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8.3 Inserting a pen
You can insert a pen – or other writing instrument that you are using – into the pen clip
and tighten it in place with the thumbscrew. (If you are setting up for the first time, you
may find the thumbscrew removed for shipping.)
Take care to only apply gentle force with the thumbscrew: You only need to immobilize the
pen, so stop turning once you encounter moderate resistance.
When using any ink-based pen (whether rollerball, fountain pen, or permanent maker), it
is helpful to “bleed” out the tip before writing. Try it by hand on a piece of paper, and make
sure that ink is actually flowing.
Note on fragile or delicate pens:
If you choose to use fragile pens (such as high-end foun-
tain pens with celluloid barrels), exercise great care when inserting the pen. You may wish
to wrap the barrel in a thin, soft cloth to avoid scratching, and use little or no pressure from
the thumbscrew. Moderately priced fountain pens, like the Lamy Safari shown above,
tend to be quite tough, and require little special treatment.
