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InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Quickstart Guide
Get started in three easy steps
Prepare Read the important information
on pages 3, 4, and 5
Identify Find your cartridge on the table
of contents on pages 6-7
Refill Follow the directions on the page
for your cartridge

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This manual is copyright 2003-2007 Stratitec, Inc. Stratitec and the Stratitec logo are registered trademarks, and the Stratitec rainbow mark is a trademark
of Stratitec, Inc. HP is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company. Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Canon is a registered
trademark of Canon, Inc. Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. Lexmark is a registered trademark of Lexmark International, Inc. All
other trademarks are registered to their respective owners.

070525

Page 2

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InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Tool Identification and Reference

3mm Drill Bit

Screw Tool

Screw Tool

Priming Tips

The screw tool is used to


remove plugs and enlarge refill
holes.
The drill bit is used to enlarge
or create new refill holes. Apply
firm pressure when drilling to
minimize debris and to make
drilled holes smooth for a
proper seal.

Drill Bit

Small
Priming Tip
L
arg

Plugs

Cartridge Refill
Clip*

Cartridge
Refill Clip
with Rubber
Tip*

The cartridge refill clip is used


to refill and prime HP 15 and
45 style cartridges. It doubles
as a priming and evacuating
tool for HP 17, 23, 25 and 78
color cartridges.

To assemble, insert the


rubber tip into the hole at
the base end of the clip.

The small plug is for use with


the standard 3mm drilled fill
hole.

Rubber Sealing
Pad*

Optional Tools

The small priming tip is used


for priming individual nozzles.
It may also be used to create
pressure or a vacuum in certain
cartridges.

The large priming tip is used


to prime print heads and
cartridges. It fits on the end
of an empty syringe, and can
Priming Tip draw ink, air, or clogs from
the cartridge or print head.

Cartridge
Opening Tool*

Cartridge
Opening
Tool*

The cartridge opening tool is


used to remove the tops from
specific HP and Lexmark
color cartridges.

The rubber sealing pad is


used to temporarily seal a
Small Plug
vent hole or ink outlet. Apply
Plugs may come in a sheet
the smooth side of the rubber
as indicated at left. Pull
to the surface to be sealed
firmly to remove them for
Rubber
and maintain pressure with a
use.
Sealing Pad* thumb or forefinger.
The large plug is used for the
pre-existing holes in some
cartridges. The large plug can
also be used to make a tight
Large Plug seal when a small plug does
*Tools in light gray are
included with some refill kits.
not seal properly.

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Page 3

InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

General Refill Guidelines


WHEN USING CUTTING OR DRILLING EQUIPMENT, WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES AND
FOLLOW ALL OPERATING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. KEEP INK OUT OF REACH
OF CHILDREN. MAY BE HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. DO NOT INGEST. IN CASE OF
INGESTION, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN
AND EYES. SAFETY INFORMATION AT WWW.STRATITEC.COM.
Successfully refilling ink cartridges may take some practice, but the process gets easier each
time. It is extremely important that you read these refill guidelines and the instructions for your
cartridge carefully to ensure desired results and avoid mishaps.

Prepare a
Work Area

Refill cartridges in an area that is well-suited for the work.

Ink can spill; place a large sheet of aluminum foil and/or a thick pile of
newspaper on your work surface.

Keep distractions to a minimum.

Wear an apron or older clothes in case of a spill, as well as plastic gloves


to protect your hands from ink stains.

Clean up immediately with soap and water.

Ink on hands or arms will wash off in a few days.


Do not refill over carpeted areas or near fine furniture.

Prepare Ink and


Syringes

Syringe size and style may vary. Always use a syringe with a locking tip
where specified.

Always check to be sure that the needle or tip is securely attached to the
syringe.

Do not fill syringe with ink until you are ready to refill your cartridge.

Unused ink may be returned to the appropriate ink bottle or stored in the
syringe. Be sure to secure a rubber scabbard to each needle tip to
prevent leaking or drying out.

Label the syringe(s) to easily identify the ink color.

Thoroughly rinse and dry needle and syringe when changing ink colors.

Do Not Remove Seals

Page 4

Do not remove the bottle seals.

Use a needle or the screw tool to create a small hole in the seal and draw
ink through the hole in the seal.

To avoid accidental spills, replace the bottle caps promptly.

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InkJet Refill Kit


Use Recently
Emptied Cartridges

Know The Colors


Cyan
(Blue/Green)
Magenta
(Red/Purple)

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Old and/or dry cartridges may not work, even after refilling, priming and
cleaning.

Refill your cartridges just before or immediately after they run out of ink.

Cartridges should not be stored outside of your printer for more than an
hour unless required as part of the refill process.

Ink in the ink supply outlets or print heads will dry out in cartridges that
are stored improperly, or allowed to remain empty for long periods of
time, and refilling such cartridges may not be successful.

Color printers require special ink colors to produce high-quality prints.


Standard color printers require color blends known as cyan (blue/green),
magenta (red/purple), and yellow.

Many inkjet printers can use photo cartridges, which require two
additional colors: photo cyan or light cyan and photo magenta or
light magenta. Printers that require these additional photo cartridges are
called six-color printers.

Yellow
(Yellow)

Photo cyan and photo magenta inks are only for six-color printers. They
are not intended for use in standard four-color printers, even when
printing photos. If photo cyan and/or photo magenta are used in a
standard four-color printer, the color balance will be incorrect and the
quality will be reduced.

Photo Cyan
(Light Cyan)
Photo Magenta
(Light Magenta)

Use Colors Correctly

Injecting the wrong color of ink into the ink chamber of a color cartridge
will cause unfavorable results and may ruin your cartridge.

Use care when refilling color cartridges. Always inject the correct color
of ink into the correct ink chamber.

To verify the color of ink contained in each chamber of the cartridge,


insert a wooden toothpick into each refill hole, withdraw it, and then
check the color of the toothpick.

Avoid overfilling

Overfilled cartridges may leak and cause color contamination.

Overfilled cartridges will not print. Use care to avoid overfilling!

Use only enough ink to fill the cartridge.

If you do overfill your cartridge, refer to the instructions for your


cartridge and use a syringe to extract excess ink.
Never install a cartridge that is leaking, dripping, or oozing ink. Doing so
may damage your printer.

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Page 5

InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Instructions by Cartridge
Apple
M1949.......................... ..............18
M1950......................... ...............18
M1951......................... ...............18
M1952......................... ...............18
M3240.......................... ..............19
M3329......................... ...............20
M3330......................... ...............20
M3822......................... ...............18
M3852......................... ...............18
M3908......................... ...............20
M3909......................... ...............20
M3910......................... ...............20
M3911......................... ...............20
M3912......................... ...............20
M4609......................... ...............21
M5658........................... ...............8
M5659........................... ...............8
M5693........................ ................12
M5694......................... ...............11
M8041.......................... ..............21
M8049.......................... ..............21
M8052......................... ...............21

Brother

IN-700......................................... 16
IN-710C......................... .............17
IN10.......................... .................21
LC02BK/C/Y/M................ ............26
LC04BK/C/Y/M.................. ..........26
LC11-BK...................................... 16
LC11-CL.................................... ..17
LC21BK/C/Y/M................ ............26
LC31BK/C/Y/M................ ............26
LC41BK/C/Y..................... ...........22

Canon
BC-01....................................... ...21
BC-02....................................... ...21
BC-05....................................... ...21
BC-06...................................... ....21
BC-20....................................... ...19
BC-23....................................... ...19
BC-30/BC-30e.............................. 18
BC-31/BC-31e.............................. 18
BC-33e................................ ........18
BC-60...................................... ....27
BCI-10..................... ...................20
BCI-11..................... ...................20
BCI-15..................... ...................20
BCI-21..................... ...................20
BCI-24....................... .................20
BCI-3Bk/BCI-3eBk................. ......18
BCI-3C/BCI-3eC........ ..................18
BCI-3M/BCI-3eM.................. .......18
BCI-3PC/3PM.................... ..........18
BCI-3Y/BCI-3eY.................... .......18
BCI-5Bk....................... ...............18
BCI-5C/BCI-5M/BCI-5Y............. ...18
BCI-61.................... ....................27
BCI-61e.................................. .....27

BCI-62............................. ........27
BCI-62e...................... .............27
BCI-6Bk.............................. .....18
BCI-6C/BCI-6M/BCI-6Y............18
BCI-6G.................. ..................27
BCI-6PC/BCI-6PM.............. ......18
BCI-6R.................................... .27
BCI-8Bk................................ ...18
BCI-8C/BCI-8M/BCI-8Y............18
BJI-201Bk(HC)....................... ..18
BJI-201C/BJI-201M/BJI-201Y....18
BX-2........................... .............21
BX-20........................ ..............19
CL-40........................ ..............27
CL-41........................ ..............27
CLI-8BK.................................. .18
CLI-8C................................. ....18
CLI-8M........................... .........18
CLI-8PC................................ ...18
CLI-8PM.......................... ........18
CLI-8Y............................ .........18
PG-40........................... ...........27
PG-41........................... ...........27
PGI-5................................. ......18

Compaq
180844-001.................... .........17
180845-001................. ............16
180846-001................. ............17
180847-001................. ............16
180848-001.................. ...........17
203428-001................. ............16
337709-001................ .............16
337710-001................. ............17
337711-001................. ............17
337714-001................. ............16
337715-001................. ............17

Dell
7Y743/X0502 (A940/A960)......14
7Y745/X0504 (A940/A960)......15
J4844/K5553 (922/942/962).....15
J5566/R5956 (922/942/962).....14
J5567/R5974 (922/942/962).....15
M4640/R5480 (922/942/962)...14
M4646/R5482 (922/942/962)...15
T0529/K1014 (720/920)...........14
T0530/K1017 (720/920) ..........15
T0601/K1143 (J740)................14
T0602/K1145 (J740)................15

Epson
S020034............................. .....23
S020036.......................... ........23
S020047............................. .....23
S020049............................. .....23
S020062 (K)............ ................27
S020089........................... .......23
S020093........................... .......23
S020097........................... .......23
S020108........................... .......23
S020118 (K)............. ...............27

