How to Put Ink in Printer Cartridges

Brand-new ink cartridges are expensive and often inconvenient to buy since printers always seem to run out of ink just when you need to print something important. An inexpensive and easy way to take care of this problem is by purchasing an ink refill kit and keeping it on hand in the event of a printing crisis. You can put the ink into the cartridge whenever you need to and you’ll save money too.Do-it-yourself printer cartridge refilling is easy and fast, all it takes is a little patience, tools that you already have around the house and a few simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Printer Ink Refill Kit
• Used Printer Ink Cartridge
• Electric Drill
• Household Tape
• Old Newspapers
• Paper Towels

Refilling Printer Ink Cartridges

1. Cover your work area with the rags. Rags work better than newspaper for soaking up spills.

2. Poke open the hole on the top of the empty ink cartridge chamber using the ballpoint pen. Do not use force during this step or you may damage the ink cartridge.

3. Fill the syringe that comes in the refill kit with the desired ink color. Check the instructions of the kit to see how much ink to use since amounts will vary depending on the printer manufacturer.

4. Locate the sponge inside of the ink cartridge through the hole at the top of the chamber.

5. Saturate the sponge with ink by slowly injecting through the hole.

6. Return unused ink to the bottle. Most refill kits can be used for 2-4 refill sessions.

7. Clean the ink cartridge with a rag. Gently blot any ink that drips from the bottom of the cartridge. Return the cartridge to the printer after the ink has stopped dripping.

8. Wait a day before using your printer. This waiting period allows the sponge within the cartridge to totally absorb the ink.

9. Print a picture with your printer to test the cartridge.

Tips & Warnings

• It’s a good idea to wear old clothes when refilling cartridges in case of spills.
• If you aren’t very handy, wearing rubber gloves is a good idea.
• If the refilled cartridge doesn’t work, try blowing air through the hole you made on the top of the cartridge using the empty refill applicator bottle or syringe. If the ink cartridge has become clogged with dry ink or other debris, this may clear it out and allow the ink to flow.
• Always follow the instruction regarding your type and brand of ink cartridge!

[huanton]

on 10/22/2008 Very interesting. Good article. 5 stars!