How to Refill an HP 88 C9381

Replacing printer ink cartridges can be costly, and the HP 88 Black/Yellow Printhead (C9381) is no exception. The manufacturers suggested retail price for this cartridge is $71.99. Buy there's no need to pay this price. Instead, refill the cartridge yourself for much less by purchasing a refill kit. While some cartridges can be refilled only three or four times before they fail, most can be refilled over 20 times. After purchasing the refill kit, you can have your HP cartridge refilled and ready to go in a matter of minutes.

• 1

  Cut a slit in the label with a knife to separate the top cap from the bottom of the cartridge.

• 2

  Hold the bottom part of the cartridge with one hand and gently pry the top off with your other hand. Or use your knife: stick the blade of the knife into the groove between the top and bottom pieces of the cartridge and gently pry apart. Set the top piece aside.

• 3

  Remove the rubber sealing plug from the filling hole. This can be done by screwing the ball remover screw around the sealing plug and then pulling it out. Leave this plug on the end of the ball remover, and set it aside.

• 4

  Pull the plunger out of the syringe, and remove the needle by gently pulling it out.

• 5

  Place the point of the syringe over the filling hole. This is the hole you just removed the plug from. Blow air into the cartridge to expand the Mylar bag so it can accept the new ink. Do this by placing your mouth around the end of the syringe and blowing air through it.

• 6

  Put the plunger back into the syringe and also replace the needle. Fill the syringe with ink by sticking the needle into the new ink container and then pulling back on the plunger. This will draw the ink into the syringe.

• 7

  Insert the needle into the filling hole. Be careful not to press the needle against the sides of the cartridge because this could puncture the Mylar bag inside.

• 8

  Inject the ink into the cartridge by pushing down on the plunger.

• 9

  Reseal the cartridge with the rubber plug. Reinsert the old ball that is still on the ball remover screw, or just press in the new ball that came with your refill kit with your finger.

• 10

  Hold the cartridge at a 45-degree angle with the outlet tube at the top. Insert the needle of the empty injector, with the plunger pushed in, into the outlet tube hole. Press and release the pump multiple times, causing the air to expel in the syringe. Pull the plunger back to remove any leftover air in the outlet tube hole, and then remove the needle.

• 11

  Put the cartridge back into your printer.