S020122 (Y)..................... ...........27


S020126 (M).................... ...........27
S020130 (C).......................... ......27
S020138.................. ...................23
S020143 (M)...................... .........27
S020147 (C)........................... .....27
S020187.................. ...................23
S020189.................. ...................23
S020191.................. ...................23
S020193.................. ...................23
T001 (T001011)........................... 23
T003 (T003011)........................... 23
T005 (T005011)........................... 23
T007* (T007201)............... ..........23
T008* (T008201)............... ..........23
T009* (T009201)............... ..........23
T013 (T013201)........................... 23
T014 (T014201)........ ..................23
T015* (T015201)............... ..........23
T016* (T016201)............ .............23
T017* (T017201)............... ..........23
T018* (T018201)............... ..........23
T019 (T019201)........................... 23
T020 (T020201)........................... 23
T026* (T026201)............ .............23
T027* (T027201)............... ..........23
T028* (T028201)............... ..........23
T029* (T029201)............... ..........23
T036* (T036120)............ .............23
T037* (T037020)............... ..........23
T038* (T038120)............... ..........23
T039* (T039020)............... ..........23
T040* (T040120)................. ........23
T041* (T041020)................. ........23
T0431* (T043120)............... ........24
T0441* (T044120)................. ......24
T0442* (T044220)................. ......24
T0443* (T044320)................. ......24
T0444* (T044420)................... ....24
T0481* (T048120)............... ........24
T0482* (T048220)............... ........24
T0483* (T048320)............... ........24
T0484* (T048420)................. ......24
T0485* (T048520)............... ........24
T0486* (T048620)............ ...........24
T0601* (T060120).......... .............24
T0602* (T060220).......... .............24
T0603* (T060320).......... .............24
T0604* (T060420)............ ...........24
T480 (T480011)........ ..................27
T481 (T481011)........ ..................27
T482 (T482011)........ ..................27
T483 (T483011)........ ..................27
T484 (T484011)........... ...............27
T485 (T485011)........ ..................27

Hewlett-Packard

51625 (25)................... ...............11


51626 (26)................. .................12
51629 (29)................... ...............12
51633 (33)................... ...............12

* Ink is compatible with these cartridges, but they may require an ink-level chip reset to print. See page 25 for details.
** These cartridges may require a third party replacement chip and resetter. See page 31 for details.
Note: Many HP cartridges have additional letters following the part number. For example, the C6615 may be marked C6615N,
C6615AN or C6615DN. All cartridges are compatible, regardless of the extra letters after the part number.

Page 6

Technical support on our website

InkJet Refill Kit


51640a (40).................. ................8
51640c (40)................. .................8
51640m (40).................. ...............8
51640y (40)................. .................8
51641 (41)......................... ...........9
51644c/51644m/51644y (44)........8
51645a (45).................. ................8
51645c (45)................. .................8
51645m (45).................. ...............8
51645y (45)................. .................8
51649 (49)..................... .............11
51650c/51650m/51650y (50).........8
C1816 (16)......................... .........11
C1823 (23)............................... .....9
C3844A (844).............. .................9
C3845A (845)........... ....................9
C4836 (11)**........................ .......27
C4837 (11)**.......................... .....27
C4838 (11)**.......................... .....27
C4841 (10)**........................... ....27
C4842 (10)**........................... ....27
C4843 (10)**........................... ....27
C4844 (10)**............................ ...27
C5010AN (14).................... .........13
C5011AN (14).................... .........13
C6578 (78).............................. ......9
C6614 (20).......................... ........12
C6615 (15)............................. .......8
C6625 (17)............................. .......9
C6628 (19)......................... .........12
C6634 (34)........................... .......11
C6635 (35)......................... .........11
C6656 (56)....................... ...........10
C6657 (57)......................... .........10
C6658 (58)......................... .........10
C8727 (27)........................... .......10
C8728 (28)........................... .......10
C8765 (94)........................... .......10
C8766 (95)......................... .........10
C8767 (96)......................... .........10
C9351 (21)........................... .......10
C9352 (22)........................... .......10
C9359 (59)........................... .......27

C9361
C9362
C9363
C9368
C9369

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual


(93).............. ................10
(92).............. ................10
(97).............. ................10
(100)........... .................27
(99).............. ................10

Lexmark
10N0016 (16)............. .............14
10N0026 (26)............ ..............15
10N0217 (17)............... ...........14
10N0227 (27).............. ............15
10N0510/10N610....... .............15
10N500/10N600............ ..........14
12A1970 (70)........................... 16
12A1975 (75)........................... 16
12A1980 (80)....... ...................17
12A1985 (85)....... ...................17
12A1990 (90)....... ...................17
13400HC......................... ........16
1361400........................ ..........16
1361760....................... ...........17
13619HC........................ .........17
13620HC....................... ..........16
1380619........................ ..........17
1380620...................... ............16
1381400......................... .........16
1382050........................ ..........16
1382060........................ ..........17
15M0120 (20)........................ ..17
15M0125 (25)........................ ..17
15M2971 (71)...................... ....16
16G0055 (55)........ ..................16
16G0065 (65)....... ...................17
17G0050 (50)......... .................16
17G0060 (60)........ ..................17
18C0031 (31)........ ..................15
18C0032 (32)......... .................14
18C0033 (33)........ ..................15
18C0034 (34)............ ..............14
18C0035 (35)........ ..................15
18C0500................................. .14
18C0510................................ ..15
18C0520................................ ..15

18C0690....................... ..............14
18C0700....................... ..............15
18C0781 (1)........................ ........15
18L0032 (82)............... ...............14
18L0042 (83)............... ...............15
18L0380.................. ...................14
18L0390................. ....................15
18L0500/18L0590............... ........14

Misc

Cartridge Top Removal...... ..........32


Check / Correct Overfill...... .........33
Color Cartridge Troubleshooting. .28
General Cartridge Priming...... .....30
HP Cartridge Priming......... .........29
Ink-level Chip Reset Details.........25
Troubleshooting Table.................35

Okidata

52109301................................ ....16
52109302................................. ...17

Olivetti
84431........................ .................16
84433........................ .................16

Sharp

AJ-C50B...................... ................16
AJ-C50C......................... .............17
FO-C60B......................... ............14
UX-22BC........................ .............16
UX-27CC........................... ..........17
UX-C70B........................... ..........14

Sony
IJC-B1............................ .............12
IJC-C1............................. ............11

Xerox

8R12591....................... ..............17
8R7879......................... ..............16
8R7880........................... ............17
8R7881......................... ..............16
8R7882........................... ............17
8R7903............................ ...........14
8R7904............................ ...........15

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View the full size color manual & updates online
(Instructions for cartridges not listed may be available online)
Note: Many HP cartridges have additional letters following the part number. For example, the C6615 may be marked C6615N,
C6615AN or C6615DN. All cartridges are compatible, regardless of the extra letters after the part number.

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Page 7

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

Remove black tape or plug to


access the ink fill hole

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Hewlett Packard: 51640a/51640c/51640m/51640y (40)


51645a/51645c/51645m/51645y (45)
51644c/51644m/51644y (44)51650c/51650m/51650y (50)
C6615 (15) Apple: M5658M5659 (Suffix may vary)
1.

Read pages 4-5 in the manual for important general information that
will improve your results.
If your kit includes the cartridge refill clip tool, you may optionally
follow the instructions under Refilling with the Clip Tool on page 29
to refill your HP 15 or 45 cartridge.
Before refilling, turn the cartridge upside down and remove the black
tape (or plug) covering the fill hole.

3.

If this is the first time refilling the cartridge, you will find a stainless
steel ball bearing in the fill hole as shown in the diagram. Push the ball
bearing into the cartridge using the tip of an empty syringe (without
the needle).
Be very gentle in the following steps when inserting the needle into the
cartridge. If the ink bag is damaged, the cartridge can no longer be
used.

Use the tip of


an empty
syringe to
push the ball
bearing into
the cartridge.

After
refilling is
complete,
squeeze the
sides of the
cartridge as
you insert
the large
plug into
the fill hole.

Page 8

2.

4.

Fill the syringe with ink and inject into the fill hole. Repeat until
bubbles appear at the fill hole.

5.

In order to seal the fill hole, you must firmly squeeze the cartridge
sides and put a large plug into the hole. (Squeezing the cartridge
while the plug is inserted creates back pressure that helps stop the ink
from leaking out when refilling is completed.)

6.

Some ink may drip from the print head. Place the cartridge in a sink or
pan for 1-2 minutes with the print head down. Gently wipe the print
head with a paper towel. Hold the cartridge up so the print head is
down, and look at the print head. If you see any liquid ink, the
cartridge is not properly pressurized and is leaking. Repeat the
previous step.

7.

Place the cartridge into your printer and run test/cleaning cycles as
described in your printer manual. Please read Resetting Ink Levels to
reset your printer's ink level counters.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help,
please visit www.stratitec.com

Technical support on our website

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

Hewlett-Packard: 51641 (41)C1823 (23)C3844A (844)


C3845A (845)C6578 (78)C6625 (17)
1.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will improve your
results.

2.

Locate the plugs (actual plug positions may vary) on the top of the cartridge
and use the screw tool to push the plugs through the refill holes and into the
cartridge. Leave the plugs in the cartridge. If your cartridge does not have
plugs, or if you are unable to push the plugs into the cartridge, then drill refill
holes where indicated at left.

3.

Verify the ink colors in each chamber (see Use Colors Correctly on page 5).
Do NOT rely solely upon cartridge label colors.

4.

Select the color to be refilled and fill a syringe with ink. Place tape over the
remaining refill holes to prevent cross-contamination. TAPE MUST BE
REMOVED BEFORE CARTRIDGE IS REINSTALLED OR CARTRIDGE WILL
NOT PRINT.

5.

Carefully insert the needle into the correct refill hole until the needle tip is
halfway into the foam sponge, then position the cartridge horizontally as
indicated below, right.

6.

Slowly inject up to 10ml of ink. Injecting ink too quickly may trap air inside the
cartridge. As you add ink, watch the print head closely. If ink begins to come
out of the print head or around the refill hole, stop filling, then use the syringe
to extract 1ml of ink.

7.

Leave the cartridge in the horizontal position as indicated below. Repeat steps
4-6 to fill each color in the cartridge.

8.

Verify ink flow by pressing the print head against a damp paper towel. Each
color should leave a solid line on the towel. If some ink colors are not visible,
follow the cartridge priming instructions on page 29.

Magenta
Cyan
Yellow

51641 C1823
C6578 C6625

Black

Photo
Cyan

Cyan

This cartridge is easy to overfill. Check / correct overfilling by following the


instructions on page 33.

C3845A (845)
Photo
Magenta
Yellow

Magenta

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

9.

Re-install the cartridge, run cleaning cycles, and print test pages. To reset ink
levels, please refer to the section on Resetting Ink Levels on page 31. If print
results are unsatisfactory or colors are incorrect, please refer to Tri-Color
Cartridge Troubleshooting on page 28.
For best results, refill cartridges before they are empty.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

C3844A (844)

www.stratitec.com

REFILL
HOLES MUST
STAY OPEN.
REMOVE
TAPE AFTER
FILLING. DO
NOT PLUG
HOLES.

