Tips For Reusing Ink Cartridges To Prevent Leaks

[AndWhoDisguisedAs]

Are there any tips and trick to re-using fountain pen ink cartridges in order to predict or prevent leakage? For example, are there a set number of times a cartridge should be re-used – two, three or more – before retiring it? I have just started using a syringe to refill cartridges. Personally, I find this easier than using a piston converter which I can never completely fill and have to constantly fiddle with to keep ink to flowing.

 

However, on my Waterman Phileas, the last two cartridges leaked – wasting precious ink samples (and can anyone recommend a site that sends more than 2mL – I think AndersenPens.net sends 3mL) and causing a mess.

 

Certainly any other tips and tricks are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[WirsPlm]

Anderson Pens and isellpens both sell 3 mL I believe.

 

There's not really any trick to it, I just examine the cartridge carefully before reusing it to see if there's any cracks or discolored areas (indicative of stress in the plastic). Some cartridges are sturdier than others, I refilled a Wearever cartridge several times and never had a problem with Pilot cartridges (in general, I think brand name cartridges are sturdier than unbranded, but YMMV).

[Andyroo]

I'd just make sure it was fairly tight when you put it in, also I try and use Pelikan carts of something of a similar branded quality.

[Ursus]

They can usually be used many, many times. If it starts getting too easy to put the cartridge back in you might want to change it though..

[agchristie]

I often also find refilling carts nicer than using the convertors!

Make sure that you are not filling the cartridges too much as that might be the cause of leaking, used to happen to me too. I think I refill mine on average about 8-10times. Probably could do more but a little nervous. Though you would notice if the carts edge is getting softer.

Also I have used parafilm, after reading about it here, to seal filled cartridges when not in use. Might be something worth checking out if you know anyone or have access to lab supplies.

 

Re large ink samples I have heard that both Isellpens and Andersonpens have larger 3ml samples but have not tried either as I am not in the US. Good Luck with your carts!

[Ted A]

It's been 40 years since I had a serious leak. (Well okay I went about 35 of those without using cartridges.)

 

The seem to last quite a long time. Many, many refills. I toss them when I see a bit of leakage, usually just on the cartridge within the barrel. The leakage I've seen is less than happens with some older pens leaking out the nib into the cap.

Fingers may get inky, but so far, knock wood, never enough to get on close, desk and such.

 

I've seen some suggestions to squeeze the cartridge to get them started. That will weaken them quite fast. It's better to just set them aside, nib down to allow ink to flow to the feed.

[Ursus]

 

I've seen some suggestions to squeeze the cartridge to get them started. That will weaken them quite fast. It's better to just set them aside, nib down to allow ink to flow to the feed.

 

 

Good point!

[flyingfox]

For some reasons, some pens seem to make the cartridge looser. It is fine as long as I keep using the cartridge to the same pen, but if I try to use that cartridge to another pen, it turns out to be too loose... Does it make sense?

 

So- I try to designate a cartridge to each pen. Which means I have to use up at least one cartridge per pen, but it's worth the extra safety. When I empty out the pen, I also wash out the inside of the empty cartridge (using the ink syringe) and keep it in the pen for the future.

[Sinistral1]

I tried to use one of those eyedropper bulbs to fill a cartridge - NOT a good idea. I suppose because the part the ink comes out of doesn't go all the way to the bottom of the cartridge, the ink just basically shot back up and out - what a mess! When I used a syringe that goes to the bottom, it fills up nice and neatly.

[Sasha Royale]

Me, too !

 

I like using cartridges. The longevity varies a lot. The old, soft Script cartridges are good

for two or three uses, before the seal begins to fail. Parker cartridges last longer. Eventually,

you will feel the cartridge being installed "too easily". That is the seal getting soft. THIS

shoulf be the final use. Use a syringe to fill. Never do what we did in the 1960's. Don't squeeze

the cartridge. It will crack. .

 

The feed nipple size varies from pen to pen. Always use a cartridge with the same pen, only.

 

Basic rule: This saves money. Don't be too frugile.

[kiavonne]

I use the same cartridge with the same pen, as others have stated.

 

Also as previously stated, don't be squeezing cartridges to start flow. It will crack or weaken the side of the cartridge. Let gravity do its thing.

