HP Printer Ink Questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vwnate1 · #1 12-30-2024, 05:17 PM

I have an HP # 6962 officejet all in one printer, it's out of ink and I usually go to Staples etc. and buy the larger size cartidges .

If I look them up online (Amazon, e-Bay etc.) will I be getting a good product ? .

I don't often use the printer but when I do it's for technical stuff so I like the clear & crisp details this printed gives me .

Any helpful thoughts or warnings will be greatly appreciated .

TIA,

Tony H · #2 12-31-2024, 01:55 AM

Nate,
I have a similar HP printer and for several years I have been wanting to chuck it but never quite get there. I do not like the expensive proprietary supplies; it constantly asks me to align it-using a lot of ink in the process. I have found a few sellers on Ebay that sell Genuine ink cartridges if you search. They might be slightly expired, but I have never had an issue. I have been considering a Epson EcoTank printer that uses ink reservoirs that can be filled with any bulk ink you choose.

Tony H · #3 12-31-2024, 01:55 AM

Nate,
I have a similar HP printer and for several years I have been wanting to chuck it but never quite get there. I do not like the expensive proprietary supplies; it constantly asks me to align it-using a lot of ink in the process. I have found a few sellers on Ebay that sell Genuine ink cartridges if you search. They might be slightly expired, but I have never had an issue. I have been considering a Epson EcoTank printer that uses ink reservoirs that can be filled with any bulk ink you choose.

davidmash · #4 12-31-2024, 03:30 AM

If remember correctly, HP pushed through a firmware update that limited the used of 3rd party cartridges. Ink is where HP makes their money. Their cartridges cost a small fortune. 3 sets of them and you have paid more for them than you paid for the printer.

If you are not getting HP cartridges, read the fine print to make sure they will work and you can return them if they don't.

When it comes time to replace it, consider an Epson. They use ink bottles to refill a tank on the printer or a laser printer. Lasers cost more upfront but I think operating costs are less. Steer away from HPnas per above. I got a mono chrome Cannon a few years back. A 3rd party cartrge runs about $30 online. Never have to worry about it drying out.

Just my $.02.

P.C. · #5 12-31-2024, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmash

If remember correctly, HP pushed through a firmware update that limited the used of 3rd party cartridges. Ink is where HP makes their money. Their cartridges cost a small fortune. 3 sets of them and you have paid more for them than you paid for the printer.

If you are not getting HP cartridges, read the fine print to make sure they will work and you can return them if they don't.

When it comes time to replace it, consider an Epson. They use ink bottles to refill a tank on the printer or a laser printer. Lasers cost more upfront but I think operating costs are less. Steer away from HPnas per above. I got a mono chrome Cannon a few years back. A 3rd party cartrge runs about $30 online. Never have to worry about it drying out.

Just my $.02.

I have an HP inkjet printer that I use sporadically. I recently needed to use it unexpectedly and urgently, and was annoyed to realize that all the ink cartridges dried out. I had to run to a local supplier and spend about 40% the cost of the printer for a full set of black and color cartridges. Thinking carefully about how badly I need color printing, as a printer using powdered toner might be the better way to go.

tyl604 · #6 12-31-2024, 03:26 PM

I have been using remanufactured cartridges for my HP for years. They absolutely work fine. The only problem is that sometimes you get a nasty message from the printer about a non HP product. However the reman cartridge sellers anticipate this and provide instructions to get around the message.

davidmash · #7 12-31-2024, 05:12 PM

Might be easier to defeat the older printers than the new ones. All I know is that until HP stops that BS, I'm not buying another HP.

engatwork · #8 12-31-2024, 05:27 PM

Thanks for the heads up david. I was unaware that printers used anything other than the high priced carts.

tyl604 · #9 12-31-2024, 06:01 PM

Not older. My HP is about three years old.

vwnate1 · #10 01-01-2025, 11:06 AM

Thanx fellas ! .

I thought this one used the powder .

I'm going to try and find some ink on e-Bay, ifthis doesn't work out I'll look into an Epson printer .

I forget the brand of my previous printer, it's ink was astoundingly expensive, this HP claimed lower cost inks when new .

HAPPY NEW YEAR ! .

tyl604 · #11 01-02-2025, 09:59 AM

For fifteen years I have been buying reman cartridges without a problem for both Canon and HP printers.

Try these websites: printpal.com; 499inks.com; inkcartridges.com; LDproducts.com. They have all provided good remans for me. Some of them also offer OEM inks at pretty good prices.

As for buying a new printer, my last two printers were purchased from Office Depot and some other big box office supply place - forget exactly. Both were around New Years at their annual sale; paid $50 each for a $150-200 printer which was out of box and displayed on the floor as a demonstrator. So the printer cost me just about as much as a three OEM color ink pack. These printers had color, a scanner, and autoduplex printing (which means that you need not take the first page out, turn it around, and reinsert to get print on both sides.) One was a Canon and one was a HP. Both were wireless which works perfectly.

Hope this helps. Good luck and let us know. Interested.

Tony H · #12 01-12-2025, 12:48 AM

This is refreshing my memory. Not sure if this is still applicable. At one point I bought a generic ink refill kit to refill my carts. Still showed no ink and would not print. I think the chip in the cart keeps track of the ink and kills it when it runs out.

Idle · #13 01-13-2025, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony H

This is refreshing my memory. Not sure if this is still applicable. At one point I bought a generic ink refill kit to refill my carts. Still showed no ink and would not print. I think the chip in the cart keeps track of the ink and kills it when it runs out.

I have seen these, too. But in my example the print quality just got worse and worse after about four refills. You could still read it but it looked worse than the first generation of printers that used heat on thermal paper like a cash register.

ah-kay · #14 01-12-2025, 03:55 AM

Hi Nate,

I used a Canon inkjet printer but I think the ink cartridges are all the same for most printers. I refill the cartridges with ink. This is what I do with black ink cartridges.

1) the cartridge is just an ink reservoir. A sponge ( acts as filter ) sits on top the electronics.
2) I drill a hole or poke it with a hot wire to make a small hole.
3) refill cartridge with ink, may be 1/2 CC.
4) tape the hole and you are good to go.

Do it when you think the cartridge is almost empty or empty light comes on. If the empty warning light comes on then it will not go off even though ink is added but it still prints ok. Give it a shot, if the worst comes to the worst then just replace the cartridge.

vwnate1 · #15 01-12-2025, 05:19 PM

Thanx guys ! .

I know I'd get good answers here .

With the fires near me and all this became forgotten but I still need to try it .

Some years ago I read a think about the metallic contacts on the ink cartridges, apparently you can use an unbent paper clip to bridge two of them then the printer thinks there's still ink and keep printing until it runs dry .

I just want to buy some cartridges and get it working again, so much going on .