How to unclog a Micron Pigma pen

Judi writes:
My .005 Micron Pigma pen clogs easily. Right now I can't get it to write at all. Can you help me?

Yes and no. I have the same problem with mine and haven't found a satisfactory answer. I wrote to the folks at Sakura about it and here's what they say:

The Micron nib will absorb loose material such as pencil dust which could clog the nib. The 005 is also very delicate and if the nib is bent, it will appear dry.


Pigma Micron Care and Quality

Sakura invented Microns as an inexpensive and disposable alternative to high-priced technical pens while maintaining technical-pen quality. Microns were originally designed for fine-line technical and art drawing but their use has spread to every-day applications.

Most complaints we receive about Microns concern bent tips. Like technical pens, Microns are meant to be written with at a 90 degree angle. Also like technical pens, people don’t need to apply as much pressure to Microns for receiving a “healthy’ ink flow. Shaking or dropping the Micron will cause the ink to flood around the ink wick and flood the cap. If you apply these practices, you will receive far more satisfaction using the Micron pen.


How can I make my Pigma® Microns last longer?



Pigma Microns are considered disposable pens. The product specifications and design use are for paper and not for rough surfaces such as wood or nubby fabrics.


a. Hold your Pigma Micron pen in a 90° degree position while writing. This will prevent uneven wear to the tip of the nib. They should be stored horizontally with their caps securely fastened.


b. Use a 05 or 08 point size when marking against hard, rough surfaces such as wood or nubby fabrics.


c. Use more than one pen, and rotate your pen use. This allows pens to rejuvenate the ink flow overnight and this extends the life of the pen.


d. Do not press down hard on the nib while you write. The excessive pressure wears down the plastic nib faster, especially on rough surfaces.


e. Do not make long uninterrupted lines against rough paper surfaces or wood with the pen. Make shorter line strokes and the pen nib will last longer.


f. When writing on paint, make sure that the paint is fully dried, not just surfaced cured. Acrylic paints may feel dry to the touch but just below the surface, may not be. The nib picks up bits of the wet paint and will clog easily. One needs to experiment to be sure the paint is completely dry due to differences in weather conditions. Remember, the paint drying time will differ depending upon the brand of paint you use.


g. If you have one Micron pen which is out of ink (and the nib is not clogged), you can exchange its nib with another Micron pen which is not out of ink, but has a clogged nib. Here's how -- With a needle nose pliers, firmly grasp the metal sleeve and gently pull the nib straight out. A long ink wick will be attached to the back of the nib holder. This ink wick is what brings the ink to the nib. Do the same for the bad nib / ink-full pen. Now gently insert the good nib into the pen with ink. Make sure the nib assembly is seated snugly into the pen barrel. Put the cap back on the pen. Then you must wait for about 3 hours for the ink to gradually pull itself through the ink wick into the nib. Do not try to rush the process by shaking the pen - you'll only create a mess by making the ink go around the ink wick and flood the pen cap. (Note: This process does not always work, but it is worth a try. Also, do not mix ink colors. Do not take a red pen nib and insert it into a green ink pen!)

h. Do not try to put any other brand ink refill into the Pigma Microns pens. They will not work.

Hope this helps!