Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
Honestly, no matter how careful I am with them, their maintenance, storage, etc., my glue pens always stop working. I figure I actually get to use about .001% of the glue in the barrel before they clog up and become unusable. It's frustrating and oh-so wasteful. Recently I've tried Zig and Quickie, but I think I've tried all of the brands at some time or other. For me, the Zig worked a bit better than the Quickie (quickest thing it did was stop working), but not as you would hope.
Is there a way to make them last longer than a few uses?
I've not had any issue with my Zig fine tip glue pens, but the Quickie glue pens are another thing. I have a couple of those that are at least half full and I can't get them to work.
I've heard of soaking them in hot water and all sorts to get them to work again, but I gave up on mine. As to say, annoying cos to can clearly see they are still full of glue.
Maybe try checking with the company. I'd be interested in finding out if the pens can be revived. I quit buying them because I'd use them once and then they'd clog.
I think I had a problem only once. Every other Quicki glue pen I've bought has worked fine. I use them up to the very last drop. Could you maybe pry off the tip and clean it out?
I have a Tombow that is practically new, but won't work. I too the top off to get to the inside (it is just like a ballpoint pen) and there is glue all over the outside of the filler part, but none comes out of the tip. There is lots of glue in the tube, so I have no idea what's going on. It's now resides in the trash.
I've had some success reviving a Quikie glue pen by rolling between my hands to warm it up. I usually do that for a couple of minutes. I also store it flat as opposed to vertical. HTH's.
To keep a Quickie Glue Pen or your gel pens working like new, when you finish using them, put a little ball of polymer clay on the tip. Or, this is what I do: drip melted wax on the tip. Doing either of these will keep your pens from drying out. The tiny blob you have to pull off a new pen is what the factory puts on them so they will work when you buy them. If you can manage to save that, stick it back on.
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
First, thanks all. I tried the warming it up in my hands, that didn't work. Guess my pen was too far gone? I will try soaking in hot water; it would be nice if that worked.. I'm hesitant to disassemble a glue pen; knowing myself, that's a mess waiting to happen.
Quote:
Originally Posted by uncbballfan
To keep a Quickie Glue Pen or your gel pens working like new, when you finish using them, put a little ball of polymer clay on the tip. Or, this is what I do: drip melted wax on the tip. Doing either of these will keep your pens from drying out. The tiny blob you have to pull off a new pen is what the factory puts on them so they will work when you buy them. If you can manage to save that, stick it back on.
Thanks, unccbballfan. I do that already, and it doesn't work, at least for me. I have 2 Quickies that I used about a project or two each before they quit working, and they both have that wax blob replaced on the top every time. Like I said, no matter what I try...
So, for me, I'm back to a combination of the old things: Xyron, glue dot runner and liquid glue w/a toothpick application. At least until the next thing comes along to tempt.
Thanks all; you're kind for offering assistance. I appreciate it!
For the Quickie pen: Pull the pen part out of the barrel, pull the glue tube out of the pen head, stick a pin in and wiggle it around. Stick the tube back on and try writing with it. If it starts to flow, reassemble. If not pull the tube off and wiggle a pin in there some more ( a warm water soak may be needed).
Hint: I worked the blade of a craft knife in between the barrel and the white "pointy" part. Go around until you get some space, then use a craft stick to lever it off. Good luck!