The Complete Guide to Pen Refills

Many people get attached to their pens especially when it looks cool. That’s why it’s heard to throw away a perfect-looking pen when it runs out of ink. Luckily, pen companies now offer pen refills where you can get new ink to replace the old one.

Pen refills have a lot of advantages. For instance, when you’re using an expensive pen, a refill is a cheaper way of extending its life span. Also, it’s simply wasteful to keep throwing away pen cases; refilling the ink is better for the environment. 

So how do people buy pen refills, and how can they determine the perfect ink for their pen? There are many refills to choose from, and you need to be careful when buying them so that you don’t get the wrong one. This guide will teach you about pen refills and how to buy the perfect one. 

What is a pen refill?

Pen refills are ink cartridges or reservoirs that fit inside a pen, allowing you to replenish the ink supply once it runs out. They are designed to be easily replaced, offering a good alternative to purchasing a new pen every time the ink runs out. By choosing the appropriate pen refill, you can extend the lifespan of your pen.

How to choose the right pen refill?

• Compatibility: Before purchasing a pen refill, ensure that it is compatible with your pen model. Different pens have specific refill requirements, and using an incompatible refill may result in poor performance or even damage to your pen.
• Tip Size: Consider the tip size that best suits your writing style and preferences. Fine tips provide precise and detailed writing, while broader tips offer a bolder and more pronounced stroke. Experiment with different sizes to find the one that feels most comfortable to you.
• Ink Color: Pen refills are available in a wide range of colors, allowing you to add personality and variety to your writing. From classic black and blue to vibrant reds, greens, and purples, choose colors that reflect your style and purpose.

Guide to finding the right pen refills

Check the pen model

Chances are, the brand name and type are written somewhere on the pen. The first step you want to take is to look up the pen name and model number online. If the pen is popular, you’ll see the refills being sold on sites like Amazon.

To be safe, go to the official manufacturer’s website and check for that model or go to the refill page to see different options. Match the refill to your pen and order it directly from the manufacturer. 

Make sure that you choose the proper model and tip size. If you cannot find any useful information, go to the contact page and get in touch with the manufacturer.

Another way to get the right refill is through review pages. When you search for the pen brand name and model, some reviews of that pen may pop up. These pages can be a gold mine of information because the authors have tried and tested these refills, so don’t write them off. 

Check the refill model number

In some cases, you may not find useful information when you search for the model and brand of the pen if it is not a popular one. What you can do is rely on the refill. Take it out of the pen and check for any numbers on it. There is a high chance that the model number is written on it. Search for that online and choose the proper refill.

Don’t just choose any model number that matches yours. Make sure to check for pictures of that refill and compare it to yours. If it looks similar, then buy it. If not, keep searching. 

Check for universal refills

Some manufacturers sell universal refills that can fit numerous pens.If you have tried the first two options and still can’t find your pen refill, you should try getting universal refills. This should not be your go to option because even though a pen refill may look just like yours, subtle differences in size of the nib and the length of the refill can make it incompatible with your pen. 

This method has worked for some people so you should still give it a try when you are left with no choice. Keep reading to check out some cool refill choices that may be suitable for you.

Types of pen refills

Ballpoint Pen Refills

Ballpoint pens are the most common type of pen, and their refills are widely available. These refills use a thick, oil-based ink that dries quickly, making them suitable for everyday writing tasks. They come in various colors and tip sizes, allowing you to personalize your writing experience.

D1 Refills

The D1 refill is a thin metal cylindrical refill used in compact and multifunction pens. It is one of the ost popular type of refills and it is usually made for ballpoint pens. There are gel ink versions but they tend not to last very long because the D1 container is too small. They measure 67mm in length and approximately 2.3mm in diameter.

D1 refill is suitable for popular ballpoint pens styles like the one above however here are some trustworthy D1 refill options that may work for you.

Monteverde D1 Ballpoint Refill

This refill has one of the widest color ranges available. There is purple, turquoise and orange colors. It is a reliable choice and you can buy the refills in bulk or individually. 

Cross Style Refills

Cross refill is used for those retractable twist pens. Because of the twist mechanism, the refill is not made like others, it has a knob attached to the end for the twisting. When getting a refill for this type of pen, you should also pay attention to the nib because it comes in different styles. Different brands like Schneider and Monteverde offer cross style refills but to be on the safe side, you should buy the cross brand refill.

Parker Style Refills

Parker style ballpoint refill is a thicker and longer lasting version of refill. It is a standard pattern called the G2 refill but because it was created by parker, most people know it as the Parker-style refill.

The G2 refill is 98mm long and approximately 5.8mm diameter on the main barrel. Most parker refills are unuversal so you do’t have to worry too much when buying them however, you should watch out for the tips because they differ. While you may be tempted to buy the Parker brand G2 refill, other companies like Ohto, Uni, Fisher and Schmidt have made amazing Parker refills that should work with your pen. 

Rollerball Pen Refills

Rollerball pens provide a smooth and fluid writing experience due to their water-based ink. Rollerball refills are available in a wide range of colors and tip sizes, providing versatility and options for different writing styles. 

Rollerball Pen refill is usually called the Euro-style refills and they come in different sizes. This type of pen is a popular choice for those who enjoy expressive and vibrant writing. Here are some popular rollerball pen refill that may suit your pen.

Schmidt Style Universal Rollerball Black Fine Refill

This is a popular refill option for rollerball pens. It is said to fit 98% of rollerball pens with standard sizes. They also come in two styles; the short and the longer version. This range allow people with different pen sizes have various options. The Schmidt pen refills suit a variety of brand pens so it’s safe to give it a try. 

Pilot G2 Gel Ink Refill

The Pilot G2 pen is one of the most popular pens in the world and it’s refill is considered a standard style for rollerball pens because the size is compatible with many brands. This refill works for the Pilot G2 series pen and can work for you as well. It usually comes in plastic unlike the Schmidt refill.

Extra Fine Tip Pilot Rollerball Refill

When it comes to pen refills, a subtle difference can make the pen feel wrong. There are fine tip refills and extra fine tip refills like the one above and it will affect your writing if you don’t get it right. Sure, the refill will fit into your pen case but it may not be the way it used to if you get the wrong type. Pay attention to the tip to pick the proper one. 

Pen refills are the lifeline of your favorite pen, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to keep writing smoothly. By following the tips and guide mentioned above and properly maintaining your pen refills, you can enjoy a continuous and enjoyable writing experience for years to come.

Have you been looking to buy some high-quality Japanese pens? You can check out our ZenPop store for the best stationery from Japan. 

This article was originally written by our freelance writer Umm-Kulthum Abdulkareem and edited by us.