German "Durchstich" refill method for the PGI-520/CLI-521 cartridges

[BlackKat]

Firstly, thank you SO much for providing such clear info on how to undertake this method as I think it will be perfect for me if I ever manage to get it organised!!

I'm trying to use it on Canon IP4700 compatible cartridges but while I somehow managed to successfully achieve it on one occasion (the 1st ironically) I've not been able to remotely come close to getting the needle all the way through to the refill chamber since. Invariably every single time, the (blunt) needle tracks okay until about 1/2 way across the sponge and then for whatever reason insists on tracking south so always ends up hitting the plastic about 1-mm below the opening.

This is frustrating the life out of me. I've tried keeping the entry hole as high as possible but even that doesn't seem to make any difference. I've now tried 3 different cartridges each of 2 different ink colours all to no avail. I should perhaps say that these cartridges are all from the same Ebay supplier. Is there any likelihood that they may be the problem and if I bought from another supplier perhaps they'd work better?

I'm on benefit only income and so really keen to not have to spend extra money on continually buying new cartridges given I was generously provided some free ink to use for refilling my old ones, so any help on figuring out this problem would be hugely appreciated. THanks.

 

[panos]

@BlackKat, the method requires sharp needles (and long too). If you can't afford them, try rotating the needle as you push it in.

 

[Redbrickman]

@BlackKat, the method requires sharp needles (and long too). If you can't afford them, try rotating the needle as you push it in.

The Durchstich or German method does not require a sharp needle.

Some people use sharp needles but in my opinion it makes it harder to manipulate the needle into the channel that leads to the reservoir.

BlackKat,

A 2" needle is the correct size for the German method.

You may be finding it hard to enter the channel to the reservoir for a couple of reasons...

1. The needle is digging into the sponge instead of slipping underneath it

2. You may not have drilled the hole in the centre of the cartridge. It is easier to enter the plastic channel that leads to the reservoir if the refill hole is centred with respect to the sides of the cart.

As I explained yesterday in a post, there are mouldings on the cart that look like > PP < in the area where you drill the refill. It's like Canon wanted to help you locate the centre of the cart

I make the hole central with respect to the sides of the cart and just below the bottom curve of the Left hand P if looking at the cart right way up

Pharmacists picture shows the correct place to drill.

http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/uploads/2251__mg_0107.jpg

There is a macro shot of the > PP < area somewhere on this forum or the net, but I just can;t find it at the moment.

In any case you want it as central as possible, and as low as you can make it but a little up from the base of the cart. That way you don't need to bend the needle much, and the needle can be slowly rotated and slip under the sponge, then straight down the middle of the cart and into the channel.

 

[ThrillaMozilla]

BlackKat, Redbrickman, there is a plastic sill in the way. You're aiming for a window, about 1 or 2 mm up from the bottom of the cartridge. You can't just slide the needle along the bottom. You're going to have to get it up into the window. I don't know if all cartridges are built that way, but all the pictures I've seen show that.

 

[The Hat]

BlackKat I'm trying to use it on Canon IP4700 compatible cartridges but while I somehow managed to successfully achieve it on one occasion

If you have succeeded once then youll most likely be able to do it again.
The one thing you definitely need on your side is patience without that frustration
tends to settle in on you, so take your time where you position the needle.
It would also help to use OEM cartridges instead of compatibles as they are not the best for reliable refilling..

 

[BlackKat]

BlackKat I'm trying to use it on Canon IP4700 compatible cartridges but while I somehow managed to successfully achieve it on one occasion

If you have succeeded once then youll most likely be able to do it again.
The one thing you definitely need on your side is patience without that frustration
tends to settle in on you, so take your time where you position the needle.
It would also help to use OEM cartridges instead of compatibles as they are not the best for reliable refilling..

HAH - figured I'd ask here rather than annoying you again but this is definitely testing me all roads. Not helped by dire arthritic hands as I've no strength for making the initial hole (just with a push pin) properly and this endless issue of the needle never making it out the exit, instead just hitting the plastic a tiny bit below it is SO frustrating. I've tried so many times now I think I'd have to consider as you said - it's most likely the cartridges. Just so costly all roads (even with your generous gift!) but if I don't manage to get these refilled soon I'll have no choice but to go and buy replacements again, so might well opt for the OEMs instead just to see.

On the one I did get refilled - I've an awful feeling it's been leaking a bit more than it should as it seemed to empty shocking fast & it did look like there was an ink trail on the floor of the printer . I didn't see it mentioned but presume I needed to tape over the refill hole?

Thanks again

 

[Redbrickman]

BlackKat, Redbrickman, there is a plastic sill in the way. You're aiming for a window, about 1 or 2 mm up from the bottom of the cartridge. You can't just slide the needle along the bottom. You're going to have to get it up into the window. I don't know if all cartridges are built that way, but all the pictures I've seen show that.

Yes that is correct.There is a small ridge just at the other side of the outlet port from the refill.

At that point a resistance is felt. Now this is where patience endures, because if you slowly push the needle in (and I mean slowly) while turn it gently from side to side, when it reaches that resistance point it will pop into the central channel

There is also a slight resistance when the needle is about to enter the reservoir, again a gently turning action will make it easier to go in.

Another factor I think is the gauge of needle. Mine are 20g and I think, but have no evidence to support it, that the thinner needles are easier to get past the ridge.

Blackkat, do not give up, but do it in Slo Mo and rock the needle gently.

Be also careful to pull the needle back a tiny bit before injecting the ink to avoid it flowing up the channel in to the sponge instead of the reservoir

 

[BlackKat]

THink I just need to take the Hat's advice on this one at this stage - having now tried 6 different compat cartridges I've had exactly the same problem on each no matter where I start the hole or how slow I take it - I even thought I'd found the answer - use the sharp needle to drill the line then the blunt to do the filling, but still no go. Don't know how I got it done first time round but my hands just can't take the abuse this task is giving them (one of my conditions leaves my fingertips very spongy and trying to push in these needles is just leaving them in agony for ages).

So I'll invest in a couple of OEMs and see how they fare - if no better I might just have to give it up as a bad job.

But thanks so much guys for all your invaluable input & patience - truly appreciated.

 

[The Hat]

BlackKatif no better I might just have to give it up as a bad job.

I will say it again please dont give up on it just yet.
One thing you could try is using an old compatible cartridge to pull it apart or just hit it with a hammer.

That way you would be able to see the inside of it and where exactly you were going wrong
and it might improve your aim on your next attempt.

Failing that give the top fill method a try its not as hard as the German method
but can be a bit messy if you get it wrong so read up on this method first.

Just for the record BlackKat you werent annoying anyone and speciality not me because that's what were here for.
Whichever you choose it will be far cheaper than using OEM inks all the time, and again I say please dont give up..

 

[BlackKat]

I know, I know - I'm just so sore from trying this at the moment, and that's really the only reason for my despondency on it I think. I'm honestly more someone who hates letting anything beat me, so somehow someway I will figure out a way to overcome this - quite like your idea of the hammer LOL tho I might need someone else to do that bit for me, as I'm liable to drop it on my foot or something - shocking accident prone these days with these dire hands .

As ever, appreciate your patience & generosity