Ink Cartridge Stuck In My Pen's Barrel!

[Clyde The Yellow]

So, here's the nitty gritty of my problem here.

 

I was recently gifted a FC Ambition pen. The retailer thought that Cross cartridges would've worked well with the pen (they don't because apparently they're too fat). He also decided to follow the instructions that come with the pen and put a reserve cartridge in the barrel.

 

I guess you can see where the problem is: I got a ink cartridge stuck deep down in the barrel, and as I am looking to install a converter, this may become a problem if it isn't already. I know it's kind of a greenhorn question, but how do I extract said cartridge without possibly damaging the barrel or otherwise messing things up?

[aardvarkbark]

I've done this also thinking how brilliant to have a reserve PR cartridge down in an Omas, then decided wanted to use converter. Tried to soak in warm water to see if that might loosen things, but it didn't. Couldn't get firm enough grip with long tweezers on outside of cartridge. Finally screwed in a long screw and got enough of a grip on the screw head that I was able to pull it out. Little messy and wasted a cartridge, but it got it done.

[watch_art]

get a wood screw, screw it into the cart that's stuck in the barrel, and pull it out.

rinse.

[SteveE]

I've had some success using a set of "retired" dental picks I bought from American Science and Surplus. They have a web site as well as a store in Chicago. (Usual disclaimers apply - I have no connections with them, only a customer.)

[kernando]

But why doesn't the retailer just replace your pen so you can write and they can worry about it later? And yes, the other suggestions seem fine.

[lahlahlaw]

I second using a long screw, just be careful once you puncture the catridge as your barrel is wood, you don't want to get ink on it.

[Clyde The Yellow]

I second using a long screw, just be careful once you puncture the catridge as your barrel is wood, you don't want to get ink on it.

 

Actually, it has the "precious resin" barrel, with the rhombus finish. I've tried to get a feel of the wood barrel when I got the chance, and it feels nice, but not something I could use to write for hours.

 

And I tried with the "long screw" method. Worked like a charm, didn't even get any blo- ehr, ink on my hands in the process. Thank you guys, you're a bunch of lifesavers!