How to DIY stylus

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Using a stylus is a great way to improve accuracy when drawing or writing on a touchscreen. It is not difficult to make a stylus at home from basic materials. With a metal pen, you just need to remove the ink cartridge and replace it with a cotton ball. You can also use aluminum and foil to turn any pen into a stylus. These methods are quick, easy, and effective on any touch screen device.

Table of Contents

Use a metal pen

Remove the ink cartridge from the metal pen. Twist the mouth of the pen to reveal the ink tube, then pull the ink tube and spring out of the pen body. Attach the mouth of the pen back and put the ink cartridge in the trash, this will prevent ink from sticking to the furniture. ^{[1] X Research Source}

It is important to use a pen with a metal body because metal will conduct electrical charge from your hand for the stylus to work.

Insert some cotton wool into the tip of the pen. Cotton wool is used to conduct existing electrical current, while creating a cushioned pointer. Roll up the cotton ball and push it deep into the nib. Try to push deeply so that the cotton ball is tight and you will be easier to use. ^{[2] X Research Source}

If you don’t have cotton balls, you can use a small piece of cotton cloth.

Trim the excess cotton wool on the tip of the pen. This makes it easier to use the stylus and more precise. Leave about 2mm of cotton ball sticking out of the pen mouth so the metal case doesn’t scratch the screen. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

If during use, the cotton ball falls out or is pushed deep into the pen, you just need to insert more cotton wool into the mouth of the pen and you’re done.

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Use the stylus the same way you would with your finger. Press the tip of the cotton ball down on the screen to get started. Move the stylus around the screen to navigate on the device. Don’t forget to stock up on some cotton balls to stuff in the pen in case the cotton falls out or gets deep inside. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Make a stylus with foil and cotton balls

Twist the pen to remove the ink cartridge. To make a stylus, you need a detachable pen. Remove the ink cartridge and spring from the pen and screw it back on. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Keep the small parts in the pen out of the reach of children as it can be very dangerous if swallowed.

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Cut diagonally right in the middle of the cotton swab. Measure the midpoint of the cotton swab and cut it diagonally in half. The pointed end of this plastic stick will make it easier for you to insert the pen. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Throw half of the cotton swab in the trash because we only need the other half to make the stylus.

Insert the plastic tip of the cotton swab into the pen. Leave the cotton ball facing out about 5mm as the sensor nib. It’s okay even if the cotton swab is a little loose, as long as you hold the tip of the pen in place for the moment. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Secure the cotton swab with adhesive tape. Wrap tape around the plastic core of the cotton swab and the mouth of the pen to keep it in place. If the cotton swab is still a bit loose, simply wrap more duct tape. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

You can use both adhesive tape and paper tape. Decorative tape should not be used as it is not very strong.

Cut a square piece of foil with a side of 9 cm and wrap it around the tip of the cotton swab and the body of the pen. Use scissors to cut the foil and wrap it tightly around the plastic core of the cotton swab and the tip of the pen. The foil will transmit an electric current from your hand to the tip of the cotton swab. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Do not wrap around the tip of cotton wool to avoid scratching the screen.

Moisten the tip of the cotton swab with water each time you use it. Wet your finger and then soak the tip of the cotton swab. This small amount of water conducts electricity and makes the nib more precise. That’s it, you can use this DIY stylus to navigate on the device. If the accuracy of the pen is reduced, simply add a little more water to the tip of the cotton swab. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Avoid soaking the tip of the cotton swab in water as this will cause water to drip onto the screen.

Things you need

Use a metal pen

Drag
Cotton
Metallic pen

Make a stylus out of foil

Drag
Cotton swab
Tape
Water
Silver paper

Steps

Use a metal pen

Make a stylus with foil and cotton balls

Things you need

Use a metal pen

Make a stylus out of foil

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