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  "path": "/threads/how-can-rubber-like-ink-in-ballpoint-pens-be-softened.2633897/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-24T15:05:18.000Z",
  "site": "https://forums.anandtech.com",
  "tags": [
    "OT Discussion Club"
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  "textContent": "I found some old ballpoint pens that had been thrown away, and the ink inside has turned into something like rubber or thick pudding. The pens won’t write, and the ink can’t be blown out of the refill. When the refill is cut open, the ink stretches into strands instead of flowing like a liquid. The ink also smears heavily, but because it has become rubbery, it won’t pass through the small metal tip (ballpoint) to allow the pen to write. To dilute the ink, it would need to absorb water, but the ink repels water. What can be done in this situation? There are more than a dozen of these pens, and all the refills are still full of ink. I would like to reuse them, and in my opinion, they are worth trying to restore.",
  "title": "How can rubber-like ink in ballpoint pens be softened?"
}