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What is the purpose of the sticky pull tab on ink cartridges?

My father had bought 2 new black ink cartridges for our printer as it has recently run out. Not knowing he had already put a new one in, I opened the second package and then noticed it had already been replaced. I've noticed that ink cartridges come with little sticky tabs that you have to pull off before putting them into the printer... What is the purpose of these tabs? Because I removed the tab on the second one already... I stuck the tab back on as best I could, but will this affect the ink in this cartridge?

Public Comments

1. To keep ink from leaking. No it should not affect the cartridge putting the tab back on, it should just continue keeping the cartage from leaking out.
2. The sticky tab is to keep the cartridge sealed air tight so that the ink in the nozzles does not dry out - blocking the nozzles. Suggest you wrap the whole thing up in plastic cling film and then put it in a plastic bag then put it somewhere cool until you need it. If you find it has in fact blocked up when you come to use it just stand it in a saucer of water so that the nozzles are immersed. Leave it there for an hour to get the ink to soften, wipe it with a tissue to make sure there is ink coming out and then install it.
3. In order for ink to get out of the bottom of the cartridge, air has to get in the top. It's the same principal like when you put your finger over a drinking straw and the liquid inside doesnt come out until you remove your finger. If you dont take the yellow tape off, that color ink will not print. You can reseal the hole with the same yellow tape or any piece of scotch tape and the cartridge should be fine.