Posts Tagged ‘ink refills’

Which is Better: Remanufactured Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

Ink is expensive. The prices of just about everything seem to keep going up. When remanufactured ink is inexpensive, why would you pay more for brand new ink cartridges? Another option is the DIY alternative: ink refill kits, though they can get rather messy if you aren’t careful.

No doubt you have experience how quickly your ink supply can seemingly disappear, assuming you own your own printer. There is a lot you could buy for the same amount of money that brand new replacement ink cartridges cost.

Remanufactured ink cartridges provide a reasonable alternative to expensive brand new ink cartridges. Many users say they work better than the more expensive cartridges. However, you should do some research into any company you choose to purchase remanufactured ink cartridges from because some of them are out there to scam you. Not every company is going to put the same amount of effort into ensuring the quality of the remanufactured ink cartridge. Look for a seller who offers a money-back satisfaction guarantee.

If all goes correctly, the remanufactured ink cartridges will be as close to their original condition as possible, and tested to insure that they are as such, before they are offered for sale. The seller, or his/her representatives, should not hesitate to answer any of your questions. Ask if the cartridge has been professionally remanufactured.

There’s another reason that remanufactured ink cartridges are good; it’s good for the environment. Statistics show that a certain amount of oil is saved for every remanufactured cartridge, and re-using cartridges reduces the number that end up in landfills.

Some users state that ink refill kits can give you the maximum savings, as well as the convenience and flexibility of refilling your cartridges when you need to. A good kit will come with all the required equipment and tools to aid your refill process. There are specialized ink refill kits for practically every brand of printer. From HP to Canon and more, very few brands are left out.

Refill kits come with instructions for a reason: there are steps to follow to place the ink refills in their proper places and containers. If you’re not used to the process, it could prove to be both tricky and messy. Many people find it necessary to use “dots” to help seal the hole in the cartridge back after a refill. If you don’t seal the hole completely, it could prove to be dangerous for your printer. Due to the fact that spilled ink can damage the internal parts of a printer, it is always advisable to be very careful while refilling ink cartridges. There are many possible accessories including, but not limited to, bottom fillers, filler clips, rubber seals, and foam extractors. A few sites will even refill your cartridges for you, though that will slightly increase your costs.

Remanufactured ink cartridges or ink refill kits have been estimated to save you about 50 percent from the price of a new cartridge. Also, by cleaning the print head regularly, you can further extend your cartridge’s life.