How to Refill a Copier Cartridge at Home

Are the printouts made on your copier coming out blurry and fuzzy? If the toner powder in the cartridge is running low, you have two options: buy a new cartridge or refill the existing one.

Because new cartridges can be expensive, many people try to refill empty ones with toner powder themselves instead of turning to a specialist. Many want to cut costs and attempt to refill used cartridges without going to a service center. At first glance this may seem simple, but it must be done very carefully. First, you should prepare a detailed guide for refilling your specific model. Pictures will be helpful.

The quality of the refill will depend on how careful you are. The reason is that toner powder stains and spills easily, and handling a refill for the first time can be quite tricky.

It is important to prepare well for this operation: reread the manual, spread out a large newspaper, and dress appropriately. Be sure to remember the arrangement of the cartridge parts. Do not touch the working parts of the cartridge with your hands; hold the cartridge by the casing. Shake the box of toner first. To refill the cartridge, use a funnel, adding the powder very slowly in tiny amounts.

Make sure to prepare the following tools: an awl, a funnel, two screwdrivers — flat and Phillips — and pliers.

First you need to disassemble the cartridge, separating it into two parts. Have the refill instructions ready. Place the cartridge with the photoconductor drum facing up, covering the drum with sheets of paper, since it is a light-sensitive component.

After separating the cartridge into two halves, avoid turning it over, as any remaining toner may spill. Then remove the rubber roller and wipe it with a piece of cloth.

Before refilling, pour out the remaining toner from the chamber. Prepare a funnel (you can make one from paper) and the toner powder. Unscrew the little screw on the cap of the fresh powder reservoir and remove the cap.

If there is a plug, carefully remove it, pour in the toner powder, and close it. If you do not see a plug, remove the magnetic roller and pour the powder through the opening that appears. Now you can screw the cap back on. The most important thing is to check that all parts return to their places, including the roller, so you do not have to take the cartridge to a service center to have it reassembled.

Then align the two halves of the cartridge and pull out the protective frame. Any removed elements must be returned to their places. Refilling cartridges is a tricky task. If the instructions seem too difficult, contact a company that professionally refills cartridges: it will likely be cheaper than buying a new cartridge.