Fountain Pen Basics: How to Fill a Fountain Pen, Part III (Piston Fillers)

In Part III of our “Fountain Pen Basics” Series, we look at how to fill a piston filler fountain pen, using as a demonstrative a commonly available TWSBI Diamond piston filler.
“Fountain Pen Basics” discusses topics of interest to those new to fountain pens, such as how to fill a fountain pen, how to clean a fountain pen, and related tips and tricks.
You can purchase the TWSBI Fountain Pen (the Diamond Mini AL Grape), along with other great TWSBI products, from our shop at the following link: www.gentlemanstationer.com/th...
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[@stationery.shenanigans]

Does the piston ever accidentally twist and discharge? That's something I am nervous about. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheGentlemanStationer]

I've never had this happen to me on a TWSBI, and only rarely in other pens. Typically it happens with age and you can send the pen back to the manufacturer to have it tightened if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.

[@stationery.shenanigans]

@@TheGentlemanStationer Thank you! I'm going to try a TWSBI.

[@bjwipp]

Some piston fillers I own, like the Lamy 2k, recommend expelling a drop or two of ink after the fill and then tightening it back up. Why is that?

[@TheGentlemanStationer]

I believe it's intended to flush excess ink out of the feed so the pen doesn't "blob" or "burp" when you first try to write. I personally don't do this - instead I blot the feed with a paper or cloth towel (which is what I'm doing here). Also, with the Lamy 2000, if you're filling from a Lamy ink bottle you can use the roll of paper contained in the base to do the same thing.

[@bjwipp]

@@TheGentlemanStationer Thanks, Joe! That's what I thought, but I've learned to check my thinking. Now, to wait for my latest TGS shipment to arrive!