How To Replace A Non-Empty Disposable Ink Cartridge?

[tanistlin]

Greetings..

 

My problem may be simple, but I'm a new fountain pen user and I want to do this the right way.

 

Well, here it is, I have a Turkish-made Scrikss fountain pen with a piston filler. For the first usage, I've removed the piston filler and used the pen with a Pelikan disposable cartridge. I simply installed the cartridge and used it for a while. But, now, I want to switch to an another type of disposable ink cartridge. I want you to help me out of this; is it possible to replace a disposable cartridge before it gets empty? If it's ok to do so, what's the cleanest way to do it and for the last thing, what should I do If I want to replace ,say, a black ink cartridge with a blue one.

 

P.S. I'd be more than pleased if you emphasize that if it's OK to re-use a disposable cartridge after you replace it with another or not. To be more clear, I wonder if I can keep the half full disposable cartridge or should I simply throw it to the trash bin, just because it's, you know, "disposable".

 

Sorry for my mispels and misuse of terminology here, I'm new, I want to get better on this. Thank you

Edited January 21, 2012 by tanistlin

[jbb]

I switch cartridges in my old Sheaffer School pens before they're empty sometimes. I just store the old cartridges upright in a narrow jar. I have no qualms about reusing them later although sometimes I need to add a bit of water because they'll evaporate once open. I also re-fill old cartridges with new ink or add a drop of an ink color to mix a new color in my old cartridges.

 

If you replace and old cartridge with a new cartridge without flushing your pen thoroughly you will get a hybrid color. Fountain pen feeds store a lot of ink. I usually like hybrid colors but if you don't you'll have to clean the feed and the nib before switching.

 

Welcome to FPN tanistlin.

Edited January 21, 2012 by jbb

[CraigR]

I use a few Levenger True Writer pens with cartridges instead of converter fillers. When I want to switch inks before the cart is dry, I just carefully remove it and then rinse out the remaining ink in the cart and the feed until clear. I keep the cart for when I want to refill with an ink from my bottled ink collection. If I still want to use the remaining ink in the used cart, I just store it upright with a piece of tape over the open end to prevent/minimize evaporation and spill. I have a small block of wood in which I drilled a number of holes the size of a cartridge. The holes do not go all the way through and I store partially filled carts in that block. Small pieces of adhesive tape identify what ink is in the cart. /Craig

[tanistlin]

Thank you for the first replies...

 

@jbb

Great info. I liked the mixing idea, I'm sure I'm gonna try. Can you tell me what's best way to flush my pen thoroughly, or clean my pen's feed before I install an another cartridge?

 

@CraigR

Great practical tips there, I loved the drilled wood thingy you mentioned, and adhesive tapes can seriously be a solution for storing old half full cartridges. Thank you (:

[OldGriz]

As far as cartridges are concerned I always look at them in two ways... they are called disposable for a reason and they are cheap

I do not reuse them at all

[tanistlin]

As far as cartridges are concerned I always look at them in two ways... they are called disposable for a reason and they are cheap

I do not reuse them at all

 

For me, sustainability and efficiency matters. I just can't look at disposable cartridges in "it's cheap, so throw it away when you're bored" way. It's just a search for an answer to a likely to emerge usage need.

Edited January 21, 2012 by tanistlin

[jbb]

@jbb

Great info. I liked the mixing idea, I'm sure I'm gonna try. Can you tell me what's best way to flush my pen thoroughly, or clean my pen's feed before I install an another cartridge?

 

The "best" was to flush a pen is probably with an ultrasonic cleaner. (If you ever start buying vintage pens.... and hanging out here at FPN you probably will... they come in very handy.) Beyond that there's running the pen under the tap or soaking it.... and I don't know what's considered best.

[79spitfire]

If you snip a used international size cart in half (empty of course) the larger end can be used for a cap over the smaller end. This should help with the evaporation until you get around to using the cartridge again. Hold the 'cap' on with a bit of sticky tape. You can also get a blunt syringe and refill carts, getting several uses out of them before they are 'trash' (a small pipette works too, but is a tad bit messier, at least for me!)

[OldGriz]

As far as cartridges are concerned I always look at them in two ways... they are called disposable for a reason and they are cheap

I do not reuse them at all

 

For me, sustainability and efficiency matters. I just can't look at disposable cartridges in "it's cheap, so throw it away when you're bored" way. It's just a search for an answer to a likely to emerge usage need.

 

You asked a question I gave my opinion.... bear in mind also that I rarely if ever use a cartridge .... the pens I have that are c/c fillers are all filled with a converter