Best Way To "rest" Pen If I Don't Want To Keep Re-Capping?

[StrawberryJam]

I currently store all of my inked pens nib up in a wooden test tube holder on my desk when they are not in use. But if I start writing with a pen, I have a tendency to leave it uncapped on my desk, horizontally, for various periods of time (up to and over 30 minutes, sometimes). I'm noticing that some of my (cheaper) pens have a very hard time starting up again after they have remained uncapped for awhile.

 

So my question is, what's the best way to store the pen on my desk if I am going to be leaving the pen uncapped for 10-30 minutes? I did find this post (https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/183946-pen-stand/) in which someone had posted a nib-down stand, but since my pens are all of varying sizes (some skinny, some more rotund), it doesn't seem like that would be the best solution for me.

[Bo Bo Olson]

On the floor because that is where it is going to end up. It falls less from the floor.

 

You could buy a desk set and see if your pen fits, or an ink well set with a pen rest.

Herbin makes an ink bottle with an ink rest.

[chiaroscuro]

I think you should try a Pilot Vanishing Point or a hooded nib pen with a slip cap. Many of my pens will start with no problems after resting uncapped for 10-20 minutes on my desk (maybe a scribble or two), but I live in a humid region, so ymmv. Also, once you get into the habit of capping your pens, you don't even notice it.

[jar]

Just put the cap back on.

 

It really is that simple.

[StrawberryJam]

Just put the cap back on.

 

It really is that simple.

 

I don't do it intentionally, it's more that I'm so used to just being able to put a pen down and then pick it up later. (I have dried out many highlighters this way). It's not second nature to me yet to do that.

 

Basically, I'll start writing because someone calls me and I need to take notes. But when the call is over, I stop writing and go back to my email, completely forgetting to recap the pen. Or, I'm reading a document and wanting to take notes/mark it up, but I will need to read, then go research something online on my computer, before I can come back and jot down notes in the margin.

[StrawberryJam]

I think you should try a Pilot Vanishing Point or a hooded nib pen with a slip cap. Many of my pens will start with no problems after resting uncapped for 10-20 minutes on my desk (maybe a scribble or two), but I live in a humid region, so ymmv. Also, once you get into the habit of capping your pens, you don't even notice it.

 

I have two VPs coming in the mail this week, so I'm hoping that the ease of clicking the retraction will help.

 

Also, I post my pens, so I forget that the cap is on the back (and then don't re-cap).

[StrawberryJam]

On the floor because that is where it is going to end up. It falls less from the floor.

 

You could buy a desk set and see if your pen fits, or an ink well set with a pen rest.

Herbin makes an ink bottle with an ink rest.

 

Ha, there is too much junk on my desk for my pens to roll to the floor! Also, since I post my pens, the clip on the cap stops the pen from traveling very far.

 

Was thinking about an ink rest, but most of the ones I see are horizontal. How is that different from just leaving the pen on my desk horizontally, which is what I do now?

[Lloyd]

If you're taking the time to learn an (allegedly) optimal way to rest an uncapped pen, why not take the time to "learn" to re-cap your pens?

[StrawberryJam]

If you're taking the time to learn an (allegedly) optimal way to rest an uncapped pen, why not take the time to "learn" to re-cap your pens?

 

I'm not opposed to "re-learning" to recap my pens. But that process (if ever successful) will take a while to learn. In the meantime, I don't think it's unreasonable to look for a workaround or interim solution, such as an appropriate pen rest to help alleviate the problem.

[warblerick]

Try placing your pen, nib-down, in a repurposed empty ink bottle (either new or vintage) which you can keep on your desk. The pen will sit nicely in it, and the bottle will hold any ink-drips should that occur. I have several antique ink bottles on my desk that I store pens in when not in use (capped, nib side up), but this should work in your case instead of leaving it uncapped on your desk.

[StrawberryJam]

Try placing your pen, nib-down, in a repurposed empty ink bottle (either new or vintage) which you can keep on your desk. The pen will sit nicely in it, and the bottle will hold any ink-drips should that occur. I have several antique ink bottles on my desk that I store pens in when not in use (capped, nib side up), but this should work in your case instead of leaving it uncapped on your desk.

