How to Safely Refill PG and CL Series Ink Cartridges Without Causing Damage: A Beginner's Guide

Question:

I'm using the First-Timer Printer Refill Kit – for PG-210, CL-211, PG-243, CL-244, PG-245, CL-246, PG-275, and CL-276 Inkjet Cartridges (EZ30-S). When drilling the refill holes, I'm worried about getting plastic shavings inside the cartridge. Some guides suggest heating the drill bit—does that help avoid plastic debris? Also, is it possible to remove the cartridge top using the insertion tip and refill with bulk ink instead?

Answer:

Thank you so much for reaching out to us, and I sincerely apologize for the delay in getting back to you. We understand that printer issues feel urgent, especially when trying something new like refilling cartridges. I want to answer your questions with the care and detail they deserve. At BCH Technologies, we’re genuinely thankful for your engagement and support, primarily through our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your questions help us expand our collective knowledge and improve our educational content.

Let’s break down your concerns step by step.

1. Worried About Plastic Shavings When Drilling?

Your concern is valid—nobody wants plastic bits interfering with ink flow or damaging the printhead. Fortunately, with the design of PG and CL series cartridges (including PG-210, CL-211, PG-243, CL-244, PG-245, CL-246, PG-275, and CL-276), the internal structure offers several layers of protection:

• Sponge Barrier: Inside the cartridge, a sponge absorbs and holds the ink. If plastic shavings occur during drilling, they generally get trapped in the sponge.

• Filter Below the Sponge: Before the ink reaches the printhead, it passes through a built-in filter. This filter is a second defense, preventing residual debris from entering the printhead.

So even if small shavings are created during drilling, they’re unlikely to cause harm.

As for heating the drill bit, yes—it can soften the plastic and help reduce the creation of loose shavings. However, it's an optional step. I prefer using a hand drill without heating. It’s quick, and I feel when I’ve gone deep enough. The risk of creating problematic shavings is minimal if you're cautious and use slow, controlled pressure.

2. Can You Remove the Cartridge Top and Refill with Bulk Ink Instead?

Technically, you can remove the top—some users pry off the label and cut open the cartridge top to pour in bulk ink. However, this method is generally not recommended for beginners:

• It can damage the structural integrity of the cartridge.

• It might introduce air bubbles or ink leaks.

• It bypasses the sponge mechanism, making it harder to manage ink levels effectively.

Instead, we suggest using the drill-and-inject method. The syringe's insertion tip is designed for ease of use with these refill kits. You can drill the hole, insert the tip, and slowly inject the ink into the sponge. This method maintains the cartridge's internal pressure system and prevents overfilling.

These cartridges were initially designed as disposable units meant for one-time use. So don’t stress too much about achieving perfection. A simple, clean hole and proper ink injection will usually give you another complete cycle of use before any wear becomes an issue.

A Final Note:

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. So, it might take a few weeks to get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thanks again for reaching out and for your support. We wish you the best of luck with your cartridge refill project—and we're always here to help guide your printing journey.