Stop filling if
ink drips from
print head.

Position
cartridge
as shown
to inject
ink.

Page 9

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

Refill holes

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

HP: C6656 (56)C6657 (57)C6658 (58)C8727 (27)C8728 (28)


C8765 (94)C8766 (95)C8767 (96)C9351 (21)C9352 (22)
C9361 (93)C9362 (92)C9363 (97)C9369 (99)
1.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will improve your
results.

2.

Remove the sticker from the top of the cartridge to expose the refill holes.

3.

Select the color to be refilled and fill a syringe with ink. Place tape over the
remaining refill holes to reduce the risk of color cross-contamination.

4.

With the cartridge upright, carefully insert the needle into the correct refill
hole until the needle tip is halfway into the cartridge as indicated at left.

5.

Slowly inject up to 5ml of ink (2ml for 22 and 93) per chamber if refilling a
color cartridge, or up to 20ml of ink (5ml for 21 and 92) if refilling a black
cartridge, into the appropriate refill hole for your cartridge, as indicated
below. Injecting ink too quickly may trap air inside the cartridge. As you add
ink, watch the print head closely. If ink begins to come out of the print head or
around the refill hole, stop filling, then use the syringe to extract 0.5ml of ink.

6.

Refill each color by repeating the above process, making sure to tape over the
unused refill holes to prevent contamination.

7.

Verify ink flow by pressing the print head against a damp paper towel. Each
color should leave a solid line on the towel. If not all ink colors are visible,
follow the priming instructions on page 30.
This cartridge is easy to overfill. Check / correct overfilling by following the
instructions on page 33.

Insert needle about


halfway into the
cartridge and
slowly inject ink

8.

Remove any tape covering the refill holes and replace the original sticker. Reinstall the cartridge, run cleaning cycles, and print test pages. If print results
are unsatisfactory or colors are incorrect, please refer to Tri-Color Cartridge
Troubleshooting on page 28.

9.

Ink levels are estimated by the printer based on the amount of printing that
has been done. Consequently, the printer may report the cartridge as empty,
even when completely refilled. Ignore the low ink messages and continue
printing.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

(22, 28, 57) Magenta


(93, 95, 97) Yellow

(22, 28, 57) Yellow


(93, 95, 97) Magenta

Page 10

(21, 27, 56, 92,


94, 96) Black

(22, 28, 57, 93,


95, 97) Cyan

(58) Photo Magenta


(99) Black

(58) Black
(99) Photo Magenta

(58, 99)
Photo Cyan

Technical support on our website

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

Hewlett-Packard: 51625 (25)51649 (49)C1816 (16)C6634


(34)C6635 (35) Apple: M5694 Sony: IJC-C1

First refill
requires top
removal
(see page 32
for alternate
methods)

1.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will improve your
results.

2.

If this is the first refill, the cartridge top must be removed. Some kits may
include a top removal tool (shown left). Please review Cartridge Top
Removal instructions and Alternate Removal Methods on page 32. If you
need a top removal tool, please see www.stratitec.com.

3.

When removing the top, be careful not to damage the black tab, located
near the lid, as this is required to securely reinstall the cartridge in the
printer.

4.

Select the color to be refilled and fill a syringe with ink.

5.

With the cartridge upright, carefully insert the needle into the correct
chamber (as indicated below, left), until the tip of the needle is halfway into
the foam sponge. Do NOT push the needle all the way to the bottom.

6.

Slowly inject up to 8ml of ink into the appropriate chamber for your
cartridge. Injecting ink too quickly may trap air inside the cartridge. As you
add ink, watch the sponge surface closely. The original color of the sponge
is white. Stop filling as soon as you see the ink start to come up around the
needle or edges. If possible, do NOT allow the color of the sponge to
change. If ink appears on the surface of the sponge, stop filling, then use
the syringe to extract 0.5-1ml of ink. Refill each color by repeating the
above process, keeping the cartridge upright.

7.

Verify ink flow by pressing the print head against a damp paper towel. Each
color should leave a solid line on the towel. If all ink colors are not visible,
or if one or more colors are faint, follow the priming instructions on page
30.

8.

Once the cartridge is refilled, tape the cartridge top securely in place.

9.

Re-install the cartridge, run cleaning cycles, and print test pages. If print
results are unsatisfactory or colors are incorrect, please refer to Tri-Color
Cartridge Troubleshooting on page 28.

Top may detach in


two different ways
HP 25, 34, 35, 49
Sony
IJC-C1

label side

Apple
M5694

label side

Cyan
Yellow
Magenta

HP
16

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

These cartridges dry out easily when unused, even if filled with ink. As the
cartridge dries out, the ink in the bottom chambers becomes very thick and
is almost impossible to remove, even after refilling with fresh ink. For best
results, don't allow these cartridges to sit unused for long periods of time.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please
visit www.stratitec.com

Photo
Cyan
Photo
Black
Magenta

www.stratitec.com

Page 11

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

NOT a fill hole

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Hewlett Packard: 51626 (26)51629 (29)51633 (33)C6614 (20)


C6628 (19) Apple: M5693 Sony: IJC-B1
1.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will improve your
results.

2.

Place the cartridge on thickly folded paper towels. Ink may begin to drip from
the cartridge after opening the refill hole and while injecting ink.

3.

Old cartridges may have a refill hole on the top corner that is sealed by a ball
bearing. If you have an old cartridge, push the ball bearing into the cartridge.
Take care not to damage the print head by pressing it too hard against the
work surface. If your cartridge does not have a refill hole with a ball bearing,
use a 3mm drill bit to make a refill hole where indicated at left.
The hole that is located in the center of the cartridge top is NOT a fill hole.
Inserting any object or fluid into this hole may damage the ballast bags and
render the cartridge unusable.

Drill Refill Hole Here


(Push in ball bearing
on old cartridges)

Vent Maze

Outlet
Hole

Align tip with vent


maze outlet hole.
Pull 3-4 ml of air,
bubbles or ink out.

4.

Fill a syringe with the appropriate color of ink and, with the cartridge upright,
carefully insert the needle into the refill hole and quickly fill the cartridge until
it is almost full (25-40ml). Expect ink to begin dripping from the bottom.

5.

Once the cartridge is refilled, promptly seal the refill hole with a rubber plug.
Do not use tape. The seal must be airtight or the cartridge will leak.

6.

Turn the cartridge upside down to expose the vent maze. Attach the small
priming tip (page 3) onto an empty syringe and put the tip of the syringe into
the outlet hole of the vent maze.

7.

Pull back on the syringe to withdraw 3-4 ml of air, bubbles and/or ink from the
cartridge. The pressure in the cartridge should now be properly balanced.

8.

Wipe the cartridge with a damp paper towel. Hold the cartridge in an upright
position for 30 seconds and look closely at the bottom. If you see ink seeping
from the print head or vent maze outlet hole, you must verify that the refill
hole is sealed properly and repeat steps 6 - 8. The process should be repeated
until the cartridge no longer seeps, indicating that the pressure is equalized.

9.

Verify ink flow by pressing the print head against a damp paper towel. The
print head should leave a solid black line on the damp towel. If you don't see a
solid black line, follow the priming instructions on page 30.

10. Wait approximately 2 minutes, then follow step 8 again as a final check that
the cartridge is not leaking. Re-install the cartridge, run cleaning cycles, and
print test pages.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

Page 12

Technical support on our website

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

Hewlett-Packard: C5010AN (14)C5011AN (14)


1.

2.

Place the cartridge with the ink outlet(s) facing up, as indicated at left, on a
flat, ink-resistant surface or on paper towels or absorbent cloth in case of spills
or leakage.

3.

Select color to be refilled and fill a syringe with ink, then carefully remove the
needle and attach the small priming tip (page 3).

4.

Gently press the priming tip against the appropriate ink outlet, as indicated
below left, and slowly inject up to 6ml of color ink or up to 23ml of black ink.
It is important not to dent, mar, or damage the sponge when refilling or the
cartridge will be unusable. Stop filling when the sponge is full and stops
absorbing ink quickly. A dry sponge may absorb ink more slowly.

5.

Carefully turn the cartridge to the upright position, using a paper towel or
absorbent cloth to absorb any ink dripping from the ink outlet. Hold cartridge
upright until ink no longer drips from the ink outlet. Installing the cartridge
while ink is still dripping and/or leaking out of the cartridge may damage your
printer.

6.

Re-install the cartridge, run cleaning cycles, and print test pages. If print
results are unsatisfactory or colors are incorrect, please refer to Tri-Color
Cartridge Troubleshooting on page 28.

7.

Most printers that use the HP 14 cartridge must either have the ink-level
monitor disabled, or have the ink-level chip replaced in order to use refilled
cartridges. Instructions for disabling the ink counter may be in your printer
manual. Additional details are online at www.stratitec.com.

Magenta
Cyan

Refill by gently
pressing the
small priming
tip against
the sponge and
slowing injecting
ink.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will improve your
results.
Check to verify that your cartridge has not exceeded its expiration date.
Printers that use the HP14 cartridge are unable to use expired cartridges
unless the ink-level chip is replaced. See www.stratitec.com for details.

Black

Yellow

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

If you disable the ink-level monitor, you MUST NOT let the cartridge run dry.
A dry cartridge may cause air bubbles to form in the printhead, stopping the
printhead from working properly. Refill frequently and refill immediately if
you see a reduction in print quality or one of the colors stops printing. For
best results, we recommend replacing the ink level chip with a resettable chip
and using a chip resetter after each refill to reduce the chance of the cartridge
running dry.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

Ink-level Chip

www.stratitec.com

Page 13

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

Enlarge the vent hole


or remove the label to
access fill holes

Lexmark: 10N0016 (16)10N0217 (17)10N500/10N60018C0032


(32)18C0034 (34)18C050018C069018L0032 (82)18L0380
18L0500/18L0590 Dell: 7Y743/X0502 (A940/A960)J5566/R5956
(922/942/962)M4640/R5480 (922/942/962)T0601/K1143
(J740)T0529/K1014 (720/920)
Sharp: UX-C70BFO-C60B Xerox: 8R7903
1.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will improve your
results.

2.

Some cartridges have a hard top, while others have a flat top with a sticker.
For cartridges with a sticker, simply peel it back to reveal the fill holes.
Cartridges with a hard top must have a hole drilled in the top of the cartridge
with a 3mm drill bit. Drill all the way through the plastic top.

3.

Fill a syringe with black ink. With the cartridge upright, carefully insert the
needle into the refill hole, as indicated below, left, until the needle tip is about
halfway into cartridge.

4.

