Refilling ink into a used fountain pen ink cartridge typically involves using a syringe to draw ink from a bottle and inject it back into the empty cartridge.
Understanding Refillable Cartridges
Based on resources like the YouTube video titled "How to Refill a Fountain Pen Ink Cartridge with ink," refilling often applies to used fountain pen ink cartridges. A key characteristic of these cartridges, as mentioned in the reference, is that they have a punctured hole on the top once they have been used in a pen. This hole is where the pen's feed connects and also serves as the point for refilling.
How to Refill a Used Cartridge: A Step-by-Step Guide
Refilling a used fountain pen ink cartridge is a practical way to reuse cartridges and access a wider range of bottled fountain pen inks. Here's a common method:
- Gather Supplies: You will need a bottle of fountain pen ink, a blunt-tip syringe (available at pen stores or online), the empty or nearly empty used ink cartridge, and paper towels.
- Prepare the Cartridge: Remove the used cartridge from the pen. If there's still old ink, you might want to rinse it out with water using the syringe and shake out the excess water.
- Draw Ink: Insert the blunt-tip syringe into the ink bottle, ensuring the tip is submerged in the ink. Slowly pull the plunger up to draw the desired amount of ink into the syringe.
- Insert Syringe into Cartridge: Carefully insert the tip of the syringe into the punctured hole at the open end of the used cartridge. This is the same hole that connects to the pen.
- Inject Ink: Slowly push the syringe plunger down to inject the ink into the cartridge. Go steadily to avoid creating air bubbles or forcing ink out.
- Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to fill the cartridge completely to the brim. As noted in the reference, if you go too full, you can get ink everywhere. Leave a small air gap at the top.
- Remove Syringe and Clean Up: Gently pull the syringe out of the cartridge. Use paper towels to wipe off any excess ink from the cartridge and the syringe.
- Insert Cartridge: The refilled cartridge is now ready to be inserted back into your fountain pen.
Tips for Success
- Keep it Clean: Work on a protected surface (like newspaper or paper towels) to catch spills.
- Go Slow: Injecting ink slowly helps prevent air bubbles and spills.
- Use the Right Tools: A blunt-tip syringe designed for refilling ink is recommended for safety and ease of use.
Important Considerations
| Item | Detail | Note (from Reference/Common Practice) |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge Type | Used Fountain Pen Ink Cartridge | The reference specifically discusses refilling this type. |
| Refill Method | Typically using a syringe | Common and effective method for precise filling. |
| Cartridge State | Used (empty or near-empty) | Used cartridges have the necessary punctured hole. |
| Punctured Hole | Present on used cartridges | This is the entry point for refilling (mentioned in the reference). |
| Filling Level | Do not fill completely full | Going too full can lead to ink spills everywhere (from reference). |
By following these steps, you can effectively refill your used fountain pen ink cartridges and enjoy using your favorite bottled inks.
