Rolla typewriter enthusiasts open store for those enchanted by the 'clickety clack' by [[Jonathan Ahl]]

Retired collector turned repair person

https://typewriterdatabase.com/img/g17557_111429_1643735948.jpg

https://www.austintypewriterink.com/typewriters-201-general-maintenance.html

https://www.mohawk-finishing.com/products/wood-touch-up-repair/fillers/fil-stik-putty-sticks/

Putty sticks (aka paint sticks) are good for filling in nicks and dings on furniture.

These putty sticks and some crayons are also great for restoring the colored index lines on typewriters as well as other colored metal parts and occasionally on some plastic typewriter keys.

M231-10104 SYY Red<br /> M230-0054 Crimson Rose #SN292<br /> M230-0046 COCONUT, COTTON, BRIE, HEAVY CREAM, SNOWFLAKE <br /> M230-0090 Picket Fence

Typewriter Basics: Carriage Locks by [[Sarah Everett]] of [[Just My Typewriter]]

Sarah describes having a common spacebar issue when repairing a typewriter, bending the spacebar down which causes the machine not to work/advance as a result when it's put back into the typewriter shell.

Sarah also shows some type bar benders, but doesn't demonstrate how she (or her father) used them to do the repair.

Royal Strengthen Shift Springs KMM Typewriter by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

I picked this up from a repair manual, but good to see my reading was correct.

Forming the tabs on the shift assembly inwards will increase the tension and responsiveness of the shift assembly on older Royal standard typewriters.

Royal Typewriter Shift Operation Full Motion Visual Aid by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Shift adjustment points and shift assembly on Royal portable typewriters

While Zippo lighter fluid (Naphtha) is a bit more expensive per ounce than other solvents (mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, et al), it does usually come packaged in a dispensing container that may make it easier to dispense in a directed method into the internals of typewriters for cleaning them out.

The other benefit is that some may have it on hand for general household use without needing to make a separate trip to the hardware store.

via, but not really directly suggested by https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g9ntnj/lubricant_reccomendations/

The hardest part of typewriter repair is believing you can do it. Everything else is just instructions plus a careful, thoughtful hand.<br /> —Theodore Munk

Royal KMM KMG Typewriter Feet Spacers Original Smashed Rubber Replaced by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Squished rubber feet spacers on the Royal standard typewriters can cause interfere with the universal bar and when they do, they'll need replacement.

This is the same sort of interference seen on Olympia SM3s due to their squished/flattened rubber gaskets, though the symptoms are different.

"Phoenix typewriter. Have a Royal day!" <br /> A slightly different sign off from Duane's usual... :)

How To Guide- Swapping Type Bars on a Manual Typewriter -Full tips and tricks by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Crash course on typewriter maintenance and repair

A list of resources and references for the budding typewriter repair person. There is a lot here that I've compiled and consumed over the last six months, so don't be overwhelmed. Half the battle is figuring out where to find all these things, so if nothing else, this should shave off a month of reading and researching.

Basic Introductory Material

Get a notebook and be ready to take some notes so you'll remember where you found the random information you're bound to pick up over time and are able to occasionally review it.

Work your way through Sarah Everett's excellent Typewriter 101 videos (at least the first five): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtHauPh529XYHI5QNj5w9PUdi89pOXsS

Read Richard Polt's book which is a great overview to the general space:<br /> Polt, Richard. The Typewriter Revolution: A Typist’s Companion for the 21st Century. 1st ed. Woodstock, VT: Countryman Press, 2015.

Next watch the documentary California Typewriter. Documentary. Gravitas Pictures, 2016. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5966990/. It has some interesting subtle material hiding within it, but it will give you a good idea of where you're headed off to.

Get a machine (or four) you can practice on. Get a flat head screwdriver and maybe a small adjustable wrench. Buy some mineral spirits and a small headed toothbrush and clean out your first machine. Buy some light sewing machine oil and try oiling it. Search YouTube for videos about how to repair anything that may be wrong with it.