 

I refill Pilot cartridges all the time in my vanishing points. If I see a little more ink than I should or the cartridge feels too easy when I push it back in, it is time for a new cartridge. I will say I've gotten a whole lot more than just a dozen refills from my cartridges.

 

Unless it is a long cartridge, I tend to use the converters for my other pens (although, I tend to refill them as I would a cartridge instead of dunking the nib in ink - yeah, I'm weird). Pilot cartridges are the only ones I refill regularly.

[nana_kathy]

For some reasons, some pens seem to make the cartridge looser. It is fine as long as I keep using the cartridge to the same pen, but if I try to use that cartridge to another pen, it turns out to be too loose... Does it make sense?

 

So- I try to designate a cartridge to each pen. Which means I have to use up at least one cartridge per pen, but it's worth the extra safety. When I empty out the pen, I also wash out the inside of the empty cartridge (using the ink syringe) and keep it in the pen for the future.

 

This works for me as well...

[PaperDarts]

I used to be a cartridge-squeezer (to get the ink flowing) and found out the hard way that this is not a great idea. Black ink everywhere!

 

I do refill cartridges but I use an actual needle, rather than the wider syringes you can buy for filling a converter or eyedropper. It lets me refill the cartridge without inadvertently widening the hole. I got a couple of needles from a nurse friend years ago.

 

I toss the cartridge when it seems to go back on too easily - but that takes quite a few refills.

[k3eax]

Has anyone used applied silicone grease to the projection onto which the cartridge is pushed. Perhaps this would act as lubricant and seal and thus extend the life of the cartridge?

[amberleadavis]

I tried to use one of those eyedropper bulbs to fill a cartridge - NOT a good idea. I suppose because the part the ink comes out of doesn't go all the way to the bottom of the cartridge, the ink just basically shot back up and out - what a mess! When I used a syringe that goes to the bottom, it fills up nice and neatly.

 

I pictured this and almost snuffed my coffee. Sorry it happened to you.

 

Yes, to the syringe that allows the air to escape.

[amberleadavis]

Has anyone used applied silicone grease to the projection onto which the cartridge is pushed. Perhaps this would act as lubricant and seal and thus extend the life of the cartridge?

 

Great idea. Let us know how it works out!

 

[lectraplayer]

I too refill o cartridges like mad season. I find it easiest to hold the cartridge at a slight angle as I fill it and "spray" inside the downhill wall. This gives the ink and the air paths to where they each want to go.

 

I have never had any luck with cartridge squeezing fs it pulls the ink back out of the nib.

 

The only leak I have had yet was pokeberry ink. It was fermenting in the pen (my first try at making it, still have a lot to learn.) and pressurizing the cartridge, and thus went everywhere.

 

Still trying to figure the best way to seal cartridges to carry refilled spares. Make sure you have the proper cartridge installed correctly (including the spare!) The spare (even empty) is important if your pen is built to carry it.

[WirsPlm]

I too refill o cartridges like mad season. I find it easiest to hold the cartridge at a slight angle as I fill it and "spray" inside the downhill wall. This gives the ink and the air paths to where they each want to go.

 

I have never had any luck with cartridge squeezing fs it pulls the ink back out of the nib.

 

The only leak I have had yet was pokeberry ink. It was fermenting in the pen (my first try at making it, still have a lot to learn.) and pressurizing the cartridge, and thus went everywhere.

 

Still trying to figure the best way to seal cartridges to carry refilled spares. Make sure you have the proper cartridge installed correctly (including the spare!) The spare (even empty) is important if your pen is built to carry it.

Some people say that refilling Pilot cartridges with the plastic disc that Pilot uses works quite well ( https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/255506-transporting-con-50-converter-filled-vanishing-point/?do=findComment&comment=2819465 ), the key is to have something of the right size to push the plastic disc back in (I use the small end of another Pilot cart, which is exactly the right size). I haven't tried resealing other types of cartridges.

[wastelanded]

Japanese cartridges last much longer, in my experience, since the opening has nothing to wear. I've been refilling the same Pilot cartridge for 3 years now. Added bonus, you can swab them out with a wet q tip if they stain.

[Paddler]

Before you fill the cartridge, examine the inside edge of the hole in its end. When the hole begins to develop a crack, toss the cartridge over the side.