Is there a way to loosen up the ink in a ball-point pen when it quits flowing out as you try to write?

Question

I usually buy too many ball-point pens at a time, so I would like to be able to keep using the ones that have dried up ink in them. I know, I'm foolish for buying too many, but is there a way?

Answer 1

The old art school trick is to hold the pen point against a hot light bulb for just a few minutes-watch it don't set the plastic barrel on fire. If it doesn't start flowing- then I'm afraid it is dead!

Answer 2

warm them up in hot water and store them point down