How to Swap the Energel Refill in Your Sideswipe Pen: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

To swap the Energel refill in your Sideswipe pen, first remove the old refill, then trim the new Energel refill to 98mm (3.875 inches) to match a Parker-style refill. Install the Sideswipe Energel tips, which are specifically designed for Energel refills, and reassemble the pen. Avoid using Parker or G2 refills with these tips, as the hole size is tuned for Energel.

If you own a Sideswipe EDC pen, you know its unique action and fidget-friendly design make it a daily carry favorite. But like any pen, the refill eventually runs dry. Swapping in a new Energel refill is straightforward, but there are a few details to get right—especially trimming the refill to the correct length and using the right tip.

This guide walks you through the process step by step, covering the tools you need, how to trim the refill, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're a seasoned EDC enthusiast or new to the Sideswipe, you'll have your pen writing smoothly again in minutes.

Why Use Energel Refills in Your Sideswipe Pen?

Energel refills are known for their smooth, gel-based ink that dries quickly and resists smudging. They're a popular upgrade for EDC pens because they offer a consistent writing experience, especially for lefties. The Sideswipe pen is designed to accept Parker-style refills, but with the Sideswipe Energel tips, you can use Energel refills for a different feel and ink color options.

The key is that Energel refills are longer than Parker-style refills, so they need to be trimmed to fit. The Sideswipe Energel tips are specifically machined to work with Energel refills—they won't fit Parker or G2 refills due to the hole size. So, if you're looking to switch to Energel, you'll need these tips.

• Energel ink is smooth and quick-drying, ideal for everyday writing.
• The Sideswipe Energel tips are required for Energel refills—they won't work with other refill types.
• Trimming the refill to 98mm is essential for proper fit.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather the following: a new Energel refill (any standard Energel gel refill), the Sideswipe Energel tips (if you don't already have them installed), a ruler or caliper, and a sharp cutting tool like a hobby knife or scissors. You'll also need the Sideswipe pen itself—if you're using a Gen 2 model, the process is the same.

Make sure you have a clean, flat workspace. The Sideswipe pen has small parts, so it's easy to lose them. Keep a small dish or tray to hold screws and components as you work.

• Use a caliper to measure the refill precisely—eyeballing can lead to a poor fit.
• A cutting mat will protect your work surface and make the cut cleaner.

Step-by-Step: Swapping the Energel Refill

The process is simple: remove the old refill, trim the new Energel refill to the correct length, install the Energel tip, and reassemble. Here's how to do it without damaging your pen or the refill.

First, disassemble your Sideswipe pen by unscrewing the body from the mechanism. Slide out the old refill. If you're switching from a Parker-style refill, you'll need to replace the tip with the Sideswipe Energel tip. The tip is designed specifically for Energel refills, so it won't fit other refill types.

Next, measure the new Energel refill. It should be trimmed to 98mm (3.875 inches) to match the length of a Parker-style refill. Use a sharp blade to cut the refill at the back end (the non-writing end). Make a clean, straight cut—an angled cut can affect the fit and ink flow.

Once trimmed, insert the refill into the Energel tip, then place the assembly into the pen body. Screw the body back on, and test the pen. If the refill doesn't deploy smoothly, double-check the length—it may need a tiny trim.

• Always cut the back end of the refill, not the tip.
• If the refill is too long, it may not retract properly; too short, and it won't deploy fully.

Step-by-Step Refill Swap

1. Disassemble the pen: Unscrew the body from the mechanism and remove the old refill. Keep the parts in a safe place to avoid losing them. Checkpoint: Ensure the pen is fully disassembled before attempting to remove the refill.
2. Trim the Energel refill: Measure the Energel refill and cut the back end to 98mm (3.875 inches) using a sharp blade. Make a straight cut to ensure a proper fit. Checkpoint: Use a caliper to verify the length—too long or too short will affect performance.
3. Install the Energel tip: If you're switching from a Parker refill, replace the tip with the Sideswipe Energel tip. Insert the trimmed refill into the tip. Checkpoint: Confirm the tip is designed for Energel—using a different tip won't work.
4. Reassemble and test: Place the refill and tip assembly back into the pen body, screw it together, and test the deployment and writing. Checkpoint: If the refill doesn't deploy smoothly, re-check the length and trim slightly if needed.

Products Mentioned

• Sideswipe Energel tips: These are tips for the Sideswipe pens to allow you to use Energel refills. The Energel refills will need to be trimmed to be the same length as a Parker style refill 3.875" or 98mm long. These tips do not work for Parker or G2 refills due to the hole size in the tip being tuned specifically for Energel's. If you want to use Energel refills in your Sideswipe, you must have these tips. They ensure a secure fit and proper ink flow, and they won't work with other refill types, so don't try to force a Parker refill.
• Sideswipe Gen 2 EDC Pen Dragonskin- Zirconium: The unique proprietary internal mechanism of the Sideswipe EDC pen gives it an action that can't be beat. Whether you need to deploy it quickly or fidget with it while you think, the metal and ceramic mechanism is a joy to use. This second generation of the Sideswipe pen has made some small changes to the mechanism, moved to a single piece body and has been lightened. If you have a Gen 2 Sideswipe, the refill swap process is the same, but the single-piece body may feel different when disassembling. The mechanism is durable, so don't worry about wearing it out with regular refill changes.

Swapping the Energel refill in your Sideswipe pen is a quick task once you know the steps. Just remember to trim the refill to 98mm, use the correct Energel tips, and avoid forcing other refill types. With the right setup, your Sideswipe will continue to deliver that satisfying action and smooth writing for a long time.