Slowly inject ink into the cartridge. Injecting ink too quickly may trap air
inside the cartridge. Amount of ink needed varies by cartridge and depends on
how empty the cartridge is before refilling. Fill until ink appears at the fill
hole, then remove 1ml from the cartridge near the surface of the fill hole.

5.

Verify ink flow by pressing the print head against a damp paper towel. The
print head should leave a solid black line on the towel. If ink is not visible,
follow the priming instructions on page 30.

Use any of
these holes
to fill this
cartridge
with black
ink.

This cartridge is easy to overfill. After filling, drain excess ink by placing the
cartridge upside-down in a sink on a thickly folded stack of paper towels.
When ink stops draining from the cartridge, check / correct any remaining
overfill condition by following the instructions on page 33.
6.

Insert the
needle about
halfway into
the cartridge.

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Re-install the cartridge, run cleaning cycles, and print test pages. If print
results are unsatisfactory, the cartridge may be overfilled. Remove an
additional 1-2ml of ink and try again.
For best results, refill cartridges before they are empty.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

Empty Chamber

Lexmark 10N0217 (17)


Sharp UX-C70B

Some Cartridges contain an empty


chamber, as shown.
This chamber may accidentally fill with ink.
To correct this, do not remove the lid. Drill a
hole directly above the empty chamber,
completely drain the chamber of ink, and
plug the hole with the small rubber plug.

Drill, drain
and plug here

Page 14

If excess ink remains in this chamber, the


used cartridge may seem full when it is not.

Technical support on our website

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

Pry the lid off with a


small screwdriver
here.

Drill holes
in the top
to access
chambers.

Peel the
label
back to
access
fill
holes.

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Lexmark: 10N0026 (26)10N0227 (27)10N0510/10N610


18C0031 (31)18C0033 (33)18C0035 (35)18C051018C0520
18C070018C0781 (1)18L0042 (83) 18L0390 Dell: 7Y745/X0504
(A940/A960) J5567/R5974 (922/942/962)J4844/K5553
(922/942/962) M4646/R5482 (922/942/962)T0530/K1017
(720/920) T0602/K1145 (J740) Xerox: 8R7904
1.

Read pages 4-5 for important information that will improve your results.

2.

Before refilling, the label or top should be removed or holes must be drilled.
Verify the ink colors in each chamber (see Use Colors Correctly on page 5),
then select the first color to be refilled and fill a syringe with ink. Place tape
over the remaining refill holes to prevent cross-contamination.

3.

With the cartridge upright, carefully insert the needle into the correct refill
hole until the needle tip is about halfway into the cartridge.

4.

Slowly inject ink into the chamber of the chosen ink color. Injecting ink too
quickly may trap air inside the cartridge. Amount of ink needed varies by
cartridge and depends on how empty the cartridge is before refilling. Fill until
ink appears at the fill hole, then remove 1ml.

5.

Refill each color by repeating the above process, making sure to tape over the
unused refill holes to prevent cross-contamination.

6.

Verify ink flow by pressing the print head against a damp paper towel. Each
color should leave a solid line on the towel. If not all ink colors are visible,
follow the priming instructions on page 30.
This cartridge is easy to overfill. Check / correct overfilling by following the
instructions on page 33.

7.

Once the cartridge is refilled, remove any tape covering the refill holes. If you
removed the top, tape the cartridge top securely back into position.

8.

Re-install the cartridge, run cleaning cycles, and print test pages. If print
results are unsatisfactory or colors are incorrect, please refer to Tri-Color
Cartridge Troubleshooting on page 28.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

Lex 26/27 Dell T0530

Photo Magenta

Photo Cyan

Yellow
Magenta

Cyan

Color locations may vary


Always check color
by inserting a toothpick
before injecting ink.

Cyan

Xerox 8R7904

Black

www.stratitec.com

Cyan

Yellow

Magenta

Peel off the label, or drill


through the top above the
holes as shown to access
the ink chambers.
Remove tape when done.
Do not overfill.

Yellow

Magenta

Lex 1/33/35/83 Dell T0602


7Y745/M4646/J5567

Lex 31
Dell J4844

Page 15

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

Enlarge refill hole

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Lexmark: 13400HC136140013620HC1380620
1381400138205017G0050 (50)16G0055 (55)12A1970
(70)15M2971 (71)12A1975 (75) Compaq: 180845-001
180847-001203428-001337709-001 337714-001203428-001
Brother: IN-700LC11-BK Okidata: 52109301 Xerox: 8R7879
8R7881 Sharp: AJ-C50BUX-22BC Olivetti: 8443184433
1.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will improve your
results.

2.

Enlarge the small hole on the top of the cartridge with the included screw tool
or remove the plug.

3.

Select the color to be refilled and fill a syringe with ink. With the cartridge
upright, carefully insert the needle into the refill hole until the needle tip is
halfway into the foam sponge.

4.

Slowly inject ink into the cartridge. As you add ink, watch the print head
closely. If ink begins to come out of the print head or around the refill hole,
stop filling. Amount of ink needed varies by cartridge and depends on how
empty the cartridge is before refilling. Fill until ink comes out the fill hole, then
remove 1ml.

5.

Verify ink flow by pressing the print head against a damp paper towel. The
print head should leave a solid black line on the towel. If ink is not visible,
follow the priming instructions on page 30.

Remove Plug

This cartridge is easy to overfill because you cannot see the internal sponge.
Overfilling can cause this cartridge to print poorly, not print at all, print only
on part of the page, or stop printing after the printer sits idle for a day or two.
Check / correct overfilling by withdrawing a few ml of ink, or following the
instructions on page 33.
6.

Re-install the cartridge, run cleaning cycles, and print test pages. If print
results are unsatisfactory, the cartridge may be overfilled. Remove 2-4ml of ink
and try again.
Do not attempt to print with this cartridge when it is empty as this could
damage the print head. For best results, refill cartridges before they are
empty.

Cartridge is easy to
overfill. See page 33
for help.

Page 16

If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

Technical support on our website

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

Glue
Seam
Some kits may include
a top removal tool, as
shown. When using the
tool, the top may crack
as indicated above, or
at glue seam. Either
result will allow access
to the refill holes. For
top removal methods
with or without the tool,
see page 32.

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Lexmark: 12A1980 (80)12A1985 (85)12A1990 (90)1361760


13619HC1380619138206015M0120 (20)15M0125 (25)
16G0065 (65)17G0060 (60) Okidata: 52109302
Compaq: 180844-001180846-001180848-001337710-001
337711-001337715-001 Brother: IN-710CLC11-CL
Xerox: 8R125918R78808R7882 Sharp: AJ-C50CUX-27CC
1.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will greatly improve
your results.

2.

If this is the first refill, the cartridge top must be removed. Some kits may
include a top removal tool (shown left). Please review top removal methods on
page 32. Be careful not to damage the black tab, located near the lid. If you
need a top removal tool, please see www.stratitec.com.

3.

Select the color to be refilled and fill a syringe with ink. With the cartridge
upright, carefully insert the needle into the correct chamber, as indicated
below, left, until the needle tip is halfway into the foam sponge.

4.

Slowly inject ink into the chamber of the chosen ink color. Injecting ink too
quickly may trap air inside the cartridge. Amount of ink needed varies by
cartridge and depends on how empty the cartridge is before refilling. As you
add ink, watch the sponge surface closely. If ink appears around the needle or
up the sides of the sponge, stop filling. Use the syringe to extract 0.5-1ml of
ink to reduce overfilling. Refill each color by repeating the above process,
keeping the cartridge upright.

5.

Verify ink flow by pressing the print head against a damp paper towel. Each
color should leave a solid line on the towel. If not all ink colors are visible,
follow the priming instructions on page 30.

6.

Once the cartridge is refilled, tape the cartridge top securely in place.

7.

Re-install the cartridge, run cleaning cycles, and print test pages. If print
results are unsatisfactory or colors are incorrect, please refer to Tri-Color
Cartridge Troubleshooting on page 28.
Do not attempt to print with this cartridge when it is empty as this could
damage the print head. For best results, refill cartridges before they are
empty.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

Cyan

Yellow

Magenta

Standard Colors

www.stratitec.com

Photo
Cyan

Black

Photo
Magenta

Photo 12A1990 (90), 1361760

Page 17

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

Drill refill
hole using a
3mm bit
within the
marked
section.
Use a small
rubber plug
to seal the
hole after
filling.

Ink
reservoir
Sponge
chamber

Canon: BC-30/BC-30eBC-31/BC-31eBC-33eBCI-3Bk/BCI3eBkBCI-3C/BCI-3eCBCI-3M/BCI-3eMBCI-3Y/BCI-3eYBCI3PC/3PMBCI-5BkBCI-5C/BCI-5M/BCI-5YBCI-6BkBCI-6C/BCI6M/BCI-6YBCI-6PC/BCI-6PMBCI-8BkBCI-8C/BCI-8M/BCI8YBJI-201Bk(HC)BJI-201C/BJI-201M/BJI-201YCLI-8BKCLI8CCLI-8MCLI-8YCLI-8PCCLI-8PMPGI-5
Apple: M1949M1950M1951M1952M3822M3852
1.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will greatly improve
your results.

2.

Press and hold the ink outlet hole against the rubber sealing pad, maintaining
pressure against the sealing pad to minimize leaking as you refill. If your kit
does not include the rubber sealing pad, you may optionally use high quality
black electrical tape. (If you do not seal the ink outlet, ink will drip from the
ink outlet hole until the refill hole is sealed with a plug.)

3.

Use the included 3mm drill bit to drill a hole where indicated at left. Be sure
that the refill hole is clean and smooth, as the small plug must create an
airtight seal once the cartridge is refilled.

4.

Inject the appropriate color of ink into the ink reservoir until it is full. Wait 1530 seconds for the ink to saturate the sponge. Add additional ink, if necessary,
to fill the ink reservoir.

5.

Seal the refill hole with a small plug. If the seal is not airtight, the cartridge
will leak. If you did not use the included 3mm drill bit, if the plug does not seal
properly, or if the cartridge continues to leak, use hot glue to seal the refill
hole. Do NOT use tape as it will not provide a proper permanent seal.

6.

After you remove the tape or rubber sealing pad from the ink outlet, a few
drops of ink SHOULD drip from the cartridge. If you don't get any drips, hold
the cartridge over paper towels and carefully remove the plug from the seal
hole until the ink outlet begins to drip, then quickly repeat step 5.

7.

Let the cartridge sit for 10-20 seconds until it is no longer dripping ink. Give
the sponge chamber a light squeeze for a final drip to balance the pressure. If
the cartridge continually drips ink, refer to step 5 to seal the refill hole.

8.

