(a) INK - This comes in bottles for your refill. For black ink cartridges, only black ink bottle is needed. For color ink cartridges bottles of three pigments each will be required.

(b) INJECTOR - This is a kind of injection device or a syringe which injects the ink properly into the cartridge. Using it correctly will make the job clean and easy.

(c) PLUG EXTRACTOR - To refill an ink cartridge, we need to open it up, which is done with a plug extractor. A good refill kit should include this tool. If your ink refill kit doesn't have one, use a pair of needle nose pliers. Make sure that the ink refill kit you purchase has all the essential pieces. There are some other handy tools also available.

And now to get the job done!!!

1. Follow the instructions carefully. Ink refill problems arise only due to improper usage. Use the tools properly to inject the ink into the cartridge. If the flow of ink into the cartridge is not correct, then check that the tool and the cartridge have matching openings. A mismatch will hinder the flow and also lead to mess due to spilled ink.

2. The biggest mistake people often make when using ink refills is using them too late. When you allow your ink cartridge to get to empty before refilling it, you increase the chances of the ink cartridge head drying out and develop crust or impediments to the ink flow. This will lead to deterioration in print quality and eventually a conclusion that ink refills are worthless.

To prevent this problem, make sure that you refill the ink when there is a little ink left in the cartridge. This will not only ensure a steady flow through the cartridge at all times but also maintain the printing quality.

Help is always at hand. Many inkjet printer cartridges have a meter on them which allows you to check the amount of ink left in it. All you need to do is pull the cartridge out to see for yourself what is left in the tank.

Computer operating systems too provide you with an alert to keep a check on the cartridge ink level. Just be watchful.

3. Avoid spilling the ink by refilling ink over a few sheets of newspaper. So that if there is a spill newspaper will soak it. Don't refill cartridges over your carpet, tile or even concrete. Spilled ink leaves stains which are almost impossible to get rid off. Keep a couple of rags handy. Ink is a thin liquid and is quickly soaked up by the right cloth. First timers don't be disheartened. You will get the hang of it in no time and spills would not be a matter concern then.

4. Generally after an ink refill the printer prints with errors like lines or smudges in the print. The reason is the change of pressure inside the cartridge after refilling. While refilling, you first open the empty cartridge. This releases the internal pressure which was previously propelling the ink out of the cartridge and onto the paper.

The best way to build up the pressure back is to let the cartridge sit for an hour or two after refilling. Internal pressure will settle with time and printing quality would not suffer. When you put it back in, clean the cartridge and it should run smoothly.

Many ink refill kits have a device in the form of a separate syringe of tube to help get the pressure balanced after the refill. This blows air into the cartridge prior to sealing it.

Printer ink refills are especially cost effective for home printers because of less usage as compared to offices. However more than often we forget to notice that the ink is running low. For times like this, keep ink refills handy.