Copic problem, help needed

[annie*]

I have Copic Sketch markers and some are quite old. Recently I discovered my R39 which is one of my older markers and a deep red color had the super brush nib having problems. It was a bit brittle and would not color. I ordered some new nibs and replaced the nib and refilled the marker. It seemed to be working just fine. I have not been able to Copic color for several weeks, and the marker was stored horizontally during that time. When I went to color the super brush nib was once again dry and would not color.
I have tried multiple times today to contact the Copic customer service. When I fill out the form it simply will not send, no matter what I do. I don't know if they are having web site issues or what is happening.
I think I may need a new cover/lid as the lid seems a bit loose on this marker. It could somehow be a plugged marker, but after replacing the nib it seemed to be working fine. Since I am unable to contact the company I am at a loss as to what to do next. I don't wish to continue having issues and wonder if someone might have some advice. I could replace the marker, but I think the problem may be just the cap. Any advice?

[Scrapjanny]

I don't think replacing the cap would help, because the defect is probably in the barrel. I had a red Copic like that. I believe it was R27. No matter how many times I re-inked it, it would dry out in a few days. I think it was a problem with the cap. It finally got to the point that it wouldn't accept any ink anymore, and it was as hard as a rock. When I took Copic certification classes, we were told that if the marker is damaged, there isn't anything that can be done. I threw mine away and replaced it with a new R27, and it's been fine ever since. I think I wasted more money trying to fix it than it was worth.

[annie*]

Thank you so much for the information! I had sort of come to the conclusion that I was going to need to replace the marker, but it reassuring to have you confirm that. Thank you!!

[Scrapjanny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by annie*

Thank you so much for the information! I had sort of come to the conclusion that I was going to need to replace the marker, but it reassuring to have you confirm that. Thank you!!

No problem. You might want to try one more thing. It didn't work for my marker, but it might work for yours. Clean the inside of both caps and around the tips of the marker with alcohol. Sometimes the ink leaves a sticky residue inside the edge of the cap, and it doesn't fit tightly. Worth a try, I guess. Fingers crossed for you.

[annie*]

It is possible that somehow the cap started my problem, but I think the marker is beyond repair. The funny thing is the chisel end still works, but the brand new brush nib I replaced already looks ruined. Copic frequently asked questions states you can clear an airway clog, but does not give any instructions on how to actually do that. I tried sticking a q-tip in the barrel and that did nothing. I would prefer to not have to replace a marker, but I think that is what I am going to be forced to do, rather than being able to fix the problem. It is frustrating that Copic's customer service does not seem to be working. I really appreciate your help. Perhaps your suggestions will be helpful to others as well. Thank you!