Various designs, colors, and ink colors of ballpoint pens in different price categories – simply choose from over 200 popular brand pen models.

Ballpoint pens are one of the most popular and widely used writing tools in the world. They offer a comfortable and practical writing experience, making them ideal for everyday use both at home, at work, or in school.

How does a ballpoint pen work?

The mechanism of a ballpoint pen is quite simple but effective:

1. The ball at the pen tip – the pen tip has a small metal ball (usually made of brass, steel, or tungsten) that freely rotates in its socket.
2. Ink delivery – inside the pen is a thick, viscous ink that flows onto the ball's surface when it comes into contact with paper.
3. Writing process – when writing, the ball rotates, transferring the ink from the core onto the paper, distributing it evenly across the paper – it's that simple!

Why choose a ballpoint pen?

1. Long-lasting ink endurance – ballpoint pens use an oily and thicker ink that dries quickly and makes it resistant to smudging. The ink lasts a long time, and one pen can write much longer than other types of pens.
2. Comfortable writing – they write smoothly and do not dispense too much ink at once, which reduces smudging and unwanted stains.
3. Various shapes and designs – ballpoint pens can be simple and budget-friendly, but there are also more expensive variants with elegant designs, perfect for gifts or business use.
4. Wide applicability – ballpoint pens are used for both daily notes and signing official documents because the ink dries quickly and is not easily smeared.

Types of ballpoint pens:

• Disposable pens – these are the most common and cheapest pens, which are thrown away once the ink is used up.
• Refillable pens – higher-quality pens that allow you to replace the ink core, making them more cost-effective and eco-friendly in the long run.
• Pens of various colors – black ballpoint pens, blue ballpoint pens, and various other colors.

What problems can arise with ballpoint pens?

1. The ink may dry out – if the pen is left unused for a long period or left open, the ink in the core can dry up, and the pen may become unusable. However, it is possible to replace the core.
2. Writing unevenly – sometimes the pen's ink is dispensed unevenly, leaving blank spots or skipping text, which can happen if the ball is clogged or there is too little ink in the core.
3. Stains – although ballpoint pens usually don't smear ink, if they are pressed too hard or used on particularly slippery paper, stains may occur.

We also answered some frequently asked questions about ballpoint pens and their use:

How to revive a dried-out ballpoint pen?

• Writing on paper – press the pen's tip firmly against the paper and write or draw lines in different directions several times. Sometimes the ink just needs to be moved onto the ball's surface for it to start working.
• Heating – carefully heat the pen's tip with a match or lighter for a few seconds or immerse the pen's tip in hot water for a few minutes. The heat can dissolve the dried ink or soften it, making it flow again.
• Using alcohol – dip the pen's tip in a little alcohol (such as rubbing alcohol or vodka) for a few seconds, then try writing on paper. This helps dissolve the dried ink and clean any blockages.
• Use a needle or pin – gently clean the area around the ball with a fine needle or pin if it appears to be clogged with ink or dirt.
• Pinching with fingers – gently roll the pen between your palms or shake it with the tip facing down. This helps move the ink towards the pen tip.
• Air pressure method – blow air into the upper end of the pen's core or press the core to create slight pressure on the ink. You can also use a compressor for this purpose.
• Refrigerator – place the pen in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Then, try writing. The cold can help the ink contract and flow better.

How to remove ballpoint pen ink stains from clothing?

• Alcohol – dampen a clean piece of fabric or cotton swab with alcohol and gently wipe the stain, starting from the outer edge towards the center to prevent spreading. Alcohol dissolves ballpoint pen ink and makes it easier to wash out. After treating with alcohol, wash the clothes with soap and water.
• Dishwashing liquid – apply a small amount of liquid dishwashing detergent to the stain, gently rub it into the fabric, and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse the clothing thoroughly with warm water. Dishwashing detergents are effective because they dissolve the fats and oils in ballpoint pen ink.
• Milk or milk and cornstarch mixture – soak the stained area in milk and leave it for a couple of hours or overnight. Alternatively, make a paste by mixing milk and cornstarch, apply it to the stain, let it dry, then wash the clothes.
• Hair spray (with alcohol) – spray hair spray directly onto the ink stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse the fabric with cold water and wash it.
• White vinegar and baking soda mixture – mix white vinegar with baking soda to create a paste. Apply it to the ink stain and gently rub it in. Leave it for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and wash the clothes.

• Do not heat the fabric with the ink stain, as the heat can set the stain.
• Avoid rubbing with harsh cleaning agents as it may damage the fabric or spread the stain.
• Check the stain before drying – if it’s not completely gone, don’t put the clothing in the dryer, as the heat may make the stain permanent.

How to refill a ballpoint pen?

1. Find the appropriate ink refill (refill ink) – make sure you have the right size and type of refill that suits your pen model. These refills can be purchased in the Rolling section – Ballpoint Pen Refills.
2. Remove the outer cap or top of the pen
3. Remove the old ink refill – pull out the old refill from the pen's interior. If necessary, carefully remove the spring (some pens have a small spring that holds the refill in place).
4. Insert the new ink refill – if there was a spring, place it back on the end of the refill.
5. Reassemble the pen – after inserting the new refill, screw or attach the pen's cap or top back in place. Ensure the pen is tightly assembled and everything works properly.