Basic restoration advice: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-restoration.html

On colloquial advice for degreasing, cleaning, and oiling manual typewriters https://boffosocko.com/2024/08/09/on-colloquial-advice-for-degreasing-cleaning-and-oiling-manual-typewriters/

Repair Manuals

Create an account on typewriterdatabase.com which will give you some additional access to catalogs, manuals, and dealer catalogs.

They also have some openly accessible material like:<br /> * https://typewriterdatabase.com/manuals.php

Printed manuals: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&contributor=Ted+Munk&page=1&pageSize=50 PDF manuals: https://sellfy.com/twdb

Ted Munk's website also has a plethora of ephemera that is often useful * https://munk.org/typecast/

Richard Polt's list of service manuals, which also includes some correspondence course typewriter repair classes: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html#servicemanuals

Tools

In rough order of increasing complexity:

• Typewriter Tool Kit from the DOLLAR TREE by Just My Typewriter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-7E4fM6gBw
• Some simple basics and where to get them: https://boffosocko.com/2024/08/11/adding-to-my-typewriter-toolset/
• Typewriter tools of the trade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5bKk93rtxs
• Lucas Dul's Toolset presentation: https://virtualhermans.com/lucas-dul
• Tour of an advanced hobbyist/semi-pro shop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZjf6InMlgU

Tools can be expensive, so start out small with just a few things and expand as you need them. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish with a single thin bladed flathead screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, a rag, a bottle of Simple Green cleaning solution, and a bottle of isopropyl alcohol.

Videos

Subscribe to and become acquainted with YouTube channels like the following:

• Duane Jensen's Phoenix Typewriter https://www.youtube.com/@phoenixtypewriter2136
• Gerren Balch's HotRod Typewriter Company https://www.youtube.com/@HotRodTypewriter
• Joe Van Cleave https://www.youtube.com/@Joe_VanCleave
• Sarah Everett's Just My Typewriter https://www.youtube.com/@JustMyTypewriter

While watching a variety of videos is great, as you're doing specific repairs search YouTube and you're likely to find full demos of the repairs you're doing yourself.

I've compiled a playlist of videos for repair of an Olympia SM3 which, while specific to the SM3, is a an excellent outline/overview of how to disassemble a portable typewriter, where many of the adjustment points are as well as an outline of the order to do them in.

If you're not a good typist or don't have experience in the area, try out some of the following short films which will also provide some useful historical perspective:

• Basic Typing: Methods. Vol. MN-1512a. United States Navy Training Film, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztyzGit1dTI.
• Basic Typing: Machine Operation. Vol. MN-1512b. United States Navy Training Film, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-REJEArnjE.
• Advanced Typing: Shortcuts. Vol. MN-1512c. United States Navy Training Film, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUJfCfqgsX0.
• Advanced Typing: Duplicating and Manuscript. Vol. MN-1512d. United States Navy Training Film, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ve5JnTUzvo.
• Maintenance Of Office Machines. Vol. MN-1513. United States Navy Training Film, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocdxgkxKAKo.

Internships & Apprenticeships

If you have the time and flexibility try arranging an internship or apprenticeship with a local typewriter repair shop. Meet your local repair people even if you can't spend the time on an internship. You'll learn a lot and create relationships with businesses who will more easily swap/supply you with machines they're parting out or access to tools which may otherwise be difficult to source.

