I was having problems with my computer printer one day and, since the warranty had run out, I called a local repair shop for advice. When I explained the printing problem, the first question out of the technician’s mouth was, “Do you use refill kits?” No, but I do use the generic ink cartridges because they cost so much less. I had considered trying a refill kit because they cost even less than the generic cartridges. The biggest drawback was that I’d heard refilling an ink cartridge can be a hassle and a mess. So my next question was, “Should I refill the ink cartridges in my printer? Is it safe?”
After the technician gave me a resounding, “No way!”, he went on to explain that the ink that’s sold in the refill kits isn’t quality stuff. He said it’s cheap ink that clogs up the ports. More importantly, using a refill kit can void the warranty on your computer printer. And, you can only use them if you have an older printer. In order to force their customers to use their brand of ink cartridges, many manufacturers now design their printers so they will only work with their cartridges. Therefore, once an ink cartridge runs out, you have to buy a new one to make your printer work again.
He also said that refill kits for ink printer cartridges give his company plenty of work, so, he can’t really complain. But he won’t recommend them either.
Basically, a refill kit includes bottles of ink, a syringe, needles and instructions. You use the syringe to fill each chamber of a cartridge with the proper color ink. It’s a slow, time-consuming process because you have to take care not to overfill each chamber. Keep in mind this is after you’ve laid down old newspapers and put on plastic gloves to contain any ink spills. Get that ink on your skin, clothing, furniture or carpeting, and you’ll have a difficult time removing the stain.
Even after you refill the ink cartridges in your printer, the reused cartridge can still give you problems. You should place your filled cartridge upside down on a thick layer of old newspapers for at least twelve hours before you insert it in your printer. It takes at least that long for the ink to be absorbed into the sponges. And, if the cartridge leaks, the mess will be on the newspaper instead of leaking all over the inside of your printer.
Another common problem is getting air inside the chambers. The air will cause the printing to look blotchy and be uneven.
Some printer ink cartridges can be refilled a few times before they need to be replaced. Other types of cartridges can only be used one time. So, you’ll end up buying new cartridges at some point in time anyhow.
Taking the computer technician’s advice into account, I haven’t found any other proof that refill kits are a good investment. One of their supposed “pros” is that you’re recycling printer ink cartridges and helping save the environment. Recycling cartridges is a real easy task. If you’re not sure how to do this, read this AC article to learn: How to Recycle Printer Ink Cartridges. I can buy either generic or a brand name ink and still easily recycle the cartridges.
A second hypothetical advantage, if you refill the ink cartridges in your printer, is that you’ll always have ink on hand at all times. Funny, I have that convenience now. When I buy an ink cartridge, I always buy an extra one. That way, I never run out of printer ink and it saves me a trip to Staples.