Once the cartridge is filled and no longer dripping ink, re-install the cartridge,
run cleaning cycles, and print test pages. NEVER install a dripping or leaking
cartridge in your printer.

9.

Some printers may not be able to tell that the CLI-8 and PGI-5 type cartridges
are full again after reinstalling them in the printer. If so, you may need to
either press the button on the printer until the error light goes out, or use the
printer driver option to continue printing. If you do this, be sure to keep the
cartridges refilled BEFORE they run empty.

Ink outlet
To prevent excess drips
while filling, press and
hold the ink outlet
against the rubber
sealing pad. As an
alternate, use black
electrical tape.

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

For best results, do not leave empty or refilled cartridges out of the printer
unless tightly sealed in a heavy plastic bag.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

Page 18

Technical support on our website

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Canon: BC-20BC-23BX-20 Apple: M3240


1.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will greatly improve
your results.

2.

These cartridges have a plug on the top of the cartridge that must be removed
as indicated at left. Press the included screw tool into the plug and turn
clockwise until the tool is secured in the plug and you are able to pull the plug
out. Keep the plug for reinserting into the cartridge fill hole.

Remove
this plug
from the
fill hole
using the
screw tool

Although not required, we recommend using an accurate scale, such as a


postal scale, to measure the cartridge mass. See pages 34-35 for estimated
cartridge mass/volume for various cartridges.
3.

Select the color to be refilled and fill a syringe with ink. With the cartridge
upright, carefully insert the needle into the refill hole until the needle tip is
halfway into the foam sponge.

4.

Slowly inject ink. As you add ink, watch the print head closely. If ink begins to
come out of the print head or around the refill hole, stop filling, then use the
syringe to extract 1ml of ink.

5.

Reinsert the plug into the fill hole.

6.

Verify ink flow by pressing the print head against a damp paper towel. The
print head should leave a solid black line on the towel. If ink is not visible,
follow the priming instructions on page 30.

7.

Re-install the cartridge, run cleaning cycles, and print test pages.
These cartridges are easy to overfill. Check / correct overfilling by following
the instructions on page 33.

Replace the plug after


refilling. If the screw tool
is still attached to the
plug, rotate the screw
tool counter-clockwise to
remove it from the plug.

For best results, refill cartridges before they are empty. Empty ink cartridges
should be refilled promptly, as cartridges that are old or dry may not refill
successfully. If necessary, refilled cartridges may be stored in a sealed plastic
bag.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

Press the print head


against a paper towel to
verify the ink flow.

www.stratitec.com

Page 19

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

BCI-21,24 COLOR
ONLY: Remove top of
cartridge. See page 32.

Press small priming


tip gently against ink
outlet and slowly
inject ink. Stop when
ink comes out the
bottom.

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Canon: BCI-10BCI-11BCI-15BCI-21BCI-24
Apple: M3329M3330M3908M3909M3910M3911M3912
1.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will greatly improve
your results.

2.

To reduce the risk of ink contamination, we recommend removal of the


cartridge top on color cartridges that have separate tops. Please review the
cartridge top Alternate Removal Methods on page 32.

3.

Place the cartridge with the ink outlet(s) facing up, as shown below at left, on
a flat, ink-resistant surface or on paper towels or absorbent cloth in case of
spills or leakage.

4.

Select color to be refilled and fill a syringe with ink, then carefully remove the
needle and attach the small priming tip (page 3).

5.

Gently press the priming tip against the ink outlet on the cartridge as
indicated at left and slowly inject up to 5ml of color ink or up to 12ml of black
ink. It is important not to dent, mar, or damage the sponge when refilling or
the cartridge will be unusable. Stop filling when the sponge is full and stops
absorbing ink quickly. A dry sponge may absorb ink more slowly.

6.

Carefully turn the cartridge to the upright position, using a paper towel or
absorbent cloth to absorb any ink dripping from the ink outlet. Hold cartridge
upright until ink no longer drips from the ink outlet. Installing the cartridge
while ink is still dripping and/or running out of the cartridge may damage your
printer.

7.

Tape the cartridge top securely in place, re-install the cartridge, run cleaning
cycles, and print test pages. Most Canon printers will automatically reset ink
levels.
For best results, refill your cartridge regularly. In some cases, the sponge may
not absorb ink immediately. After refilling, allow 1-2 hours (12 hours for very
dry sponges) for the sponge to absorb the ink.
The BCI-21 cartridges contain more absorbent sponge material than the BCI24 and may provide better results, with longer time between refills.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

Black
Black

Inject carefully. Do
NOT allow ink to
enter any of the other
colors.
If you overflow,
immediately wipe
away any excess ink.

Color
Yellow
Yellow
Magenta
Magenta
Cyan
Cyan
Yellow
Cyan
Magenta

BCI-11

BCI-21/24

BCI-15

Color location varies. Check cartridge before refilling.

Page 20

Technical support on our website

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Canon: BC-01BC-02BX-2BC-05BC-06
Apple: M4609M8041M8049M8052 Brother: IN10
Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will greatly improve your
results.
Black Cartridges: BC-01, BC-02, BX-2, M8041, M8049, M8052, IN10

Remove this plug


from the fill hole
using the screw tool

1.

These cartridges have a plug on the side of the cartridge that must be removed
as indicated at left. Press the included screw tool into the plug and turn
clockwise until the tool is secured in the plug and you are able to pull the plug
out. Keep the plug for reinserting into the cartridge fill hole.

2.

Fill a syringe with black ink. With the cartridge upright, carefully insert the
needle into the refill hole until the needle tip is halfway into the foam sponge.

3.

Slowly inject up to 20ml of ink. As you add ink, watch the print head closely.
If ink begins to come out of the print head or around the refill hole, stop filling,
then use the syringe to extract 1ml of ink.

4.

Reinsert the plug into the fill hole. If the plug is badly damaged you may
optionally insert a large rubber plug. Continue with the instructions and
cautions under Black and Color Cartridges below.

Color Cartridges: BC-05, BC-06 and M4609


1.

The color cartridge has three plugs located on the side of the cartridge (one
for each color) as indicated at left. Each plug is removed by pressing the
included screw tool into the plug and turning clockwise until the tool is
secured in the plug and you are able to pull the plug out. Keep the plug for
reinserting into the cartridge fill hole.
Only remove one plug at a time when refilling to avoid color contamination.

2.

Always check the color of the ink in the chamber you are about to fill. After
you have verified the ink color, slowly inject up to 5ml of the appropriate color
of ink into the refill hole. The amount of ink remaining in each color may be
different, depending on your printing. Refill until full, then remove 0.5 ml.

3.

Set the cartridge on thickly folded paper towels with the vent holes facing
down for about 5 minutes to drain any overfilled ink. Reinsert each plug into
the fill hole and repeat procedure with any remaining colors.

Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Set the cartridge on
folded paper towels to
drain any overfilled ink.

Black and Color Cartridges


Verify ink flow by pressing the print head against a damp paper towel. Each color
should leave a solid line on the towel. If ink is not visible, follow the priming
instructions on page 30.
These cartridges are easy to overfill. Check / correct overfilling by following
the instructions on page 33.
For best results, refill cartridges before they are empty. Empty ink cartridges
should be refilled promptly, as cartridges that are old or dry may not refill
successfully. Store refilled cartridges in a tightly sealed plastic bag.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

www.stratitec.com

Page 21

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

Use a
syringe
without a
locking
tip.

Ink Exit
Hole

Pressure
Release
Button

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Brother: LC41BK/C/Y
1.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will greatly improve
your results. Note: Refilling the LC41M is not recommended.

2.

Fill a syringe without a locking tip with 25ml of black ink (for the LC41BK) or
20ml of color ink (for the LC41C or LC42Y). If your kit does not include a
syringe without a locking tip (as shown at left), please visit
www.stratitec.com.

3.

Remove the needle from the syringe.

4.

Place the cartridge on a flat, ink proof surface, with the bottom facing up, as
shown.

5.

Push the tip of the syringe into the ink exit hole and tilt the syringe to the side.
Pull back on the syringe and tilt/rotate the syringe until air flows into the
syringe easily.

6.

Pull the syringe back until 3-4 ml of air from the cartridge bubbles up through
the ink. A slight vacuum will form in the cartridge. Then, push on the syringe
slightly to inject 3-4 ml of ink. Repeat this step 5-10 times to pump the air
out of the cartridge and replace it with ink.

7.

When the refill process is complete, the syringe will be filled with air but the
plunger will be in the starting location. Pull back one last time on the plunger
to pull a few extra ml of air out of the cartridge and then pull the syringe out
of the ink exit hole
Do not bump or press the pressure release button during or after filling.

Fill to 25ml (black) or


20ml (color). You will
need the remaining space
in the syringe for air
during the refill process.

8.

Re-install the cartridge, run cleaning cycles, and print test pages. If print
results are unsatisfactory, be sure the cartridge is reinserted completely and
correctly.
These cartridges do not need to be refilled before they are empty.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

First, pull back


on the syringe
until 3-4 ml of
air bubbles are
pulled into the
syringe.
Then release (and
gently push) an
equal amount (3-4
ml) of ink into the
cartridge.

Push the tip into the ink


exit hole and tilt the
syringe as shown.

Page 22

Pull back and


push in
repeatedly until
all the ink is in
the cartridge.
Notice that the
plunger of the
syringe is in the
starting position
when finished.

Repeat until all the ink


is in the cartridge.

Technical support on our website

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Epson: S020034S020036S020047S020049S020089S020093
S020097S020108S020138S020187S020189S020191
S020193T001T003T005T007*T008*T009*T013T014
T015*T016*T017*T018*T019T020T026*T027*T028*
T029*T036*T037*T038*T039*T040*T041*

*Ink-level chip

Cartridges marked with a * have an ink-level chip that must be reset to use
the cartridge after refilling. For instructions, see page 25.
Use a
syringe
without a
locking
tip.

1.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will greatly improve
your results.

2.

Verify the ink color in each chamber before filling (see Use Colors Correctly
on page 5). Do NOT rely solely upon cartridge label or diagram colors. The
diagrams below show the colors in the chamber as seen from the top.

3.

Fill a syringe (without a locking tip if included) with ink. Remove air bubbles
by pushing all the ink and air in the syringe back into the bottle and
withdrawing ink again.

4.

Have paper towels ready to absorb excess ink. If using a syringe without a
locking tip, prepare for a few drips of ink, then remove the needle from the
syringe and set the needle aside and put the tip of the syringe into the ink
outlet for the color you are refilling, as shown. If using a syringe with locking
tip, insert needle into the fill hole on the top of the cartridge (not shown).
Slowly inject ink, gently tapping the cartridge after every few ml to help air
bubbles escape. Injecting ink too quickly may stop you from filling the
cartridge completely. As you add ink, watch the top vent holes closely. When
ink begins to come out of the vent hole, stop filling but leave the syringe in
place. Extract 1-2 ml of ink to remove air from the ink outlet and to reduce
overfilling. Remove the syringe and clean away excess ink with paper towels.

