Print cartridge refills: opinions?

[fjpoblam]

We've always bought cartridges fresh.

(Of course, a printer goes south about once every two years. We don't buy expensive heavy-duty printers. We're always caught up with spare cartridges for the previous printer when we buy a new printer. Murphy's Law. But that's off my topic...)

My spouse is curious about cartridge refills, and suggested I ask the experts here. What do you think. Are refills possibly harmful to a printer? (As opposed to, buying new cartridges?)

[LookSoEasy.com]

I've used many cartridge refills over the years.

Lowest cost way is to stick with laser printers. The older HP lasers like HP Laserjet 4plus/ 5plus are real workhorses and keep on going. I get the cartridges refilled by my copier guy for about $20 each. After running them 4-5 times, you need to replace the whole cartridge.

I get remanufactured laser cartridges online. I've tried the refill kits with the hot iron (punch new hole) and plastic plugs - it wasn't worth the effort.

As for inkjet, if you have to use them, Epson has the most generic options available. But their ink catridges are small and require more frequent changes.

I've refilled lexmark and HPs before. The lexmark requires separating the top and using a syringe to inject new ink. The HPs need a hole drilled on top and a plug after refill. (available in the kit). Did that for awhile and it was OK, but I'd rather save my time/effort and buy remanufactured cartridges.

Be careful who you buy from. Some of the low price sites are not very good at identifying the model number and part you need. It's a real pain to get the wrong refilled laser or injet cartridge.

For the Xerox/Phaser solid color ink machines have a generic available from media science. I've been happy with them and the cost savings.

Compare the price difference and decide for yourself if its worth the effort. Good luck.

[AS-4]

We do refill our HP printer cartridges max of 4 times and we've been doing that practice for more than a year and our printer still sounds smooth when in action.

[LookSoEasy.com]

On the HPs, the cartridge is a combination of both a drum and container for the toner. After you've refilled the toner it 4-5 times, you might start to get deterioration in the print quality because the drum needs replacement.

The Brother laser printers are more similar to copiers, in that the toner container and drum are 2 separate parts. You refill or replace the toner container quite a few times before you need to replace the drum when it wear out.

The drum is the part that gets charged in certain areas with static electricity. This allows the drum to attract toner in the appropriate areas and transfer it to the paper.

As long as you keep the cartridge clean, it should be no problem to refill it. One of my machines had some spilled toner inside and it was a hassle to clean up, but there was no effect on printing or print quality.

[AS-4]

I see, it seems you know a lot about printers.

[LookSoEasy.com]

Running several small business efficiently means you learn a few things about keeping expenses down. I'm always looking into lower cost alternatives for energy and lighting, telecommunications, office equipment, networking, advertising/promotions, tech solutions, etc...

[johnsilver]

Originally Posted by AS-4

We do refill our HP printer cartridges max of 4 times and we've been doing that practice for more than a year and our printer still sounds smooth when in action.

only 4 times??