An empty refill does not automatically mean that the entire pen needs replacing. With the right pen refills and ink cartridges, you can continue using ballpoint pens, rollerballs and fountain pens. However, your choice is only suitable if the shape, writing system and colour match the writing instrument you already have.
Many ballpoint refills look identical at first glance. However, the key factors are length, diameter, tip and the position of the support surface for the spring. For example, a LAMY M16 refill will not automatically fit a multi-colour pen with an M21 system. The LAMY M22 refill is also designed for compact writing instruments and should not be selected based on colour alone.
Parker refills also require careful checking: a Parker Quinkflow ballpoint refill is not intended for Parker fountain pens or rollerball models with a different fitting.
Ballpoint refills typically use oil-based ink. Rollerball refills usually write with water-based ink, creating a different writing feel. Fountain pen cartridges contain ink for a nib and cannot be interchanged with ballpoint or rollerball bodies.
A Pilot FriXion replacement refill contains thermosensitive gel ink. The writing can become invisible through friction or heat. It is therefore not suitable for exams, contracts, cheques or other documents where entries need to remain permanent.
“Blue” or “black” only describes the ink colour. You should also consider the line width:
First check whether you need a ballpoint refill, rollerball refill or fountain pen cartridge. Then check the manufacturer’s model number. The following systems are widely used by LAMY:
The model designation on the old refill or in the writing instrument’s instructions is usually more reliable than its external shape.
Differences of just a few millimetres can prevent the refill from clicking into place, stop the mechanism from working or cause the tip to extend too far from the body. For example, the LAMY M16 Red F is specified as having a length of 106 mm and a diameter of 6 mm. According to the product details, the LAMY M63 B Blue measures 6 × 6 × 115 mm.
When choosing replacement refills, the tip shape and refill holder should also match. With Parker Quinkflow models, the so-called Parker or G2 shape is relevant. However, you should only assume universal compatibility if your own writing instrument actually uses this format.
Blue ink cartridges, along with black and blue ballpoint refills, are particularly popular for school, university and office use. Red replacement refills are suitable for corrections or highlighting, while a green pen refill can be used for colour coding.
When choosing, look out for the following details:
With fountain pens, the cartridge format and connection must match. Pelikan 4001 ink cartridges in the standard format are supplied in a pack of 20 cartridges. The royal blue ink is described in the product details as washable and erasable. STAEDTLER ink cartridges in the Standard International format are, according to the product details, designed for many fountain pens using this cartridge standard; brand-specific systems are excluded.
Why this product suits the profile: The pack of 20 cartridges provides a manageable supply for school, university and everyday use. A compatible fountain pen is required.
The standard format and stated number of cartridges make it easier to check the format and supply, but they do not replace a compatibility check with the fountain pen.
20 cartridges; royal blue ink described in the product details as washable and erasable.
Why this product suits the profile: The broad B tip is intended for users who prefer a clearly visible line, for example when signing documents or writing longer notes.
The stated tip width prevents a broad line from being accidentally purchased as a fine refill. However, the pen’s fitting must still match the Parker format.
B tip; blue; metal casing; suitable for the specified Parker large-capacity refills.
Why this product suits the profile: For corrections, study notes and repeated editing, the set provides three blue FriXion replacement refills with a 0.7-mm tip.
The erasable ink is clearly identified as such. This distinguishes it from document-proof refills for permanent entries.
Three blue gel refills; 0.7 mm; compatible with the FriXion models specified in the product description.
Why this product suits the profile: The green M16 ballpoint refill is suitable for colour coding, correction notes and annotations when you already have a compatible LAMY ballpoint pen.
The M16 designation distinguishes this refill from M21 and M22 systems. Before buying, you should check the model of your existing LAMY ballpoint pen.
Green ink; medium tip; metal casing; stated length of 10.6 cm.
We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
Make a note of the manufacturer, model and marking on the old refill. Then compare the length, diameter, tip shape and refill system. LAMY M16, M21 and M22 refills are not freely interchangeable. With Parker products, check whether the pen uses a Parker G2 or Parker Style refill.
Service life depends on line width, writing pressure, paper and the amount you write each day. A larger capacity can allow longer intervals between replacements for frequent writers, but it does not guarantee a fixed lifespan. With fountain pen cartridges, you can usually tell how much ink remains from the falling ink level.
No. Thermosensitive FriXion ink can become invisible when exposed to heat. For contracts, exams, cheques and other documents requiring permanent entries, you should use a purpose-designed non-erasable refill or ink.