5.

Wash and dry the needle and syringe. Refill each color by repeating steps 2-4.
Place the filled cartridge on thickly folded paper towels and allow to sit for 2-3
minutes with the ink outlet down, then 2-3 minutes with the ink outlets up.
Some ink may drip from the ink outlet and/or vent holes during this process.

6.

Follow chip resetting instructions, if needed, and re-install the cartridge. Run
cleaning and test cycles. The best print quality is usually obtained after letting
the printer sit idle with the refilled cartridges installed for 4-24 hours, then
running cleaning cycles again.

Ink Outlets
Stop filling when ink
comes out the vent
hole on the top.

If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com
EPSON

Fill by injecting ink into


the ink outlet. Air and
bubbles may come out
the top of the cartridge.
When finished filling,
withdraw 1-2 ml to
remove air and reduce
overfilling.

www.stratitec.com

EPSON

Cyan
Black

Yellow

Magenta
All
Black
Cartridges

T005T014
T018T020
T029T037
T039T041
S020191
S020089

EPSON

Magenta

Yellow

Cyan

S020036
S020049 S020097

EPSON

Cyan
Black

EPSON

Yellow

Magenta

S020138

Cyan

Magenta Yellow

Photo
Photo
Cyan Magenta

S020193 T001
T008 T009
T016 T027

Page 23

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

Ink Exit Hole

Then, release
and gently push
an equal
amount of ink
into the
cartridge.
Repeat as
needed.
Push the tip
into the ink fill
hole. Keep a
tight seal.

Epson: T0431*T0441*T0442*T0443*T0444*
T0481*T0482*T0483*T0484*T0485*T0486*
T0601*T0602*T0603*T0604*
Cartridges marked with a * have an ink-level chip that must be reset to
use the cartridge after refilling. For instructions, see page 25.

Ink Fill Hole

First, pull back


firmly on the
plunger of the
syringe to pull
air out of the
cartridge.

1.

Read pages 4-5 for important information that will improve your results.

2.

Use a needle or screw tool to puncture the plastic film over the ink fill hole.

3.

Fill the large syringe with exactly 20ml of ink, remove the needle and attach
a small priming tip. To make filling easier, we recommend trimming 3mm
(1/8 inch) from the small end of the priming tip.

4.

Set the cartridge upright, as shown, and push the syringe tip into the ink fill
hole until it makes a tight seal as shown. Maintain the seal while refilling.

5.

Carefully note the starting position of the plunger in the syringe. Pull firmly
on the syringe plunger to withdraw air from the cartridge, then allow the
plunger to go back to the starting position, filling the cartridge with ink.
Repeat, pulling back quickly and firmly until you are unable to draw any
additional air bubbles out of the cartridge.

6.

Carefully remove the syringe from the fill hole, tip the syringe up, cover the
priming tip with wadded paper towels and eject the air from the syringe.

7.

Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all the air is withdrawn from the cartridge. If the
cartridge is empty, it will hold 15-16ml, leaving 4-5ml in the syringe. (The
T0431extra large black holds 35-37ml, and will require a syringe refill.)

Hold the
syringe
down
with a 8.
finger.

9.
Notice
that the
plunger
of the
syringe
is in the
starting
position
when
finished.

Hold the cartridge steady. Use


a clamp to help keep the
cartridge upright, if available.
Seal the fill hole with an
extra large* rubber plug.

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Top off the cartridge by putting a needle on the syringe and injecting into
the fill hole until totally full. This cartridge cannot be overfilled.
Wipe excess ink from the fill hole and seal with an extra large* rubber
plug. Extra large plugs are only included in kits that list these cartridges as
compatible on the package. If you need extra large plugs, they are available
for purchase at www.stratitec.com.
DO NOT use the regular large plug, silver tape dots, or tape. An improper
seal may allow ink to leak after replacing the cartridge in the printer.

10. When completed, the cartridge should weigh 40-43g (~1.5oz). The
T0431extra large black should weigh 67-69g (~2.5oz). Although not
required, we recommend using an accurate scale, such as a postal scale, to
weigh the cartridge after filling. If the cartridge is not at full weight, it is
not full, and will run out before the printer expects it to. If you cannot get to
the full weight, refill the cartridge again when your printer driver reports
ink levels below 25% to prevent the cartridge from running completely dry.
The printer should be able to print again immediately, or after 1-2 cleaning
cycles. If not, place the cartridge with the ink exit hole facing down and
withdraw a few ml of ink from the ink exit hole by inserting the tip of the
large syringe and pulling back. Be sure to fill the cartridge again, or it will
run out of ink before the printer expects it to.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

Page 24

Technical support on our website

InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Epson: Ink-level Chip Reset Details and Instructions

Many Epson brand cartridges use ink-level chips that disable the cartridge
when a pre-determined number of droplets are printed. To refill and use a
cartridge with an ink-level chip, a chip reset device must be used. For more
information, please visit www.stratitec.com.
Epson Chip Reset Device Instructions:
Chip Reset Device

Epson Ink-level Chip

Standard Cartridges

1.

Most cartridges can be reset with a standard device (shown). Some large
format cartridges require a special large format reset device (not shown).

2.

If you have a tall and thin cartridge (see below), prepare the reset device to fit
your cartridge by installing a plastic guide.

3.

Align your cartridge with the chip reset device. The pins on the reset device
must align exactly with the contacts on the ink-level chip on the cartridge.

4.

After a few seconds, the LED light should begin flashing red. If the reset is
successful, the light will turn green after 3-4 seconds.
If the light does not flash, you have not made contact with the ink-level chip.
Try pressing the reset device against the cartridge again, and with the
cartridge and the reset device pressed together, move the reset device slightly
back and forth, or up and down, to get a good contact with the chip.
If the LED light turns solid red, it means that the reset could not complete
successfully. This may be because the chip is damaged, it is not an original
Epson chip, or is a chip that is not resettable.

Align the chip reset


device with the
cartridge

Never reset the ink-level chip without also refilling the cartridge completely.
Doing this will tell the printer that the cartridge is full, and may cause the
cartridge and printer to run completely out of ink, making it difficult to get the
printer working correctly again.

Tall and Thin Cartridges


Press the reset
device against the
cartridge so the
pins on the reset
device align with
the metal contacts
on the ink-level
chip, and the light
blinks red, then
turns solid green.

www.stratitec.com

Tall, thin cartridges are


easier to reset if you use
a cartridge guide.
Tab

Position as shown,
align the tab, and
push the guide
onto the reset
device.

Press the reset


device against
the cartridge
until the light
blinks red then
turns green.

Page 25

InkJet Refill Kit


Recommended Tools

Release
clip with
screw
driver
Tape over the ink
outlet on the
cartridge bottom

Refill hole Vent holes

This
side
must
stay
empty

Fill until ink reaches


the refill hole.

Carefully
push ink
into the
sponge.

Stop here
Then
fill again

Page 26

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Brother: LC02BK/C/Y/MLC04BK/C/Y/MLC21BK/C/Y/M
LC31BK/C/Y/M
1.

Read pages 4-5 for important general information that will greatly improve
your results.

2.

Tightly seal the ink outlet on the bottom of the cartridge with tape.

3.

Use a small screw driver to pry the lid from the cartridge as indicated at left.
The lid is easy to remove once you have released the clip.

4.

Study the photos at left carefully, and note the positions of the three holes
under the stickers on the top of the cartridge. Remove the stickers to expose
the refill and vent holes.

5.

Select the color to be refilled and fill a syringe with ink. Insert the needle into
the refill hole and push the tip of the needle down through the fill chamber
toward the bottom of the cartridge.

6.

Slowly inject ink into the cartridge until it rises up to the refill hole, and then
carefully withdraw the needle from the cartridge.

7.

Attach the small rubber priming tip to an empty syringe and slowly force air
into the fill hole (as shown in the image, below left) until most of the ink in the
chamber beneath the refill hole is pushed into the sponge. Stop when the ink
nears the bottom of the chamber. Do NOT push all of the ink into the sponge,
as air may become trapped in the cartridge.

8.

Repeat steps 5-7 until the sponge is saturated with ink but before the ink
reaches the vent hole. The ventilation chamber (located below the vent holes)
should remain empty. Be sure that the cartridge is filled with ink to the top of
the refill hole.

9.

Carefully wipe the area around the refill and vent holes until the cartridge is
dry, then apply an included adhesive tape dot or use high-quality black
electrical tape to form an airtight seal over each opening.

10. Remove the tape covering the ink outlet on the bottom of the cartridge.
11. Ink may drip or seep from the ink outlet as the cartridge pressure equalizes.
This may take some time if the cartridge is overfilled. If the outlet dripping
drains all the fluid in the refill chamber, the refill and/or vent hole are not
properly sealed and you should restart the procedure from the beginning,
being sure to seal the refill and vent holes fully.
12. When you have verified that the refill and vent holes are sealed properly,
reinstall the cartridge, run cleaning cycles, and print test pages. If your printer
indicates that the cartridge is empty after refilling, check to ensure that the
ink level in the refill chamber reaches the refill hole.
13. If you have followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please
review pages 34-35.
If your printer indicates that the cartridge is still empty after refilling, make
sure the ink fills the left chamber up to the refill hole.
If you followed the instructions carefully but need additional help, please visit
www.stratitec.com

Technical support on our website

InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

More instructions are available at www.stratitec.com


Refilling instructions and/or additional information and requirements for the
following cartridges are available at www.stratitec.com:
Hewlett Packard:
C4836 (11)**C4837 (11)**C4838 (11)**
C4841 (10)**C4842 (10)**C4843 (10)**C4844 (10)**
C9359 (59)C9368 (100)

Canon:
BC-60BCI-61BCI-61e BCI-62BCI-62eBCI-6RBCI-6G
CL-40CL-41PG-40PG-41

Epson:
S020062 (K)S020118 (K)S020122 (Y)S020126 (M)S020130 (C)
S020143 (M)S020147 (C)
T480 (T480011)T481 (T481011)T482 (T482011)T483 (T483011)
T484 (T484011)T485 (T485011)

Other/New:
Additional or updated instructions, troubleshooting guides, and manuals are
available on our website.

* Ink is compatible with these cartridges, but they may require an ink-level chip reset to
print. See the instructions for the cartridge, or page 25 for details.