 

Does it hurt the nib to have it resting against the bottom of the ink bottle? For some reason I have this impression that the nib should not "rest" against anything and that they are super fragile, but perhaps I am wrong.

[warblerick]

If its just resting against the bottom of the glass, no harm should be done. It will likely be resting on the iridium tip, which is really pretty hard.

[jar]

 

I don't do it intentionally, it's more that I'm so used to just being able to put a pen down and then pick it up later. (I have dried out many highlighters this way). It's not second nature to me yet to do that.

 

Basically, I'll start writing because someone calls me and I need to take notes. But when the call is over, I stop writing and go back to my email, completely forgetting to recap the pen. Or, I'm reading a document and wanting to take notes/mark it up, but I will need to read, then go research something online on my computer, before I can come back and jot down notes in the margin.

 

Then stop leaving the pen on your desk. Simply put the uncapped pen back in your pocket. That will help you learn new habits quickly.

 

It really is that simple.

[WaskiSquirrel]

Any solution proposed here will require learning new habits. I like the "cap the pen" solution myself. Fountain pens dry out. It's their nature.

 

Another alternative, with risk, is to put the cap on the pen but not screw it on. I'll do this if I'm alternating reading and marking. I've always capped or clicked closed my ballpoints too. It may matter less with them, but they can still leave marks if they get jostled against something.

[Sandy1]

Hi,

 

These little nuances of pen handling seem to draw some interesting replies.

 

My tuppence worth is to continue doing what you're doing : Just set your pen down in a horizontal posture wherever is convenient.

 

At some point something will happen that could motivate you to adopt a different way to handle your pens. Hopefully your pen won't be damaged when that something happens.

 

My little quirk is to hold the cap in my left hand when writing, then when I stop writing, I just cap the pen. I've become rather competent at desktop tasks whilst holding the cap in one hand and the pen in the other. I also tend to doodle, so even if I'm not writing, my pen is still keeping busy. (It hasn't written 'redrum' yet.)

 

Bye,

S1

Edited July 30, 2013 by Sandy1

[PAKMAN]

I don't post for numerous reasons. When I did try it with some cheaper pens I found the motion of uncapping a pen then posting it then writing a short note then unposting and recaping to be a very unproductive process. I typically uncap a pen and hold the cap in my left hand while I write and then place it right back on the pen after I have finished writing.

 

Dang, Sandy1 already addressed this while I was typing!

[Ernst Bitterman]

I'd follow Jar's line, in the direction of adopting a different habit. Probably the best way to do this is to use your pen which is MOST given to drying out if neglected; the mounting negative re-inforcement will drive you into the arms of habitual capping.

 

Like others, I tend to keep the cap in my off hand. You become, in effect, your own desk stand.

[Opooh]

A FP is like a mistress, if you neglect her, she will let you down.

[DRWWE]

I also hold the cap in my left hand and immediately re-cap the pen when I finish writing. It has become a habit. Then the pen either goes into my pocket or on my desk depending on where I am. An uncapped pen has no clip to impede rolling so on MY desk that would risk its falling on the floor and getting damaged. I live in a very dry climate, so leaving a pen uncapped for even a few minutes often results in a dry nib.

 

Another advantage to the habit of holding the cap in your non-dominant hand and never posting it: If you ever let someone else write with your pen, keep the cap in your own hand like you always do. There is a big reminder for that person to hand it back to you immediately rather than recap it himself and pocket the pen.

 

[Centopar]

Just one person's experience, but new habits are a lot easier to pick up (and old ones easier to break) than many people assume; it shouldn't take more than a few days to fix your tendency to leave it uncapped. You've just got to make the effort - and you should, because you're much less likely to lose a pen to a rolling accident that way. It's easy to give yourself a hint to remind yourself initially, too; loop an elastic band or a pony tail holder around the barrel so they pen doesn't feel like it normally does, and it'll give you the push you need to remember you're trying to do something differently.