skip to main content

Is anyone refilling their own ink cartridges?

Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana

16 years ago

I had success filling the black ink cartridge (I only tried the black) on my printer that recently pooped out.

I just got an HP F4440, and was thinking I would maybe try refilling at least the black cartridge once it runs out, as I don't need to use the color much at all.

When I refilled on my last printer, I just drilled a tiny hole in the top, used the syringe with black ink, and then stuck a piece of tape over the hole.

Well, I'm now out of black refill ink in a bottle. For those of you refilling your own cartridges, where are you purchasing your ink? Cost? Ounces? Shipping?

tia.

Sue...thinking ahead

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

pfmastin
16 years ago
I tried it a few times and it didn't work so well. It was fine the first couple of times, then my printer started balking at them (cartridge error messages) but I was able to work around it most of the time. The final straw was a nasty ink leak that still seeps out the bottom of the printer occasionally. :)

Pam
kenz
16 years ago
A lot depends upon the cartridge. Some are easy to refill, some are difficult and some are downright impossible to refill. I would try buying a small refill kit specifically for your cartridge, if one is available, so that you will have instructions as to how to go about refilling them and the syringes. Or you could dismantle one to see whether or not there is a bag inside.

I refill my cartridges often and it is quite easy if done correctly. You may or may not be able to refill your black cartridge by drilling a hole in the top. That should work okay provided that there is not a bag inside.

As for bulk ink I use re-inks.com. Their inks are very good, low priced($30 for a liter of black ink and $40 for a liter of color)and the service is exceptional. Smaller and larger quantities of ink are available.

Good luck.
Related Discussions
Where to recycle printer ink cartridges in the south Bay Area?
Q
Comments (8)
sjerin: Out of curiosity, why exactly don't you want cartridges going to third-world countries? I tried googling, but the only thing I found was to make sure that you recycle cartridges so that they don't get dumped in third-world countries as technological waste. If your cartridges do find their way over there, it sounds as if they would help provide work and income for otherwise struggling people. Nevertheless, you might want to look into your local freecycle chapter. Someone might be interested in buying your used cartridges for refilling. Long shot, but worth a try.
...See More
Refilling a laser toner cartridge??
Q
Comments (6)
kit, I don't know if laser toner cartridges are similar to 'ink' cartridges. I don't have that particular printer, but here is my experience with filling an 'ink' cartridge. After a lot of work, and prying, I finally got my cartridge apart (the top off), and got it refilled. When I put the cartridge back together and in the printer, it gave me an error message...out of alignment or something. I think I damaged the cartridge somewhat when I pried the top off. It 'was' a real chore. After several attempts, I got the message to go away and the printer working. I think what I will do in the future, is drill a small hole in the top of cartridge, fill with ink via the needle, and then either put a piece of tape on the hole or a small dot of glue. I'm with you...cheaper to get a new printer, than buy cartridges...what a shame. Sue
...See More
Walgreens-$10 black + $15 Colors to refill cartridges
Q
Comments (2)
I had a black ink cartridge refilled by Walgreen some time ago and it's performing like a new one. Not sure if it will last as long, but if so, I'll be a return customer. -J
...See More
Printer Cartridge Refill
Q
Comments (16)
Check out ebay auction number 330166991293. This is the exact system that I have. I'm very pleased with it. I was not able to find a brand name on the box - seems it's a generic from China - but it works well. Of course this won't work with your printer but if you look long enough you'll likely see a system for your printer that obviously comes from the same manufacturer based on the graphics on the box. I'm pretty sure this uses dye based inks. Seems that I came across that discussion doing my research and I decided it wasn't worth the headache to fret over the differences. I think the pigment based inks are supposed to be more long lasting. I decided to go the easier and cheaper route and simply plan to reprint any prints that fade over time.
...See More
susieq07
16 years ago
It never works well, because, when they are refilled by people who do refills, they are cleaned first...here's a link to a the most reasonable place on the internet for ink & many other things, plus free shipping always..and they offer coupons for %'s off orders.

Here is a link that might be useful: Shop4Tech

Related Stories

KITCHEN STORAGE Get It Done: How to Clean Out the Pantry

By Becky Harris

Crumbs, dust bunnies and old cocoa, beware — your pantry time is up

HEALTHY HOME How to Choose a Home Water Filtering System

By Laura Gaskill

Learn which water purification method is best for your house, from pitchers to whole-house setups

DECORATING PROJECTS What to Do With Old Family Photos

By Jennifer Phelps: Organize. Design. Reinvent!

Find out how to research, share and preserve images that offer a connection to the past

STORAGE Hidden in Plain Sight: 10 Cleverly Closeted Home Spaces

By Lisa Higgins

Tuck your home office, wine collection or even your entire kitchen behind closed doors for all of the function and none of the clutter

DESIGN PRACTICE Design Practice: Start-up Costs for Architects and Designers

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

How much cash does it take to open a design company? When you use free tools and services, it’s less than you might think

LIVING ROOMS How to Convert Your Wood-Burning Fireplace

By Laura Gaskill

Learn about inserts and other options for switching your fireplace from wood to gas or electric

LIFE The Top 5 Ways to Save Water at Home

Get on the fast track to preserving a valuable resource and saving money too with these smart, effective strategies

HOUSEKEEPING Got a Disastrously Messy Area? Try Triage

By Alison Hodgson

Get your priorities straight when it comes to housekeeping by applying an emergency response system

PETS Pet-Proofing Your Home: A Room-by-Room Guide

By Marianne Lipanovich

Not all pet dangers are obvious. Keep furry friends safe and sound by handling all of these potential hazards

LIFE 10 Smart Organizing Ideas That Make Life Easier

By Laura Gaskill

Rethink where and how you store household basics, from bills to baking supplies, to buy some time and save some headaches

Sponsored

17 Reviews

The Leading Interior Design Studio in Franklin County

More Discussions

Tired of MS Office 365 Monthly Fees?

1