Learn to Make a Pen Stylus
Make a simple touchscreen stylus using a pen, conductive foam or aluminum foil, and tape, then test it on a tablet while learning about conductivity.
About this activity
Make a simple touchscreen stylus using a pen, conductive foam or aluminum foil, and tape, then test it on a tablet while learning about conductivity.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather your materials and find a clear workspace with good light.
- 2
Step 2
Take off the pen cap and pull the ink cartridge straight out of the pen so the barrel is empty.
- 3
Step 3
Tear a small square of aluminum foil about 4 cm across or take a marble-size piece of conductive foam.
- 4
Step 4
Shape the foil or foam into a soft rounded tip that will touch the screen.
- 5
Step 5
Push the rounded tip into the open end of the pen barrel so it fills the tip area.
- 6
Step 6
Pull a little extra foil back along the barrel so the foil can reach where your hand will hold the pen.
- 7
Step 7
Wrap tape around the pen tip area to hold the tip tightly and keep the foil flat against the barrel.
- 8
Step 8
Make sure part of the foil is exposed and that when you hold the pen your finger can touch the foil.
- 9
Step 9
Put the pen cap back on or cover any sharp edges with more tape for safety.
- 10
Step 10
Hold the pen so your finger touches the foil and gently tap the tablet screen with the stylus tip to test it.
- 11
Step 11
If the screen does not respond try pushing the foil further into the barrel or smoothing the foil so it makes better contact with your hand and test again.
- 12
Step 12
Share a photo or video of your finished stylus and what you learned on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make a simple touchscreen stylus with a pen and foil?
Carefully remove the ink refill from a plastic pen so you have an empty barrel. Cut a small piece of conductive foam or aluminum foil and wrap it around one end of the pen to form a blunt tip. Secure the foam or foil with tape, leaving a small patch of metal touching your finger when you hold the pen. Touch the tablet screen with the wrapped tip while keeping your finger on the exposed patch to test the stylus.
What materials do I need to make a pen stylus for a tablet?
You need an empty plastic pen barrel (or a pen with the ink removed), a small piece of conductive foam or aluminum foil, and tape (electrical or clear tape). Optional items: a small piece of sponge or cotton to shape the tip, scissors to cut materials, and a marker to mark where to hold. Avoid sharp metal objects and use child-safe scissors for kids.
What ages is a DIY pen stylus activity suitable for?
This activity suits children about 6–12 years old with adult supervision; younger kids (4–6) can join with hands-on help. Older children (10+) can do the steps more independently and experiment with tip shapes. Supervise for scissors, small pieces, and tape use. Adjust explanations about conductivity to the child’s level and ensure safe handling of materials.
What are the benefits and safety tips for making a DIY touchscreen stylus?
Building a stylus teaches basic conductivity, fine motor skills, and problem-solving while being inexpensive and creative. Safety tips: use blunt, taped edges so nothing is sharp; keep foil and small pieces away from very young children; don’t connect to batteries or electrical outlets; supervise scissors and tape use; and test gently on the device screen to avoid scratching. Discuss why the stylus works to reinforce learning.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use instead of the 4 cm aluminum foil square if I don't have any foil?
If you don't have aluminum foil, use the marble-size conductive foam from step 3 or substitute a small square of conductive fabric or copper tape shaped into a rounded tip and inserted into the pen barrel like in step 4.
My stylus doesn't work when I tap the tablet—what should I check or fix?
If the screen doesn't respond, confirm the ink cartridge was fully removed (step 2), push the foil tip further into the pen barrel and smooth the foil so part lies flat against where your finger contacts it (steps 4–7), then test again.
How can I adapt this activity for a preschooler versus an older child?
For preschoolers have an adult remove the cartridge and pre-shape/insert the foil and wrap the tape (steps 2–7) while older children can do those steps independently and try different tip shapes themselves (steps 3–4).
How can we improve or customize the stylus after we've made the basic version?
To enhance precision and comfort, make different-sized rounded tips from foil or foam (steps 3–4), add cushioned or decorative tape around the barrel for grip and safety (steps 7 and 9), and share your finished design on DIY.org as in the final step.