** These cartridges may require a third party replacement chip and resetter. See page 31
for details.

www.stratitec.com

Page 27

InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Tri-color Cartridge Troubleshooting:


Unsatisfactory print results or incorrect colors with color HP, Lexmark,
Compaq, Dell, or other similar multi-color cartridges:
1.

Ink contamination will cause the printer to produce off-color output.

2.

Contamination usually occurs when one or more colors have been


overfilled and can occur even if overfilling was not obvious. The overfilled
color forms a small ink drop on the print head. The sponges containing the
other colors wick the overfilled color up into their chambers. This causes
the overfilled color to combine with and contaminate other colors.

3.

In some cases, contamination can be caused by failure to sufficiently wash


the needle and syringe or by accidentally injecting the wrong color. The
procedure below may not resolve color contamination due to these errors.
If this is the cause of your color contamination, please follow the cartridge
priming procedures on pages 29 and/or 30 to purge your cartridge, then
refill the cartridge again, using the appropriate instructions. Repeat as
needed.

4.

To resolve ink contamination caused by overfilling, download the color


test page from www.stratitec.com. This test page uses the color
management capabilities of a free software package called
OpenOffice.org. OpenOffice.org is compatible with virtually all modern
operating systems.

Figure 1: Example test page


created in OpenOffice.org's
Draw program. You will find a
link to download this test
document on our web site.
Alternately, if you already have
a drawing or graphics program
on your system, make your own
test page using black, cyan,
magenta, and yellow bars.
5.

Print the test image repeatedly until the colors print properly. The number
of prints required depends upon the degree of contamination. If you have
trouble only with a specific color, you may wish to expand the bar for that
color and/or remove the bars of color that are working correctly to save
ink.
The OpenOffice.org Draw application is used for this color page because it
is easy to use and allows pure colors to be printed. You can create a
similar test page in any available drawing or graphics program, but your
color purity may vary.

HP Printer Maintenance Codes


Make/Model
Series

Page 28

Task
Performed

Sequence
Code

Sequence Description
(Hold down the Power button and..)

HP / 9XX / 8XX

Light Clean

20 Tap

Tap Cancel twice

HP / 9XX / 8XX

Intermediate

21 Tap

Tap Cancel twice, then Resume once

HP / 9XX / 8XX

Prime

22 Tap

Tap Cancel twice, then Resume twice

HP / 9XX

Self Test

84 Tap

Tap Cancel 8 times, then Resume 4 times

HP / 9XX / 8XX

Status Page

41 Tap

Tap Cancel 4 times, then Resume once

HP / 8XX

Self Test

4 Tap

Tap Resume 4 times

HP / 6XX / e20

Pen Clean

7 Tap

Tap Resume 7 times

Technical support on our website

InkJet Refill Kit


HP Cartridge
Clip Tool

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Preparing to Use the Clip Tool


6.

Place the ink cartridge in the cartridge refill clip by placing the print head
against the flat surface of the rubber tip and squeezing the cartridge into
the clip with gentle pressure toward the center of the cartridge until it
snaps into place. Do not force the top of the cartridge down once it is
clipped. There should be a small gap visible.

7.

Ensure that the print head is aligned with the refill hole in the rubber tip
and that it fits flush against the base of the clip. If necessary, adjust the
cartridge position by removing and reinserting the cartridge.

Syringe styles may vary. Always use a syringe with a locking tip, as shown,
Leave a
when using the cartridge refill clip.
gap as
shown to
help
Refilling with the Clip Tool
ensure the
head is
CAREFULLY follow the instructions below. It is important to hold both the
properly
syringe and the cartridge securely while refilling. DO NOT attempt to inject
aligned
ink too quickly. Excess pressure may break the seal or cause the syringe to
separate from the rubber tip, resulting in dripping or spraying ink!
Note:
syringe tip
styles may
vary.
Always use
a syringe
with a
locking tip.

Ensure that the


seal is tight

1.

Attach a needle to a clean syringe, fill the syringe with ink and then
carefully remove the needle. Attach the locking tip of the syringe to the
rubber tip on the refill clip, and SLOWLY inject ink into the cartridge
through the print head.

2.

As you inject ink, make certain that the syringe and cartridge remain
securely attached. Refill the syringe as needed. Inject ink until the cartridge
is full, usually 25 to 40ml.

3.

Balance the pressure in the cartridge by rotating the cartridge clip until the
print head and syringe are upright and slowly withdrawing the plunger until
air and approximately 3ml of liquid ink is drawn into the syringe.

4.

Remove the cartridge from the refill clip and clean the print head with a
damp paper towel. Hold the cartridge upright for 30 seconds and watch the
printhead for seeping or dripping ink.

Inject ink
slowly!!

HP Cartridge Priming
Cartridges that have run completely dry may not print properly when refilled.
Priming the cartridge using the instructions below may correct this problem. For
best results, always refill cartridges before they are empty.

Warning:
Never
push ink
back into
a multicolor
cartridge.

www.stratitec.com

1.

Attach the locking tip of a clean syringe to the rubber tip on the refill clip.

2.

Once you are sure that the seal is tight, position the cartridge as shown, and
pull back on the plunger until ink begins to flow into the syringe. Never push
ink back into a multi-color cartridge.

3.

Remove the cartridge from the refill clip and clean the print head and
contacts with a damp paper towel.

4.

Re-install the cartridge, run cleaning cycles, and print test pages. If print
results are unsatisfactory or colors are incorrect, please refer to Tri-Color
Cartridge Troubleshooting on page 28.

5.

If prints are still streaky, use the large and/or small priming tip as described
on page 30.

Page 29

InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

General Cartridge Priming


1.

Priming tools are provided in the refill kit. Begin by attaching a small or
large priming tip to a clean, dry syringe.

2.

The large priming tip is for priming an entire print head. To use it, you must
press the large end to the outlets on your print head, forming an airtight
seal. Pull back on the syringe to apply suction to the print head until ink or
ink bubbles appear in the syringe. If you cannot establish an airtight seal,
you may need to trim the priming tip to better fit the size of your print
head. Be sure to trim the tip evenly, or the tip may not seal properly.

3.

If you are priming a color cartridge, visually inspect the color of the ink in
the syringe. This may indicate which colors are flowing through the print
head properly. When primed properly, ink will flow into the syringe easily.
If you cannot get any ink to pull into the syringe, the cartridge may be
dried out. Try soaking the print head in warm distilled water for several
hours, then prime again.

4.

Wipe the print head with a damp paper towel and examine the nozzles (the
tiny holes on the print head). Press the print head to a damp paper towel,
and then to a dry one and examine the uniformity. The printhead should be
clean and the nozzles should uniformly release ink.

5.

The small suction tip is for priming individual nozzles. It is used in much the
same way as the larger tip, but it is designed to target specific nozzles that
need to be primed.

6.

Press the tip lightly over the clogged nozzles and draw the syringe. You
should feel some resistance or see ink flow if you are making a good seal
with the surface. If you see the wrong color of ink, then you may be missing
the targeted nozzle. Adjust the position of the syringe and try again. You
may trim the small priming tip if you need to cover a larger area. Be sure to
trim the tip evenly, or the tip may not seal well.

7.

After you have finished, clean the head and contacts with a damp paper
towel. Place the cartridge into your printer and run test/cleaning cycles as
described in your printer manual.

Small and large


priming tips. These
can be trimmed to fit
your cartridge.

Pull back on
the syringe to
prime the
cartridge.

Seal must be airtight.


Trim if necessary.

Use the small priming


tip for small print
heads or specific colors
or nozzles. Seal must
be air tight. Trim tip if
necessary.

Page 30

The small priming tip may also be used in conjunction with a rubber square
to remove air from a cartridge so more ink can be injected. Use a large
syringe about half full of ink to start. Temporarily seal any extra holes in
the color chamber you want to fill with rubber plugs or tape. Start by
pulling back on the syringe to extract air from the cartridge. Then, when
you gently push back down on the syringe, ink will enter the cartridge.
Repeat this cycle 5-10 times until no more air can be extracted from the
cartridge. When completed, prime the cartridge again with the priming tip
as described above.

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InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Resetting Ink levels


Many printers or print drivers use droplet or page counters to track ink usage. In most cases it is NOT
necessary to reset the page/droplet counter. In some cases, however, this can be a useful tool for
determining when a cartridge should be refilled. Printing with an empty cartridge can damage a print head,
so low ink warnings can help prolong printhead life if the cartridge is promptly refilled. If you cannot or do
not reset the ink-counter, be sure to refill frequently to ensure your cartridge does not run dry.
Reset procedures can differ for each printer model and/or printer driver, so always check documentation
and manuals provided with your printer or printer driver before attempting any reset method. Some
manufacturers may include instructions on how to reset or override these counters from the printer or
within the driver software.
Listed below are various methods that may be used by the manufacturer to track ink usage.

Self-Resetting Printers:
Some printers use a combination of counters and sensors. When properly filled and returned to the printer,
these cartridges will read as full. Some Canon and Brother printers behave this way.

Menu/LCD Reset:
Some multifunction printers will ask if the printer cartridge is new every time it is replaced in the printer
carriage. When you choose new, the printer will reset the droplet counters and treat this cartridge as
new. Some do not detect when the cartridge has been replaced, but have a menu option for replacing the
cartridge. Always read the your printer manual before removing the cartridge to determine the proper
method.

Driver Reset:
The drivers that came with your printer may have a tool under the maintenance tab (if using Windows) for
setting your cartridges as new. Your printer or driver manual will have information in the section for
changing printer cartridges.

Cartridge Memory:
Some printers (including many HP models) have a memory that recalls the last few cartridges of each
model used in the printer. Procedures exist for some of these printers that attempt to rotate the current
cartridge ID out of the printer memory. Sometimes old cartridges can be used in this rotation procedure
once they have exceeded their useful life cycle.
Many such printers allow you to continue printing with a used cartridge until the cartridge fails despite
annoying warning messages. These counters are more like an odometer than a gas gauge and may not reset
until you replace the cartridge. Printing with an empty cartridge can damage a cartridge's print head, so be
careful to refill before the cartridge is empty in order to prolong the life of your cartridge.

Chip Reset:
A few HP cartridges (such as the HP 10/11) will have a separate print head and require a replacement chip
and resetter specific to the cartridge. You may wish to perform an Internet search for your cartridge
model(s) and color(s) to find the specific chip and resetter required for your cartridge.

Alternate Instructions:
Many unverified instructions for resetting or overriding cartridges may be available online as new
cartridges and procedures are developed. Stratitec, Inc. does not support or guarantee such procedures.
For further information on this subject, please contact our Customer Solution Center.

www.stratitec.com

Page 31

InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Cartridge Top Removal


Be careful not to damage the metal contacts located on the back of your
cartridge when using any tools to remove the cartridge top.

