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Overview
While Hewlett Packard claims new InkJet print cartridges will always work better than reused ones, it can still save you money and reduce waste to refill your original cartridges instead. How you refill them depends on the type of cartridge. With black ink cartridges, you only have one type of ink to deal with, while color cartridges have three types that must be filled separately. A few HP printers use cartridges with a Mylar bag inside, requiring a different method of refilling. -
Standard Black Cartridges
Step 1
Look for an aperture in the cartridge that is sealed by a ball bearing. This is usually at the bottom of the cartridge, but could be at the top; it is often covered by a circular plastic film. Remove the film (if applicable) and push the ball into the cartridge with a pen or similar object.
Step 2
Drill a hole into the top of the cartridge if there is no aperture to open. For newer, square cartridges, this hole should be in the front right-hand corner. The hole should be perfectly round and 1/8 inch around. A drill bit or utility/Exacto knife should work for drilling.
Step 3
Remove excess air from the cartridge if it has a second aperture in the middle of the cartridge (which looks like a slightly depressed circle). Take a small plastic "primer bottle," squeeze it flat, insert it in the hole and release it so it draws out air. Tape over the center aperture before removing the bottle. There should also be a third aperture on the bottom you must seal.
Step 4
Fill a plastic syringe bottle with black ink. Ten to 15ml should be enough. Fill the cartridge with the ink by placing the syringe needle in the hole and injecting the ink.
Step 5
Plug any hole you may have opened, using a small plastic plug (and possibly electrical tape), especially if the hole is on the bottom. Remove the tape from any apertures you covered and replace the cartridge in the printer.
Standard Color Cartridges
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Step 1
Locate the three fill holes at the top of the cartridge. They may be sealed with ball bearings you need to push into the cartridge--or you may have to drill them open. If the cartridge has a lid on top, remove it; you should find the holes. -
Step 2
Know which hole goes into which color ink chamber. It is usually yellow ink on the left side, magenta in the the middle and cyan on the right. Still, testing the chambers by dipping a toothpick or pin in them is recommended. -
Step 3
Fill a syringe bottle with ink of one color and place it within the correct chamber. Place the needle completely in the chamber, penetrating the sponge inside. Clean and dry the syringe completely before you refill another chamber with another color. -
Step 4
Seal the fill holes if you need to transport the cartridge elsewhere before replacing it in the printer. Otherwise, plugging the holes isn't necessary.
Bag-Based Cartridges
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Step 1
Open the cartridge, usually from the bottom. You may need to cut the cartridge label before you can open the bottom cap. Remove the Mylar bag from the cartridge. Handle the bag with care, as it is very delicate. -
Step 2
Remove the hose cap or sealing plug from the bag, making sure the plug remains on its hinge or screw. -
Step 3
Insert the syringe needle into the hole. Don't place it deeper than 1/2 inch, as it could damage the bag. Refill the bag to be about 3/4 full of ink. -
Step 4
Replace the Mylar bag in the cartridge and close it. Replace the cartridge in the printer.
- Skill: Moderately Easy
- Ingredients:
- Ink
- Knife
- Plastic syringe bottle
- Primer bottle
