Wax ball on tip

[Jonah79]

These days some /many ballpoint and gel pens come with a wax ball on the tip to prevent drying out. 

 

But does really work and does it really lenghten shelf life?

 

 

 

[Beechwood]

I suspect that the answer must be YES otherwise the manufacturers would simply  not bother.

[Jonah79]

2 minutes ago, Beechwood said:

I suspect that the answer must be YES otherwise the manufacturers would simply  not bother.

Yes, okay, but can they last for decades now?