Great Way to Save Expo Pens

This instructable helps eliminate squished dry-erase pen tips.  Perfect for teachers that have to deal with squished dry-erase pens. 

Step 1: Gather Materials

Materials                                                                                                                        

Expo pen 

Tools

A pair of pliers ( I used needle-nosed pliers) 

Step 2: Remove End Cap

Take your pliers and gently pull off the end cap, this may take some force,but don't break it. You should be able to see the ink cartridge, remove it and place the two pieces in a zip-lock bag.

Step 3: Take Off the Chisel Tip

First take off the cap. Then take your pliers and carefully tug on the chisel tip, as it should come off with ease. 

Step 4: Assemble Pen

First, put the dullest side of the chisel tip in first.  Next, take the ink cartridge and find the side with the indentation on it. Drop that side in first. The part of the ink cartridge should have four little dent on it. Finally, you put the end cap on with some force. Now go enjoy your new and sharp expo pen!

Comments

[MaryT8M]

WOW how cool.....wish I had know this a few years ago!

[blueblobbs]

Thx, I might get around to making some more instrucatables soon,

[sieramolly]

Brilliant, Sam. Maybe I can use less than a thousand next year.

[blueblobbs]

Yep. It's always a good idea.
-blueblobbs

[BLUEBLOBS2]

How come your workspace or your fingers aren't very messy after removing the chisel tip?
-BLUEBLOBS2

[davidkichi]

Good stuff! I was curious to know if you could just pull out the tip enough to cut off the frayed part w/out taking it out or would that not work? (coming from a lazy guy) Thanks!

[blueblobbs]

I'm no sure, but I don't think it would work because it is a certain length to reach the ink cartidge, sorry.
-blueblobbs

[davidkichi]

That makes sense. I guess you'd have to open up the other side and push the ink tube forward each time so that it would reach the tip perhaps. Or connect the tip and the ink tube with tape or something so it moves in unison if tip is cut. Thanks.

[blueblobbs]

Yep.

[davidkichi]

Found some links to green pens and the like, hope they inspire more instructables:
http://www.pilotpen.us/BeGreen.aspx
http://www.staedtler.com/Lumocolor_refill_stations

[BLUEBLOBS2]

Very nice 'Ible. I wish that I could have thought of this...

[Ricardo Furioso]

Brilliant.
In my experience, the whiteboards are severely damaged by the solvent-based eraser sprays often used on them.
You've probably seen these off-white bottles.
To ensure the longevity of your whiteboards, use soap, water, and a cotton cloth.
When nobody is looking, throw the bottles in the trash in a room where they won't be retrieved.

[blueblobbs]

Wow, I never knew that! Thanks for the information
-blueblobbs