How to prevent leaky pens inside bags?

sdkitty · Apr 16th, 2008, 12:46 PM

A few months ago I had a pen leak inside my purse. It got all over my cosmetic case which fortunately was washable and came out fine. I don't recall ever having this problem before but I started thinking I just purchased a nice wallet which is light colored leather and wouldn't want ink on it. Right now the pen I'm carrying is a ballpoint retractable tip. It's not the cheapest kind but not an expensive one either. I wouldn't want to use one with just a cap on the end. Any suggestions? Is it worth it to buy a better pen? I really want my pen to be conveniently available. Don't really want to put inside zipper compartment.

heather123 · Apr 16th, 2008, 12:56 PM

This is a good question! I think your retractable ball-point is a good idea. That's what I started doing. Although I haven't had a serious pen leak it's something I've dreaded. Especially as I like writing with fibre-tip pens! So I swiped one of my husband's rectractable Pilot pens. I actually quite like using a pencil as well, so long as I'm not signing cheques, filling forms, etc. I find a 2B pencil soft and dark enough to write with. As I'm a writer I try to keep those lying around in case I want to jot notes in my pad.

bagatella · Apr 16th, 2008, 01:01 PM

I think a removable purse organizer such as a Purseket or Purse-to-Go is a great idea.

LindaP · Apr 16th, 2008, 01:03 PM

I use a cap pen after marking up the lining on a new bag and learning the hard way. Purse to Go or something similar is a great suggestion!

Linda

wickedassin · Apr 16th, 2008, 01:07 PM

I don't keep gel or liquid ink type pens in my purse. The barrels are made out of plastic and can leak. I'd pass on the "clicker" type of pens that have the retractable tip since things can get jostled in your purse and then the pen can get retracted "out" to mark your bag or other items.

The "answer" for me has been to use ball-point (the old-fashioned ink kind) pens that either have a screw on cap or a pen where you have to twist the top of the pen to get the tip of the pen out.

Borders Bookstores have some cute styles in colorful designs that have the twisting top for under $10. Since the pen is "colorful", I always find it easily in my purse and since it's so cute, I'm good about not leaving it behind and being pen-less!

indiaink · Apr 16th, 2008, 01:20 PM

I haven't carried a 'loose' pen in years - I use a leather "pen parapet" by Levenger, available here. They have other styles as well. I highly recommend them. I've been using a red leather case for over a year and it's just perfect for me.

Liberté · Apr 16th, 2008, 01:24 PM

I stopped carrying pens after several disasters. =(

Violawas · Apr 16th, 2008, 02:02 PM

You can even put the pen in an inexpensive plastic bag.

LT bag lady · Apr 16th, 2008, 02:06 PM

I keep the pens in a small pouch or wrislet, makes changing handbags easier too.
cheers,

kemilia · Apr 16th, 2008, 02:13 PM

The only pen I will carry is the one in my Coach organizer thingy for my Palm. The pen has the pen part, pencil part and stylus. It is always in it's little leather loop in the zipped up organizer.

Since it is the only pen I carry with me (and I hate using the ones at the grocery stores, yuck) I am careful to put it right back where it belongs.

ArmCandyLuvr · Apr 16th, 2008, 02:34 PM

I agree with the suggestions of a screw cap or "twist" ball point. I keep my pen in my makeup bag. I also recommend a pen case of some sort.

jchiara · Apr 16th, 2008, 05:40 PM

Don't carry one....

IrisCole · Apr 16th, 2008, 06:24 PM

I don't carry pens in my expensive bags, but if you needed to you could pick up a cute LeSportsac pouch for a pretty reasonable price and carry them in that (works well for cosmetics also).

ami kio · Apr 16th, 2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wickedassin

I don't keep gel or liquid ink type pens in my purse. The barrels are made out of plastic and can leak. I'd pass on the "clicker" type of pens that have the retractable tip since things can get jostled in your purse and then the pen can get retracted "out" to mark your bag or other items.

The "answer" for me has been to use ball-point (the old-fashioned ink kind) pens that either have a screw on cap or a pen where you have to twist the top of the pen to get the tip of the pen out.

I switched to carrying the twist-retractable pens, and I haven't had an issue in years.

MzErica81 · Apr 16th, 2008, 08:46 PM

I keep my pens in a small Kate Spade pencil case. It works great!

Apr 16th, 2008, 12:46 PM	#1
sdkitty Member Location: San Diego	How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? A few months ago I had a pen leak inside my purse. It got all over my cosmetic case which fortunately was washable and came out fine. I don't recall ever having this problem before but I started thinking I just purchased a nice wallet which is light colored leather and wouldn't want ink on it. Right now the pen I'm carrying is a ballpoint retractable tip. It's not the cheapest kind but not an expensive one either. I wouldn't want to use one with just a cap on the end. Any suggestions? Is it worth it to buy a better pen? I really want my pen to be conveniently available. Don't really want to put inside zipper compartment.

