Tips for refilling printer cartridges
by Barry Shultz
1. If this is the first time you have refilled
always start with a refill kit. The
kits include all the tools, ink and instructions
necessary to successfully refill your cartridge. If
you find that you can't do the procedure and just
don't like refilling you are not out a lot of money.
You would be surprised how many people order 4
pounds of bulk ink and don't have a clue what to do
with it.
2. Do not let your inkjet cartridges dry out. You
should be refilling them when there is at least a
small amount of ink to keep the print heads moist.
If you have a dried up cartridge you can try soaking
the print head (if it has one) in our FLUSH solution
over night. If the sponges are dry you can inject a
couple cc's of FLUSH and let it sit over night.
3. Refill in batches if possible, testing each
cartridge as you go along. See #12 for storage
solutions..
4. Always have a spare cartridge that works. Don't
think that just because you had a successful refill
the last time that you will again. Inkjet cartridges
are unpredictable. They don't need a reason to fail.
5. Do not buy a large amount of ink unless you are
confident of the refilling process. This was already
mentioned but I think it deserves a line of its own.
Get a refill kit first until you're comfortable with
the refilling process.
6. Black cartridges are usually easier to refill
than color cartridges. This is because they are of a
much simpler construction. Color cartridges usually
have multiple chambers and it's easy to
cross-contaminate colors if you are not careful.
7. Never over fill the cartridges. I know what you
are thinking, "How can I see inside the cartridge,
it's black?". If you can't see inside you can use a
tooth-pick. It's like a dip-stick to check your oil,
like in a car. You can get a pretty good idea how
much ink is left.
8. Don't be in a hurry when you refill and don't
rely on refilling to meet
important deadlines.
9. Always remove the cartridge from your printer
before attempting to refill it. Drilling the top of
some cartridges can create a tidal wave of ink
inside your printer.
10. Take the necessary steps to protect your work
area from spills. One
small accident can void the warranty on those new
$330 Gucci loafers.
11. Never insert the cartridge in the printer if
it's leaking. This should go
without saying but I know from my emails that people
do it all too often.
12. To store empty cartridges or refilled cartridges
you should put them
in a plastic zip lock bag or wrap them in cling
plastic wrap.
About the Author
Barry Shultz is the author of Atlascopy News, and
President of Atlascopy, Inc. Atlascopy specialized
in affordable alternatives to the high cost of
printer supplies. Sign up for the Atlascopy
Newsletter and get 10% coupons every week in your
email.
http://atlascopy.com/signup_new.htm
Go to Atlascopy to save a bundle on your printer and
refilling supplies.
http://atlascopy.com
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