gumming up the works. Or if you’re feeling fancy, seal the pen in a zip-top bag and give it a warm bath for a few minutes. Some people even park their pens near radiators or coffee machines. Whatever works, right? Many vapes actually have a built-in pre-heat feature that gently warms the oil without the DIY approach.

But maybe you’re more of a hands-on person. Fine. Grab a toothpick or paperclip and gently scrape the gunk out through the mouthpiece. Just don’t go stabbing around like you’re performing surgery – you’ll wreck the internal parts.

And while you’re at it, wipe down that mouthpiece. It’s probably grosser than you think.

Here’s the thing about pulling on a clogged pen: you’re making it worse. Those desperate, lung-busting inhales? They’re flooding the coil and creating more problems. Take it easy. Pull slowly and gently, like you’re sipping expensive wine or something.

Store the pen upright too, unless you enjoy oil leaking into places it shouldn’t be.

For the really nasty clogs, break out the rubbing alcohol. Dip a cotton swab in it and clean those sticky spots. Just don’t dunk the battery or electronics – they don’t appreciate swimming. Let everything dry completely before putting it back together. Common sense, but you’d be surprised.

Sometimes the simplest solutions work best. Roll up some tissue into a point and stick it in the mouthpiece to absorb excess oil. Rotate the pen to move thick oil around the chamber. It’s not rocket science, but it gets the job done.

Want to avoid this whole mess? Store your pen somewhere cool. Don’t leave it baking in your car or sitting in direct sunlight. Cap the mouthpiece when you’re not using it. Use better quality oils that aren’t thick as molasses. Don’t overfill the cartridge like you’re trying to set a record.

And here’s a wild idea: clean the thing regularly. A quick wipe after each use prevents most clogs. But who’s time for that, right? You’ll probably just wait until it’s completely blocked again. At least now you know what to do when it happens.