Apr 16th, 2008, 12:56 PM	#2
heather123 Member Location: IRELAND	Re: How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? This is a good question! I think your retractable ball-point is a good idea. That's what I started doing. Although I haven't had a serious pen leak it's something I've dreaded. Especially as I like writing with fibre-tip pens! So I swiped one of my husband's rectractable Pilot pens. I actually quite like using a pencil as well, so long as I'm not signing cheques, filling forms, etc. I find a 2B pencil soft and dark enough to write with. As I'm a writer I try to keep those lying around in case I want to jot notes in my pad.

Apr 16th, 2008, 01:01 PM	#3
bagatella Member	Re: How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? I think a removable purse organizer such as a Purseket or Purse-to-Go is a great idea.

Apr 16th, 2008, 01:03 PM	#4
LindaP Member Location: Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia USA	Re: How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? I use a cap pen after marking up the lining on a new bag and learning the hard way. Purse to Go or something similar is a great suggestion! Linda

Apr 16th, 2008, 01:07 PM	#5
wickedassin Member	Re: How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? I don't keep gel or liquid ink type pens in my purse. The barrels are made out of plastic and can leak. I'd pass on the "clicker" type of pens that have the retractable tip since things can get jostled in your purse and then the pen can get retracted "out" to mark your bag or other items. The "answer" for me has been to use ball-point (the old-fashioned ink kind) pens that either have a screw on cap or a pen where you have to twist the top of the pen to get the tip of the pen out. Borders Bookstores have some cute styles in colorful designs that have the twisting top for under $10. Since the pen is "colorful", I always find it easily in my purse and since it's so cute, I'm good about not leaving it behind and being pen-less!

Apr 16th, 2008, 01:20 PM	#6
indiaink sic vita est Location: St. Paul MN	Re: How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? I haven't carried a 'loose' pen in years - I use a leather "pen parapet" by Levenger, available here. They have other styles as well. I highly recommend them. I've been using a red leather case for over a year and it's just perfect for me. __________________ No regrets. No waiting. No ordinary moments. Unknown

Apr 16th, 2008, 01:24 PM	#7
Liberté hAppy JUMPER	Re: How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? I stopped carrying pens after several disasters. =( __________________ disco BUMPER

Apr 16th, 2008, 02:02 PM	#8
Violawas Member	Re: How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? You can even put the pen in an inexpensive plastic bag.

Apr 16th, 2008, 02:06 PM	#9
LT bag lady Another addict Location: USA and Ireland	Re: How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? I keep the pens in a small pouch or wrislet, makes changing handbags easier too. cheers, __________________ LT Bag Lady

Apr 16th, 2008, 02:13 PM	#10
kemilia Member Location: the boonies of illinois	Re: How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? The only pen I will carry is the one in my Coach organizer thingy for my Palm. The pen has the pen part, pencil part and stylus. It is always in it's little leather loop in the zipped up organizer. Since it is the only pen I carry with me (and I hate using the ones at the grocery stores, yuck) I am careful to put it right back where it belongs.

Apr 16th, 2008, 02:34 PM	#11
ArmCandyLuvr Loves Boys X Boys! Location: WI, USA	Re: How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? I agree with the suggestions of a screw cap or "twist" ball point. I keep my pen in my makeup bag. I also recommend a pen case of some sort. __________________ I reached my goal of losing 225 pounds! Thank you, tPF! Thank you, Richard! My Wishlist: [ ] Dior Holiday 2008 Palette [ ] Chanel Exclusive Nail Color Trio [X] Louis Vuitton Inclusion Ring in Pomme D'Amour-Got it! Thank you, DBF! [X] Coach 3x5 Leather Agenda in Gold-Got it! DBF strikes again! [ ] David Yurman 5 MM Cable Bangle in Blue Topaz [ ] David Yurman 5 MM Cable Bangle in Peridot [ ] MacBook Air Can't seem to stay on my shopping ban!

Apr 16th, 2008, 05:40 PM	#12
jchiara is a Mommy of 4 ♥s	Re: How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? Don't carry one.... __________________ be thankful for all that you have.....

Apr 16th, 2008, 06:24 PM	#13
IrisCole Pretty Little World	Re: How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? I don't carry pens in my expensive bags, but if you needed to you could pick up a cute LeSportsac pouch for a pretty reasonable price and carry them in that (works well for cosmetics also). __________________ Christmas Wishlist: - Ilemi Paris Braided Leather Bag - Chloe Pre-Fall 08 Suede Wrap Booties, 39 - AKA NY Crochet Collar Dress - Philippe Audibert Cuff Bracelet - Louis Vuitton (well, anything!) - Chanel Classic Jumbo Flap w/silver hardware

Apr 16th, 2008, 08:46 PM	#15
MzErica81 Member Location: Burbs of Chicago	Re: How to prevent leaky pens inside bags? I keep my pens in a small Kate Spade pencil case. It works great! __________________ Have you hugged your pet today?