Filling Instructions for Cartomizers

Reprinted by permission of the author: Steve Kryworuka ©2012 (v1.120818)  (This article may not be reprinted without written authorization by the author) (Modified for ECBlend) 

Links :  Filling instructions for Tanks  Supplies: Blunt Tip Needle Caps - Syringes  - Friend Tips     PARTS Department - Drip Tips - Cartomizers  -  Atomizers  -  Tanks  - Replacement Parts

One of the things people quickly learn after a short period of time using (personal vaporizors) is that filling your own cartomizer is a pretty good idea. Blank (empty) cartomizers and e-liquid are far less expensive in the long run than buying pre-filled versions.  Using your own e-liquid also opens up an incredibly wide range of flavor choices.  (ECBlend has over 300+ flavors plus our famous Create Your Own Wizard!)

Obviously, some cartomizers are far easier to fill than others.  The new range of bottom-coil fillerless clearomizers require nothing special at all, just open and fill.  Other cartomizers like the CE2 and CE3 have their own methods using a needle and syringe.  But the traditional style cartomizers like the SmokTech, Boge and others all share a set of common filling techniques.

Cartomizer Filling Methods

I needed my other hand to take the picture (photo by Steve Kryworuka ©2012)

While simple to execute, there are some drawbacks to this method.  First it is a time-consuming process.  As the filler material becomes more saturated, it takes longer for the liquid to fully be absorbed.  Therefore, a wait of several minutes toward the end of the process may be required to ensure the material is completely wet.

Dripping too fast when saturating the filling will result in liquid seeping out the battery connector end of the cartomizer.  Most cartos ship with silicone rubber caps covering the ends of the cartomizer, these covers are also referred to by some users as condoms.  Leave the cover on the battery connector when filling to minimize leakage.

The Condom Method (Silicon Cap) - The “condom” method expands on the leaving the cover on the cartomizer concept. Execution of this method is fairly straightforward.  Take the bottom covering from the cartomizer and place 8-10 drops of e-liquid into the condom.

Hold the condom when pushing the cartomizer in (photo by Steve Kryworuka ©2012)

Insert the cartomizer part way in the silicone 'condom', until the bottom of the cartomizer is nearly touching the liquid.  Quickly push the cartomizer the rest of the way into the 'condom'.  This push rapidly forces the liquid into the cartomizer where it is absorbed by the filler material.

Repeat the process as needed until the cartomizer is completely filled.  This method requires a little bit of practice to learn the best way to fill the cartomizer with minimal wasted liquid.  This method does tend to be messier than other filling options.

BEST ! The syringe cartomizer filling method - (or use ECBlend's Blunt Tip Needle Cap instead of the syringe, this is much easier, cleaner and you do not need a syringe)   -  The syringe filling method is by contrast a very clean method of filling cartos with minimal wasted liquid.  The downside to this method is it requires the user to carry around syringe and blunt tip needle (or use our Blunt Tipped Needle Cap). Some users do not feel comfortable carrying around and using syringes.

Pull the syringe out as you press the plunger

(photo by Steve Kryworuka ©2012)

(Photo on right > ECBlend's Blunt Tip Needle Cap)

Once the needle is at the bottom of the cartomizer, begin depressing the plunger and inject half the liquid while slowly pulling the needle out of the cartomizer.  This will cause the filler to absorb liquid from bottom to top as the needle moves up the cartomizer.

Repeat the process on the other side of the cartomizer.  The filler may become fully saturated before the syringe is completely emptied.  Liquid will begin to pool at the top of the cartomizer.  Let the cartomizer rest for a few minutes to fully absorb the liquid.  Once the filler appears unable to absorb more liquid, the cartomizer is full.

Simplify filling with Blunt Tip Needle Caps    

Sanitary Tips:  Friend Tip™ by ECBlend - disposable cartomizer tips for sanitary sharing of personal vaporizers.

It is possible to overfill cartomizers.  This is likely to happen until the user has gained enough practice to intuitively know when a cartomizer is properly saturated.  Overfilled cartos tend to make a gurgling noise, have a very stiff draw, or may even result in small amounts of liquid being pulled into the mouth when attempting to puff.

There is no need to panic (photo by Steve Kryworuka ©2012)

The remedy for overfilling is fairly simple.  Pick up the cartomizer and cover the open end with a paper towel or cloth.  Gently blow into the battery end of the cartomizer, forcing excess liquid into the towel.

Once the cartomizer is initially filled, the key to longevity is to ensure the filler material stays well saturated with e-liquid.  Saturated liquid will minimize the chance of the filler burning, ruining the cartomizer.  Most users prefer to simply drip liquid into the cartomizer occasionally during use to keep the saturation levels steady. 

Topping off Cartomizers

In general, most of the methods outlined above are meant for initial cartomizer filling. Once the cartomizer is filled, the game changes to simply keeping the filler material well saturated with liquid. While the filler inside cartomizers is heat resistant, when dry it will scorch if the material is exposed to hot coils.

Drip tips come in many colors and designs (photo by Steve Kryworuka ©2012)

Some vapers prefer to use drip tips to help with this process. This allows for easy top-offs without having to constantly remove the end cap. Simply drip your liquid through the hole in the drip tip and continue. Drip tips are available in our ECBLEND PARTS DEPARTMENT

  
Start Filling!

Keeping your cartomizer properly filled can extend the life of the device considerably. While cartomizers are still considered to be disposable, and will degrade over time, you can expect to get several uses out of the average cartomizer.

Using e-liquid will also help with the cost savings. 

 Once you start filling your own cartomizers, the cost savings really begin to add up.