What to do if the ballpoint pen skips or doesn't write evenly?

• Check if the ink is finished – it may need to be refilled or replaced with a new refill.
• Ink blockage – the ink might be clogged, causing it not to flow properly. Try writing on paper by pressing the pen's tip or gently dragging it in different directions.
• Use heat – gently heat the pen’s tip using a hair dryer or hold it near a warm (not hot) surface. Alternatively, you can immerse the pen's tip in hot water for a few minutes. Heat can dissolve the dried ink or help it flow.
• Check the ball’s tip – is the ball at the pen's tip clean and free from dirt or ink residue? If necessary, gently clean it with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
• Try writing on a different surface – try writing on a different paper or surface, as different types of paper can affect writing quality.
• Time for a new pen – if none of the above methods help, maybe it’s time to choose a new model :)

What is the difference between a ballpoint pen and a gel pen?

• Ink composition
- Ballpoint pens use oil-based or synthetic ink, which is thicker and more viscous. This ink dries quickly, helping to prevent smudging or bleeding.
- Gel pens use gel ink, which is water-based and generally contains more dye. Gel ink is more fluid and provides brighter, more vibrant color tones.

• Writing experience
- Ballpoint pens write on paper with noticeable resistance. The writing process may be less smooth compared to gel pens, but they are very durable and suitable for long-term use.
- Gel pens provide a very smooth and easy writing experience. Gel ink is pleasant to write with and ensures consistent and fluid ink flow.

• Drying time
- Ballpoint pen ink dries quickly, which prevents smudging and allows for fast writing.
- Gel pen ink can take longer to dry, meaning there’s a risk of it smearing if not used carefully, or if the writer touches the still-wet ink surface.

• Ink durability and resistance
- Ballpoint pens are more resistant to smudging and water. Due to their ink formulas, they are suitable for documents that require long-term preservation.
- Gel pens may be less resistant to water and fading, making them less ideal for official documents or important materials.

• Cost and usage
- Ballpoint pens are usually more affordable and long-lasting, often used for everyday tasks.
- Gel pens offer more vivid writing but can be more expensive and used for creative purposes, detailed tasks, or personal notes.

Which ballpoint pen brand to choose?

• Aihao ballpoint pens: Aihao ballpoint pens are known for their high quality and durability, offering smooth writing.
• Astra ballpoint pens: Astra pens are available in various colors and are a great choice for everyday use with a good ink flow.
• Berlingo ballpoint pens: Berlingo ballpoint pens are stylish and functional, ensuring comfort and precision while writing.
• BIC ballpoint pens: BIC is a famous brand offering reliable ballpoint pens with effective ink flow and availability.
• Cello ballpoint pens: Cello ballpoint pens are popular for their colorful variations and excellent writing quality.
• Centrum ballpoint pens: Centrum pens are durable and reliable, providing smooth writing at an affordable price.
• Concorde ballpoint pens: Concorde pens are practical and durable, ideal for office needs.
• Datex ballpoint pens: Datex pens are known for their good writing properties and availability in various colors.
• Deli ballpoint pens: Deli ballpoint pens are modern and ergonomic, offering comfort while writing.
• ErichKrause ballpoint pens: ErichKrause pens are high-quality, ensuring a steady ink flow and precision.
• Flair ballpoint pens: Flair pens are stylish and available in many colors, suitable for both school and office use.
• Forofis ballpoint pens: Forofis ballpoint pens are reliable and affordable, perfect for everyday writing.
• Forpus ballpoint pens: Forpus pens are ergonomic and provide comfortable writing for all users.
• Grand ballpoint pens: Grand ballpoint pens are durable and offer good ink flow, ideal for office environments.
• Keyroad ballpoint pens: Keyroad pens are available in a wide range of colors, providing a creative writing experience.
• Linc ballpoint pens: Linc ballpoint pens are known for smooth writing and modern design, making them popular choices.
• Milan ballpoint pens: Milan pens offer high-quality ink and a creative color selection, great for artistic activities.
• Office Point ballpoint pens: Office Point pens are practical and effective, providing good quality at a reasonable price.
• Penac ballpoint pens: Penac ballpoint pens are stylish and ergonomic, offering comfortable writing.
• Pentel ballpoint pens: Pentel pens are known for their quality and precision, suitable for both school and office use.
• Pilot ballpoint pens: Pilot is one of the leading brands offering excellent ballpoint pens with various ink formulas and styles.
• Profice ballpoint pens: Profice pens are available in many colors and are a great choice for both everyday and professional use.
• Schneider ballpoint pens: Schneider pens are high-quality and ergonomic, offering smooth writing and long-lasting durability.
• Stabilo ballpoint pens: Stabilo pens are known for creative colors and smooth writing, ideal for art and educational projects.
• Stanger ballpoint pens: Stanger pens are economical and reliable, suitable for everyday school and office use.
• UNI ballpoint pens: UNI pens are durable and offer high-quality ink that ensures smooth writing.
• Unimax ballpoint pens: Unimax ballpoint pens are available in various colors and are durable, perfect for everyday writing.
• Zebra ballpoint pens: Zebra pens are known for their precision and smooth writing, offering a wide range of colors and designs.

Choose your perfect ballpoint pen model in the selected ink and design color from the wide Rolling offer!