Cartridge opening tool,


included with some kits.

Push-bar
Plastic Spacer
for use with HP cartridges

Turn handle
clockwise to
apply
pressure

1.

Some kits may include a cartridge opening tool. The cartridge opening tool
is designed for specific HP and Lexmark color cartridges. If you need a top
removal tool, please see www.stratitec.com.

2.

Prepare the tool by turning the handle counter-clockwise to ensure that the
push-bar is out of the way.

3.

If removing the top from an HP cartridge, fit the plastic spacer into the tool
(see photo at left).

4.

Insert the cartridge into the tool so that the push-bar aligns with the top of
the cartridge, as shown in the photos. The edges of the cartridge top should
slide snugly into the grooves in the tool.

5.

Turn the handle of the tool clockwise to apply pressure to the cartridge top.
Continue turning the handle firmly until the top cracks or pops loose. Turn
the handle counter-clockwise to loosen the push-bar and remove the
cartridge.

6.

Use a flat screwdriver or pliers if necessary to completely remove the top


from the cartridge. Use tools with care to avoid damaging the sensors on
the back of the cartridge.

Alternate Removal Methods

(see photos, below)

If your kit does not include a cartridge opening tool, or if the cartridge opening
tool does not work for your cartridge, you may try to carefully remove the top
of the cartridge using channel-lock pliers or a small screwdriver. Use care to
prevent damage to the metal contacts located on the back of the cartridge.

Carefully
score the
corners
and then
along the
seam of
the
cartridge.

If the top is difficult to remove, use the included 3mm drill bit to make a hole
above each ink chamber instead of removing the top. Refer to the color location
diagrams included with the specific instructions for your cartridge, and drill
straight down to the sponge for each color chamber. Be very careful to avoid
overfilling, as ink can overflow into other color chambers under the lid.
It may be helpful to carefully score the seam of the cartridge top. WARNING:
Use extreme caution if you choose to use a knife to score the seam of the
cartridge. Keep the refill kit and tools, such as knives, out of reach of children.

Alternate Methods

Page 32

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InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Check / Correct Overfill


It's easy to overfill some cartridges, especially multi-chambered color
cartridges with opaque plastic. Many popular cartridges, such as the HP
17/23/25/78 and 28/57/58/95/97/99/100 types, Lexmark 20/65/80/90 and
26/83/31/33/35 types, Canon BCI-21/24 and most older Epson types are
constructed in this manner.
In multi-chambered cartridges, colors are used at different rates, and there is
no way to tell how much ink remains in any given chamber. This makes it easy
to overfill at least one color. It is very important to carefully check for and
correct any possible overfill condition.

Epson and Canon:

Use paper towels to absorb


excess ink from Canon and
Epson cartridges

1.

Epson and most Canon color cartridges do not have built-in print heads.
(For older Canon cartridges with built-in heads, please follow the HP and
Lexmark instructions below.)

2.

After filling, let the cartridge sit upright on a thickly folded stack of paper
towels for 5 minutes. This allows ink to soak into the internal sponge and
excess ink to drain from the bottom of the cartridge.

3.

Flip the cartridge upside-down and place it on a thickly-folded stack of


paper towels for 5-10 minutes to allow any excess ink to drain into the
towels.

4.

Repeat with fresh paper towels until no more ink drains from the cartridge.

HP, Lexmark, Compaq, Dell, etc.:


1.

These cartridges contain a built-in print head. After filling the cartridge,
wipe the print head with a damp paper towel. Ink from each color in the
cartridge should soak into the paper towel. If all the ink colors do not
appear on the paper towel, the print head may be clogged, making it hard
to detect an overfill condition for the clogged color. When the clog clears,
excess ink may flow out quickly and contaminate other colors.

2.

Use the cartridge refill clip for large HP cartridges (see page 29) and the
large priming tip for all others. Once you are sure that the seal is tight,
draw from the cartridge until ink begins to flow into the syringe. Never
push ink back into a color cartridge.

3.

After you have finished, wipe the print head and contacts with a damp
paper towel.

4.

Place the cartridge into your printer and run test/cleaning cycles as
described in your printer manual.

Use the refill clip to pull


excess ink from large HP
cartridges

Use the large priming tip


to remove excess ink from
HP, Lexmark, Compaq, Dell
or similar cartridges

www.stratitec.com

Page 33

InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Cartridge Estimated Mass / Volume


Many cartridges have an optimum mass (weight)
when properly filled. Filling cartridges to their
optimum mass helps ensure consistent and highquality results.
Use a small lab or postal scale, to measure your
cartridge mass. Use the tables listed here to
determine the recommended mass of your refilled
cartridge and fill to that level.
Follow these tips for weighing a cartridge to
determine its mass:

Remove any tape, packaging or storage clips


before measuring the cartridge mass/volume.

Keep the scale on an even, solid surface to


generate the most accurate measurements.

Be sure to zero your scale before you place the


cartridge for measurement.

Check that cartridge is not dripping or leaking


ink before placing it on a scale. If you get ink on
your scale, wipe it off immediately with a damp
paper towel. You may need to zero your scale
again.

Hewlett-Packard
Model
51626
51629
51633
51645a
51640a
51640c
51640m
51640y
51644c
51644m
51644y
C6614a
C6615a
C6656a
C8727a
C9368

Alias
26
29
33
45
40
40
40
40
44
44
44
20
15
56
27
100

Lexmark
Model
1380620
10N0016
12A1970
13400HC
13620HC
17G0050
18L0032

Alias

Full Mass
65g (2.28oz)
16
36g (1.26oz)
70
65g (2.28oz)
400HC 65g (2.28oz)
620HC 65g (2.28oz)
50
65g (2.28oz)
82
42.3g (1.49oz)

Full Mass
60g (2.11oz)
60g (2.11oz)
60g (2.11oz)
110g (3.86oz)
110g (3.86oz)
110g (3.86oz)
110g (3.86oz)
110g (3.86oz)
110g (3.86oz)
110g (3.86oz)
110g (3.86oz)
49g (1.72oz)
110g (3.86oz)
47g (1.65oz)
43g (1.51oz)
44.8g (1.57oz)

Canon
Model
BC-01
BC-02
BC-20
BC-23
BCI-10
BCI-11
BCI-15
BCI-21

Full Mass
60g (2.11oz)
60g (2.11oz)
85g (2.99oz)
85g (2.99oz)
13g (0.46oz)
5.5g (0.19oz)
9.2g (0.32oz)
23.8g (0.84oz)

You may wish to estimate the amount of ink required to refill your cartridge by subtracting the mass of the
empty cartridge from the estimated full mass. Use this value when filling the syringe with ink.

The difference in grams will be approximately equal to () the difference in milliliters of ink.

For additional help and resources, please visit www.stratitec.com

Page 34

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InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Cartridge Estimated Mass / Volume


Epson
Model
S020118
S020189
T026201
T028201
T040120
T043120
T044120
T044220
T044320
T044420
T048120
T048220
T048320
T048420
T048520
T048620

Alias

T026
T028
T040
T0431
T0441
T0442
T0443
T0444
T0481
T0482
T0483
T0484
T0485
T0486

Brother

Full Mass
183g (6.43oz)
42.5g (1.49oz)
32.3g (1.14oz)
35.7g (1.25oz)
34.7g (1.22oz)
67.1g (2.36oz)
40.5g (1.42oz)
40.5g (1.42oz)
40.5g (1.42oz)
40.5g (1.42oz)
40.5g (1.42oz)
40.5g (1.42oz)
40.5g (1.42oz)
40.5g (1.42oz)
40.5g (1.42oz)
40.5g (1.42oz)

Model
Full Mass
LC41CMY 34g (1.19oz)
LC41BK
46g (1.62oz)

Troubleshooting Table
Problem

Cause

Solution(s)

Cracked or wrinkled prints

Paper quality low or paper setting Use high-quality paper


incorrect
Try another paper brand/type

Prints have scattered droplets

Slightly-overfilled cartridge: ink


droplets not forming properly

Print solid pages of black and/or color


to clear overfill condition

Black and white photos have


color tint

Color balance not perfectly


matched

Use software to add counter-tint before


printing

Drips of ink on paper when


printing

Overfilled cartridge: ink pooling


on print head

Use syringe to remove excess ink

Streaky prints

Clogged nozzles

Prime the cartridge or print head


Allow printer to sit overnight

Ink stains

Spilled ink

Wash with soap and water.


Fades from skin in a few days.

For additional help and resources, please visit www.stratitec.com

www.stratitec.com

Page 35

InkJet Refill Kit

InkJet Cartridge Refilling Manual

Limited Product Warranty


STRATITEC warrants to the original purchaser of this inkjet refill kit that this kit shall be free of
defects in assembly, or workmanship, and will repair, or replace, at its option, any defective
product free of charge (the "Limited Product Warranty"), subject to the conditions, limitations
and exclusions set forth herein.
Conditions and limitations applicable to the Limited Product Warranty are as follows. All costs of
shipping the STRATITEC inkjet refill kit and any equipment to and from STRATITEC shall be
borne solely by the purchaser. STRATITEC'S LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO REPLACEMENT OR
REIMBURSEMENT OF THIS STRATITEC PRODUCT.
Disclaimer of other Warranties and Limitation of Remedies. The Limited Product
Warranty is the only warranty made by STRATITEC. EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY
REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF QUALITY,
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, and such implied
warranties, if any, are limited in duration to twenty-four (24) months from the date of
original purchase. IN NO EVENT SHALL STRATITEC BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR MULTIPLE DAMAGES SUCH AS ,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOST BUSINESS OR PROFITS ARISING OUT OF SALE OR USE
OF ANY STRATITEC INKJET REFILL KIT, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.
Sales within the United States and Canada. The limited Product Warranty is made only to
original purchasers who accept delivery of the Stratitec Inkjet Refill Kit within the United States
or Canada. SOME STATES IN THE UNITED STATES AND SOME JURISDICTIONS IN
CANADA DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY
LASTS, THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND/OR THE LIMITATION OF
REMEDIES, INCLUDING EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, IN CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS, IN WHICH CASE THE DISCLAIMER OF
OTHER WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF REMEDIES STATED IN THE PRECEDING
PARAGRAPH DO NOT APPLY TO YOU. For example, if you are an individual and purchased
this STRATITEC Inkjet Refill Kit in the State of Kansas, you have rights based on implied
warranties and none of the limitations and disclaimers set forth in the preceding paragraph
apply to you.

Stratitec, Inc.
Wichita, KS

Page 36

Technical support on our website

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