"Rogues" Gallery
The following shows some of the most common types of damage to cartridges,
 and why they become worthless.
Left: (Laserjet HP C4127X)
The cartridge on the left shows where the pin has broken and the sprung arm has fallen off. The unit on the right is unbroken.

Using the end protectors from the original packing can help to avoid this type of damage.

Left: (Inkjet HPC6578A/D)
The lower cartridge shows where a 'lug' has broken off. The cartridge on the top shows an unbroken item.

This is common on cartridges of this 'shape', as the items slide against each other knocking the 'lugs' off.

To avoid this damage use the white inner cardboard sleeve from the original packing.

Left: (Inkjet HPC6578A/D)
The upper cartridge shows where a 'lug' has broken off at the rounded corner. The cartridge on the bottom shows an unbroken item.

This is common on cartridges of this 'shape', as the items slide against each other knocking the 'lugs' off.

To avoid this damage use the white inner cardboard sleeve from the original packing.

Left: (Inkjet HP 51645A/G)
The upper cartridge shows where a 'fin' has broken off just below the word "black" on the label. The cartridge on the bottom shows an unbroken item.

To avoid this damage use the white inner cardboard sleeve from the original packing.

Left: (Inkjet HP 51645A/G)
This clearly shows the damage to a cartridge when a 'lug' is broken off.

This is common on cartridges of this 'shape', as the items slide against each other knocking the 'lugs' off.

To avoid this damage use the white inner cardboard sleeve from the original packing.