You’re drawing. Suddenly, it feels like you're dragging a needle across glass. That smooth, paper-like glide? Gone. If your Apple Pencil feels "scratchy" or you start seeing the tiny gold metal pin peeking through the white plastic, you’ve waited too long. Honestly, most people ignore their nibs until the iPad screen is literally at risk of permanent damage.
Knowing when to replace Apple Pencil tip components isn't just about maintenance; it's about not ruining a $1,000 piece of hardware because of a $5 plastic bit. It’s easy to do.
The Signs You’re Killing Your iPad Screen
Look closely at the nib. Is it flat on one side? Is it jagged? If you see metal, stop. Stop immediately. That metal transducer is what communicates with the iPad’s digitizer, but it isn’t meant to touch the glass. Ever.
Apple doesn't give you a specific "mileage" for these tips because everyone’s pressure is different. If you use a matte screen protector—like Paperlike—you’re basically rubbing your pencil against fine-grit sandpaper. It’s going to wear down fast. Maybe in three months. If you’re just a casual note-taker on bare glass, a single tip might last you two years. There’s no middle ground here.
The "Paper-Feel" Tax
Many digital artists swear by matte protectors. They provide friction. They make the iPad feel like a sketchbook. But that friction is a double-edged sword. It grinds the tip down. You’ll notice the white plastic getting "fuzzy" or developing a flat spot. This changes the pressure sensitivity. You’ll find yourself pushing harder to get the same line weight, which—ironically—wears the tip down even faster. It's a cycle.
Step-by-Step: How to Replace Apple Pencil Tip Without Breaking the Sensor
The actual replacement process is suspiciously simple, yet people get terrified they’re going to snap the internal logic board. Relax. You’ve got this.
- Unscrew counter-clockwise. Grip the tip firmly between your thumb and forefinger. Give it a slow, deliberate twist to the left. It shouldn't require a wrench. If it’s stuck, it might just be some accumulated skin oils or dust acting like glue.
- Inspect the gold pin. Once the old tip is off, you’ll see a small gold-colored metal prong. Do not poke this. Do not try to "clean" it with a damp cloth. This is the heart of the pencil. If this pin is bent or snapped, the pencil is a paperweight.
- Thread the new tip. Take your fresh nib and place it over the gold pin.
- Twist clockwise. Spin it until it’s snug. Don't over-tighten. You want it firm, but you don't need to torque it like a lug nut on a truck. If there’s a gap between the tip and the pencil body, it might not register touch correctly.
It works for both the original Apple Pencil (the one with the lightning connector cap) and the Apple Pencil 2 (the magnetic one). The tips are interchangeable across all official Apple models, including the newer USB-C version and the Pro.
Genuine Apple vs. Cheap Amazon Knockoffs
Here’s where it gets dicey. You go to Amazon and see a 40-pack of tips for $8. Apple charges $19 for a 4-pack. You think, "It’s just plastic, right?"
Not really.
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The official tips have a specific density. Third-party tips—especially the ultra-cheap ones—often use a harder, more brittle plastic. This can lead to two problems. First, they can crack and leave the threaded portion stuck inside your Pencil. That is a nightmare to get out. Second, they often lack the precise fit required for tilt and pressure sensitivity. If you’re a professional illustrator using Procreate, you’ll notice the "jitter." The lines won't be as smooth.
However, some "specialty" tips are actually better for specific tasks. For example, metal-tipped "ballpoint" style nibs are popular for note-takers. They feel like a real pen. But—and this is a big "but"—you must use a screen protector with these, or you will scratch your glass within minutes.
The Metal Tip Controversy
Some YouTubers claim metal tips are the ultimate upgrade. They look cool. They stay sharp. But remember, the iPad screen is glass. Metal is harder than the oleophobic coating on that glass. Without a buffer, you’re essentially using a diamond scribe on your tablet. If you go the metal route, budget for a high-quality tempered glass or film protector first.
Maintenance Habits of Professional Digital Artists
I’ve talked to illustrators who go through a tip every month. Their secret isn't just replacing them; it’s keeping them clean. Hand oils can build up on the nib, making it feel "slick" or "greasy" on the glass. This leads to slipping, which leads to more pressure, which leads to wear.
- Wipe your nib with a dry microfiber cloth daily.
- Check for "burrs." Sometimes a tiny piece of plastic peels off and creates a sharp edge. You can actually sand this down with a very fine nail buffer in an emergency, but just replacing it is safer.
- If your Pencil starts acting "glitchy"—lines disconnecting or skipping—check the tightness. 90% of the time, the tip has just vibrated loose.
What to Do if the Tip Snaps Off Inside
This is the "oh no" moment. It happens if the Pencil falls tip-first onto a hardwood floor. The plastic threads can shear off, leaving the screw-hole filled with plastic.
Don't panic. Don't use a drill.
Take a small safety pin or a needle. Heat the tip of the needle with a lighter for a few seconds. Gently press the hot needle into the plastic debris stuck inside the Pencil. Let it cool for a minute so the plastic hardens around the needle. Then, slowly rotate the needle counter-clockwise. The broken plastic "plug" should unscrew right out. It's a classic hobbyist trick that saves people $129 every single day.
Actionable Next Steps
If you've noticed your Pencil feeling "off," here is exactly what you should do right now:
- Check the gap. Run your fingernail between the tip and the pencil body. If the gap is wide enough to catch your nail, tighten it.
- The Light Test. Hold the Pencil up to a bright light. If you can see the shadow of the metal pin through the white plastic tip, the plastic is too thin. Replace it immediately.
- Stock up. Don't wait until the tip fails in the middle of a project. Buy a 4-pack of official tips and keep one in your iPad case or laptop bag.
- Evaluate your surface. If you’re burning through tips every 4 weeks, consider switching your matte protector for a different brand or going back to bare glass. The cost of tips adds up over a year.
Replacing the tip is the only real "user-serviceable" part of the Apple Pencil. Keeping it fresh ensures the internal sensors stay protected and your iPad screen remains pristine. It’s a small price to pay for the longevity of your digital workspace.