The Ultimate Guide to Pen Refills

When a car runs out of gas, you don’t just throw it out. All of its components are still functional and all it requires is fuel. So, whether you’re a journaling enthusiast, writer, professional, or poet, no need to throw out your pens simply because the ink’s run dry or has finished. This guide will help you find the best pen refills for your writing instrument, whether it’s a ballpoint, fountain, or bolt action pen. Let’s get started!

Why Even Bother with Pen Refills?

First of all, to throw away a pen simply because it's out of ink is wasteful harms the environment, and is absolutely unnecessary when refills exist. Maintaining a pen is a much better alternative, especially considering the availability of pen parts and accessories now. They save you money, protect the environment indirectly by reducing waste, and get your favorite pen running again without making a brand-new purchase. You can even upgrade your current pen by using compatible Schmidt pen refills and ink converters for fountain pens.

Types of Pen Refills

Let’s explore the most popular types of pen refills and what makes them special:

Ballpoint Pen Refills

The classic ballpoint pen. Stable, smooth, reliable, and long-lasting. The perfect partner for a professional working individual.

High-end refills for ballpoint pens often come from brands like Schmidt. If you own a Bastion pens bolt-action pen, the go-to choice should be the Replacement Ink Cartridge for Bolt-Action Pen for those wanting a premium writing experience. 

Fountain or Ink Pen Refills

Fountain pens are all about exuberating class in the pen world. They require more but offer a finer writing experience as well. For them, you’ve got the choice between ink pen refills or ink converters that can be paired with bottled ink. 

Lead Refills for Mechanical Pencils

We’re big proponents of mechanical pencils. They require no sharpening, offer great control and consistency and so naturally are the go-to for artists. However, since they cannot be sharpened, they do require refills. Make use of Bastion’s Schmidt Lead Converter with 20 Lead Set for premium quality refills and maintaining your stock.

Gel and Rollerball Refills

Gel pen refills need to be replaced more often than the rest. They’re quite smooth but this smooth flow results in the depletion of ink much faster.

How to Choose the Best Pen Refill

Refills vary greatly, and no two refills are alike. Here are some factors to consider when picking your next refill:

1. Compatibility: First things first: check your pen model. The pen cartridge refill should match the size and type of your pen. For example, if you own a Bastion bolt-action pen, their replacement ink cartridge is the ideal fit. Some pen refills are made considering the standard size complying with ISO Standard 1257. So, refills from different brands can be swamped.

2. Ink Quality: Low-quality ink can smear, skip, or fade over time. Opt for reputable brands like Schmidt for long-lasting and smooth writing. Schmidt pen refills are known for their superior ink technology.
   
   
3. Type of Writing: Consider what you use your pen for. Is it for quick note-taking, detailed sketches, or elegant cursive writing? For precise control, ballpoint pen refills are great, while fountain pen refills add sophistication.
4. Eco-Friendliness: If sustainability matters to you, using an ink converter for fountain pens allows you to switch to bottled ink, reducing plastic waste. Mechanical pencils are another great choice since you only need to replace the lead.

Quick Tips for Maintaining Your Pens

• Store pens upright: Prevent leaks and keep the ink flowing smoothly.
• Clean fountain pens regularly: Use water to rinse out old ink before switching refills.
• Protect your leads: Use a sturdy lead pack for bolt-action pencils to keep them safe.

ISO Standard Pen Refill Types

Often, brands standardize the sizes of their pens, which are referred to as ISO 12757-1:2017 and ISO 14145-1:2016. The advantage of this standardization practice is that you don’t have to worry about compatibility, as refills have the same dimensions and thus fit inside the bodies of pens from various manufacturers.

When you’re shopping for refills, you’ll often see a variety of sizes and types. These refer to the shape and size of the refill that will fit your pen.

Conclusion

Feel free to experiment around with different refills to try out the variety available and find your favorite refill. With companies like Bastion, it is easy to stock up no matter the style of pen you might have, ballpoint or foundation; their wide range of refills ensures you’ll find the perfect fit for your pen.

FAQs

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH REFILL FITS MY PEN?

Check your pen model or manufacturer’s specifications. Most pens indicate the refill type they use.

CAN I SWITCH BETWEEN BALLPOINT AND GEL REFILLS IN THE SAME PEN?

In many cases, you actually can. Some pens support multiple refill types so as long as they have the same type, they’re compatible. However, make sure to check compatibility before trying to jam it in to not cause any damage.

HOW DO I REPLACE A PEN REFILL WITHOUT DAMAGING MY PEN?

Follow the steps below to replace a refill:

1. Unscrew or open the pen barrel.
2. Remove the empty refill and insert the new one.
3. Assemble the pen
4. Test it out

CAN I USE LEAD REFILLS OF A DIFFERENT SIZE IN MY MECHANICAL PENCIL?

Not exactly since mechanical pencils are designed for using a very specific lead size, e.g., 0.5mm, 0.7mm, or 0.9mm. Using the wrong size of lead can damage it and the pen.