The ECF, (E-Cigarette Forum) contains a wealth of useful information on all things relating to the electronic cigarette. Below are step-by-step guides to some of the most popular methods amongst the forum's 30,000+ members for topping off and refilling cartridges with e liquid.
And when you've mastered that, check out our page on Dripping, an equally popular practice which does away with e cigarette cartridges altogether.
Topping off an e cigarette cartridge involves adding just a few drops of e liquid to a partly filled cartridge that's beginning to run low, in effect, topping it up.
Refilling refers to adding e liquid to an empty, new, clean or dry cartridge. It can also mean refilling a cartridge that has been used but is virtually empty or dry.
WARNING - PLEASE READ OURNICOTINEPAGE BEFORE HANDLING E LIQUID
Topping-off, adding a few drops of e liquid to e cigarette cartridges, is quick and easy. Here's how it's done.
Have some kitchen paper around to mop up any spills, then remove the cartridge from the ecigarette atomiser
If you have the type of electronic cigarette which has a two-piece cartridge, an outer and smaller inner cartridge containing the cartridge filler, (examples include the M401, M402, Pilot, Evo etc), poke a straightened paper clip into the the hole on the side of the mouthpiece and push the smaller internal cartridge to the top until it's exposed.
And if you have an ecigarette with a single-piece cartridge, the type that has no inner cartridge, just a mouthpiece with the cloth filler inside (901 series etc), ensure the filler is level with the top of the cartridge.
Whichever cartridge type you have, drip a few drops of e liquid directly from the e liquid bottle onto the filler. Stop if the liquid starts to pool at the top of the cartridge filler as overfilling may flood the atomiser. If you have overfilled, blot the excess with kitchen roll.
Use the paperclip to push the inner cartridge of a two-piece back down into the mouthpiece and if necessary, use it to 'fluff-up' the top of the filler, the part that touches the atomiser.
Place the atomiser on top of the cartridge then turn the e cigarette so the LED points downwards. Wait a few seconds for the e liquid to seep down into the atomiser, then you're good to go!
Before handling e liquid with nicotine, please remember to think safety! Ensure it's not possible for children or pets to come into contact with the e liquid whilst you're refilling your e cigarette.
Start by lining a work surface with paper or kitchen roll to absorb any drips or spills. If you're refilling more than one cartridge, consider using a small brick of Oasis florists foam to hold them neatly in place, allowing you to keep both hands free.
If you have an electronic cigarette with a two-piece cartridge, an outer and smaller inner cartridge containing the cartridge filler, (the M401, M402, Pilot, Evo etc), poke a straightened paper clip or hairpin into hole of the mouthpiece and push the inner cartridge to the top until it's exposed.
And if you have an e cigarette with a one-piece cartridge, the type without an inner cartridge, (901 series etc), ensure the filler is visible.
Draw e liquid into a syringe from the bottle. Being very careful not to stab yourself if you're holding the cartridge in your fingers, place the needle down into the centre of the cartridge filler until it touches the bottom.
Very gently and slowly, depress the plunger, moving the needle around inside the cartridge to ensure the entire filler is thoroughly soaked from bottom to top.
Important – do not overfill! Stop filling as soon as the e liquid begins to pool a little at the top of the cartridge. If you've overfilled, either suck a little back into the syringe or soak it up with kitchen roll.
When you are sure the cartridge is full, either pop on a cartridge cap if it's to be stored for later use, or push the e cigarette atomiser into place.
If there is any spare e liquid left in your syringe, you can either pop the cap back on and keep it handy for topping-off (see above) or squeeze it back into the bottle.
Ensure all traces of e liquid are removed from inside the syringe by filling with fresh water and depressing the plunger several times to flush through.
TIP:
Ensure all traces of e liquid are removed from inside a syringe by filling it with fresh water and depressing the plunger several times to flush through.
Follow steps 1 to 4 of the Syringe Method.
Remove the cartridge filler with tweezers.
Use the e liquid bottle dropper or nozzle to drip e liquid into the cartridge to about the half way point. Using the tweezers, roll the cartridge filler back up as well as you can, and push it gently down into the cartridge allowing it to absorb the e liquid.
Drip more e liquid onto the filler, using the tweezers or paperclip to manoeuvre the filler around inside the cart until there are no remaining dry patches.
Follow steps 7 and 8 of the Syringe Method.
Feel free to take a 'wander' around the e-cigs.co.uk store if you'd like to see our own range of electronic cigarettes, e cigarette cartridges or e liquid for refilling cartridges.
Topping-off, adding a few drops of e liquid to e cigarette cartridges, is quick and easy. Here's how it's done.
