Here are instructions for Sheaffer Vacuum fill fountain pens: Unscrew barrel end blind cap and pull the plunger rod out as far as it will go. Place entire nib and half of the section into the ink. Push the blind cap down making sure not to remove the nib and section from the ink. Count to five slowly. Screw blind cap back on to the barrel. Remove from the ink and wipe nib after filling. Always place cap onto the pen with the nib pointing up, do not put the pen into the cap with the nib pointing down - this will prevent ink from getting into the cap.