How to Buy an Inkjet Refill Kit

An inkjet refill kit allows you to refill the ink reservoir in your inkjet printer's cartridge. You could send out the cartridge to have this done by a professional company, but it could be weeks before you get your cartridge back. If you buy an inkjet refill kit, you can do this yourself. Are you prepared to get messy?

Things You'll Need

• Inkjet printer

Instructions

1. Write down the make and model number of your printer. The make is the manufacturer and the model is the specific kind of printer you have. You can find this information printed, etched or stamped somewhere on the printer's chassis or in the instruction manual.

2. Get the type and product number of the inkjet cartridges by opening the printer's access panels. The placement and number of these panels vary, but a good place to start looking is on the back side of the unit.

3. Head to an office supply outlet, copy center or computer store. Ask the sales staff to help you find an inkjet refill kit that is compatible with your print cartridges.

4. Double check the compatibility of the kit with your cartridge. If necessary, get a second opinion before committing to a purchase.

5. Check the number of uses you get from the kit. Some are meant for a single use, while others can fill your inkjet cartridges over and over.

6. Find the perfect match and take your new refill kit home.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that printers are sometimes made in a series, where parts and accessories from one printer are relatively compatible with those from another inkjet printer. Generally, the cartridge that fits one printer in a series will fit them all. Exceptions happen, though, so check first.

• Inkjet refill kits are made for specific cartridge models. If a kit works on one model, that does not guarantee it will work on another, even if both cartridges are made by the same manufacturer.

• Inkjet refill kits are only as good as the ink that comes with them. If you get a kit with poor quality ink, you can expect poor performance. Check out a merchant's business reputation before you purchase.

• Avoid touching the metal parts of the cartridge and the ink nozzles while refilling. This can damage the cartridge and render it unusable.

• Do not let inkjet cartridges stand empty for any length of time. The interior of the cartridge dries out quickly once emptied. Even the best refill kit will not make that cartridge work again.