Reader Teri asks,
“So, should pens and markers, etc be stored point up or point down?”
In my opinion, it differs depending on the pen.
- I find that felt tip pens like whiteboard markers, Sharpies, Microns and highlighters are best stored with the tip down. It keeps the ink in contact with the fiber/felt tip so that it does not dry out.
- Rollerballs and ballpoints are best if they are stored upright so they don’t leak or get gummy at the point.
- Gel pens seem to be okay stored either up or down. I have retractables that get stored point down and capped gels that get stored cap up. Both will occasionally need a little priming to get going but neither seems to leak or gum up at all.
- Fountain pens seem to like to be stored horizontal which keep the ink in contact with the nib but doesn’t let gravity get too sassy.
- I tend to store pencils pointy end up but this can be dangerous, especially if you are clumsy or have small children in the house. I’d recommend to store them tip down. Mechanical pencils can be stored tip down as well.
I’ve found these are the methods that work for me but I’d love to hear other people’s opinions and comments.
