The LeGrand 146 is a piston filler: the turning knob at the back is gently turned to the stop (not over-turned), the nib is dipped about three-quarters into the ink bottle and then the piston is turned slowly back to draw ink. Afterwards a few drops are released back so the capillary chambers can equalise pressure and nothing blots. To clean, draw clear water in and out repeatedly until it stays clear; for drying, the pen should rest with the nib down in a lint-free cloth. A small air space of 2–3 mm in the ink window after filling is normal. The option of unscrewing the rear part completely applies only to converter models such as the 147; on the 146 the mechanism is permanently installed.