Pen Scoring Tool | RomantiCraft

Combine a paper clip and a pen into a paper scoring tool that gives much better grip and control for a straight fold when making paper crafts. The rounded pen end is useful to curl and shape paper into rounded forms.

A simple metal paper clip works well to score paper by leaving a nice straight crease to fold easier, but a paper clip alone requires more effort to push down into the paper and can be easily lost since it’s so small. Save space with a 2-in-1 tool.

Other good options for scoring paper are the back of a butter knife and a bone folder.

Make a pen scoring tool with the instructions below.

Instructions

1

You will need a standard round ball point pen and a paper clip. I've found Bic® or Papermate® pens to be the easiest to take apart.

Pliers or scissor handles that grip will also be helpful.

2

While squeezing the tip of the pen with your fingers, scissor handles as shown, or pliers, remove the top of the pen from the base by continually turning the base of the pen until the tip comes off.

3

The result is as shown when the tip is removed from the base of the pen.

4

Push down with your fingers to remove the plastic surrounding the tip of the pen.

The pen tip and ink can be discarded.

5

The result will be the parts shown.

The pen base, tip piece and a metal paper clip.

Note: Some paper clips are vinyl coated so they don’t mark the paper. You DO NOT want vinyl coated as it will break down when you score with pressure.

6

Bend the smaller part of the paper clip to the right.

7

Keep bending until it is lined up with the larger part of the paper clip as shown.

8

Bend the right part of the paper clip open.

Squeeze the left part of the paper clip together as shown.

9

Insert the paper clip into the pen tip piece and push all the way through.

10

Use your finger to press down on the left side while bending the right side of the paper clip closed again.

Continue bending the right end into the bottom of the pen tip piece as shown.