Buzz
Using a stylus is a great way to improve accuracy when drawing or writing on a touchscreen. Making your own stylus at home from basic materials is not difficult. With a metal pen, simply remove the ink cartridge and replace it with cotton. You can also use aluminum and foil to turn any pen into a stylus. These methods are quick, easy, and effective on all touchscreen devices.
Steps
Using a Metal Pen
Remove the ink cartridge from the metal pen. Unscrew the pen tip to expose the ink cartridge, then pull out the cartridge along with the spring. Reattach the pen tip and dispose of the ink cartridge in the trash to avoid ink spills on furniture.
- It’s important to use a pen with a metal body because the metal will conduct the electrical charge from your hand, allowing the stylus to function.
Insert a small piece of cotton into the pen tip. The cotton helps conduct the electrical current and creates a cushioned pointer. Roll the cotton into a ball and push it deep into the pen tip. Ensure it’s tightly packed for easier use.
- If cotton isn’t available, a small piece of cotton fabric can be used as an alternative.
Trim any excess cotton sticking out of the pen tip. This ensures smoother and more precise use of the stylus. Leave about 2 mm of cotton exposed to prevent the metal casing from scratching the screen.
- If the cotton falls out or gets pushed in during use, simply add more cotton to the tip.
Use the stylus just like you would use your finger. Press the cotton tip onto the screen to begin. Move the stylus around the screen to navigate your device. Keep extra cotton on hand in case the tip falls out or gets pushed in too far.
Make a Stylus Using Aluminum Foil and Cotton
Unscrew the pen to remove the ink cartridge. To create a stylus, you’ll need a pen that can be disassembled. Take out the ink cartridge and spring, then screw the pen back together.
- Keep small pen parts out of children’s reach, as they can be hazardous if swallowed.
Cut the cotton swab diagonally at its midpoint. Estimate the center of the swab and slice it diagonally. The pointed plastic end will make it easier to insert into the pen.
- Discard the other half of the swab as only one half is needed to create the stylus.
Insert the plastic end of the cotton swab into the pen. Leave about 5 mm of the cotton exposed to serve as the stylus tip. Even if the swab feels a bit loose, ensure the tip stays in place for now.
Secure the cotton swab with tape. Wrap tape around the plastic stem of the swab and the pen’s tip to hold it firmly. If the swab remains loose, add more tape.
- You can use either regular tape or masking tape. Avoid decorative tape as it may not provide a strong hold.
Cut a 9 cm square piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around the swab and pen tip. Use scissors to cut the foil, then tightly wrap it around the plastic stem and pen tip. The foil will conduct the electrical charge from your hand to the swab.
- Avoid covering the cotton tip to prevent scratching the screen.
Moisten the cotton tip with water before each use. Wet your finger and dab it onto the cotton tip. This small amount of water will enhance conductivity and improve the stylus’s accuracy. Your DIY stylus is now ready to navigate your device. If the accuracy decreases, simply dampen the cotton tip again.
- Avoid soaking the cotton tip to prevent water from dripping onto the screen.
What You'll Need
Using a Metal Pen
- Scissors
- Cotton
- Metal pen
Making a Stylus with Aluminum Foil
- Scissors
- Cotton swab
- Tape
- Water
- Aluminum foil
