You could try soaking the tip in acetone or lacquer thinner.

Here's a site that sells similar products, nickel, copper, or silver.  I
have not tried these.

http://www.all-spec.com/products/Soldering_and_Rework%7CSolder_and_Soldering_Chemicals%7CSOL-1D/CW2000.html

   In an earlier lifetime I used copper print and nickel print from GC
electronics.  They came in a 4 oz (?) bottle with a brush at a reasonable
cost.  Can't find those now.

A local FLAPS would likely have a product for repairing the traces on rear
window defrosters.  One time use, if I recall correctly, and not cheap.

Larry A.

On Tue, Oct 21, 2014 at 11:36 AM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:

> So far I am not getting my pen to work... not that old, maybe six months.
> Will keep trying.
>
>