• https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

Podcasts

• Austin Typewriter Ink https://www.austintypewriterink.com/ati-the-podcast.html
• Charm Type Repair https://charmtypepodcast.podbean.com/

Some useful Bibliography

• Athey, Ralph S. Typewriter Repair Training Course. Tarentum, PA: Typewriter Repair Training, 1957. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/AtheyTypewriterRepair.pdf.
• Atkinson, Annelise. Typewriter SOS: The DIY Guide to Fixing Common Problems with Typewriters, 2014. https://www.amazon.com/Typewriter-SOS-Fixing-Problems-Typewriters/dp/1520902700/.
• Hausrath, Alfred H., and Eugene L. Dahl. Typewriter Care. Edited by Walter K.M. Slavik. Federal Work Improvement Program United States Civil Service Commission and Government Division, U.S. Treasury Department, 1945. http://archive.org/details/twcare-1945.
• Jones, Clarence LeRoy. The Manual Typewriter Repair Bible. Edited by Theodore Munk. The Typewriter Repair Bible Series, 2017. https://www.lulu.com/shop/ted-munk/the-manual-typewriter-repair-bible/paperback/product-1vgk72jp.html.
• Kasten, R. M. “First Aid for Typewriters.” Popular Science Monthly, May 1941.
• Kravitz, Bryan. Hints for a Happy Typewriter. Bryan Kravitz, 1983. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Hints-Happy-TW.pdf.
• Hutchison, Howard. The Typewriter Repair Manual. 1st ed. Blue Ridge Summit, Pa: Tab Books, 1981. https://www.amazon.com/typewriter-repair-manual-Howard-Hutchison/dp/0830600345.
• Munk, Theodore. “The Typewriter Database,” 2012. https://typewriterdatabase.com/.
• Pearce, H. G. Complete Instructions: How to Repair, Rebuild, and Adjust Underwood Typewriters With Handy Reference for Locating Trouble Quickly. Bridgeport, CT: Typewriter Mechanics Publishing Co., 1920. https://johnesimmons.com/Typewriter/Articles/Manualpdf/Underwood_Repair_Manual.pdf.
• Polt, Richard. “The Classic Typewriter Page : All About Typewriters,” 2009. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/index.html.
• Scadden, David T. Approved Home Study Course in Typewriter Repair and Service. Little Falls, NJ: Typewriter Repair School, 1959. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/homestudycourse.pdf.

Good luck on your journey!

reply to u/fontinalispluma at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1gaza5x/learning_typewriter_maintenance_and_repair/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HotRodTypewriterCo

Gerren Balch is the eminence gris behind HotRod Typewriter Company

Smith Corona Skyriter Shift Repair, Ring & Cylinder Adjustment for Even Quality Print by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

He misspoke about "ring and cylinder" adjustment here. Duane does an on feet and motion adjustment in this video for a Smith-Corona Skyriter.

Smith Corona Classic Galaxie Typewriter Ribbon Lift Install Arm Adjustment Squeeze Style by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Smith Corona Typewriters 1935 - 1980 Type Alignment / Shift Motion Upper Lower Case Adjustment by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Duane starts out by showing the two adjustment screws for the upper and lower case motion adjustment on a 5 Series Smith-Corona portable. (This should be the same across several decades of machines and include the 4 and 6 series as well.)

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 234: Royal QDL Spacing by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Hints for a Happy Typewriter<br /> Bryan Kravitz, Nancy Gorrell, 1983<br /> https://typewriterdatabase.com/1983-Hints4HappyTypewriter.index.manual

Some good, basic home care and use from 1983. Home mechanics in 2024 are probably capable of a bit more without the backstop of a typewriter mechanic.

This guide suggest the use of solvents like alcohol or trichloroethane for cleaning type slugs and internals. Note that trichloroethane manufacture and use has diminished significantly since 1996 when it was identified by the Montreal Protocol as a contributor to ozone depletion.

All the videos on YouTube are generally of mechanics who are covering things up for a quick operation (like cleaning slugs) and not for longer cleans. This can be misleading for those who are doing longer term work where the rags need to withstand more liquid or are sitting for longer.

The nuts on the ribbon selector and the ribbon reverse on Royal Quiet De Luxes is a 7/32 inch nut.

Royal Quiet DeLuxe Typewriter Complete Total Body Removal by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Gerren uses a Weaver gunsmith screwdriver set for most of his screwdriver needs. [5:00]

On the newer QDLs two of the screws for removing the rear plate are accessible from the top underneath the carriage instead of all on the rear.

