I have some vintage / used pens with "gunk" in hard to reach areas. For example, there is "crud" at the intersection of the clip and the ring on the cap. What is the best way to remove it without scratching the ring, or wearing down the writing on the ring?

ultrasonic cleaner?

Hmm, I don't have one, and they look pretty expensive. Is that pretty much my only option?

If you don't have an ultra sonic, there are still several ways to get gunk out of tight spaces.

Cotton swabs (Q-tips) can work fairly well, but I like to use small modelers brushes that can be found in hobby shops. These usually have very soft synthetic tips on a thin plastic shaft. Sometimes they're sold as adhesive applicators.

A toothpick and sturdy cloth works too. as do those triangular shaped, wooden dental toothpicks. Patience is probably the greatest aid. Start with the most mild of cleaners and work up in abrasiveness or chemical harshness only if you need to.

Happy cleaning!


Cheers,
Tom

Cotton wool on a Q-tip or on the end of a toothpick works great.

I also use dental floss, especially the flat variety. It will get into places that a q-tip will never get. They also make a floss that looks like a tiny nylon brush, also great for tight places and very gentle.
Cheers,
Rob

A piece of scrap cloth, cut into thin strips, makes a good giant-sized floss. Excellent for de-grotting under the shoulder of a clip (the clip-pit? )

I am using some of those plastic floss sticks. The ones that combine a pick with a piece of dental floss. They seem to work well in a lot of areas. /Craig