The screws for the front body plate can be loosened and don't need to be fully removed to take the body plate off of the machine.

When doing type alignment, Duane Jensen was taught to use an old/used ribbon instead of a new, wet/dark ribbon for better performance in testing. New ribbons don't show the differences as well.

He's noticed that ribbon from Around the Office are dreadful.

Hot Rod Mercury - Repaired ! Royal Typewriter Made in Japan Not Spacing Troubleshoot and Fix. by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

There was a loose assembly underneath the carriage that was preventing the vibrator from working and the carriage from advancing via typing. Tightening it up fixed the issue completely.

"Well, I already gave him an estimate," he says with a chuckle. "I'm not gonna change that quote, I've been here too long to do that."

It seems like an unwritten rule for typewriter repair shops to go way over on time versus pay to repair a typewriter based on an initial quote.

I've seen at least one other quote like this, but don't think I collected it.

In 1974 there were 11-month typewriter repair programs to train typewriter repair technicians.

Compare this to Philly Typewriter's 4 year internship program: https://hypothes.is/a/LSbZtlboEe-4vtMPIWcTKA

Typewriter repairman still in business in 2024 by [[Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul]]

Mark Soderbeck started repairing typewriters in 1974. Working at cutting back and retiring soon.

Typewriter Repair Failure by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

I just got a 1950 version of this KMG this week in medium rough shape too. (My 7th Royal and my 2nd Standard)

Looks like a Royal KMG with the Henry Dreyfuss glass tombstone keys in Gray Frieze paint. https://typewriterdatabase.com/Royal.KMG.72.bmys

Mine has some minor carriage issues that I'm hoping clear up with some cleaning. Otherwise it may need some tools and internal repair work and/or parts. If yours is generally working, a good cleaning and oiling should get you going: https://boffosocko.com/2024/08/09/on-colloquial-advice-for-degreasing-cleaning-and-oiling-manual-typewriters/

Diagram of parts: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/RoyalKMGdiagram.jpg

Manual of the prior model KMM which preceeded it, so the functionalilty should be almost exactly the same: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/RoyalKMM.pdf (Royal Standard internals were almost exactly the same from the Ten (1909) through the FP/Empress (1966).)

Home Study Course in Typewriter Repair and Service: ca. 1959, published by the Typewriter Repair School in Little Falls, New Jersey. Focuses on the Royal KMM among others: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/homestudycourse.pdf

See also:<br /> - https://typewriterdatabase.com/manuals.php - https://typewriterdatabase.com/1968-Ames_Standard_SVC.royal-repair.manual - https://typewriterdatabase.com/1960-Ames_Gen_Cat_10-March.royal-parts-01.manual

Searching on YouTube for cleaning and repair advice should help out a lot. Phoenix Typewriter has some solid videos on related models (search also the Royal X (ten), KH, KHM, KMM, KMG, HH, FP, and Empress which are all roughly the same internals with slightly different body styles.)

If you need some basic typewriter 101, try: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtHauPh529XYHI5QNj5w9PUdi89pOXsS

reply to u/MajesticWear5478 https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g1i440/tips_for_cleaning_and_fixing_a_1949_royal/#lightbox

The Time I Met New York’s Patron Saint of Typewriters by [[Thaisa Frank]] March 12, 2019

Stanley Adelman of Osner's Typewriter Repair in New York

(closed in 2001)

https://oldbobsoldtypewriters.com/

Scott Drudge is the proprietor<br /> Second generation typewriter repair as his dad Bob was the original namesake of Old Bob's Old Typewriters.

Taking a sabbatical in 2024 and expected back in late 2024.

https://oldbobsoldtypewriters.com/manuals-and-repair-guides/

https://oldbobsoldtypewriters.com/typewriter-repair-shops/

Often after you resurface a platen, it slightly changes the configuration of the platen with respect to the typeface. As a result one usually may need to do three adjustments in a specific order to get things to align properly again. These can definitely be done at home with some patience.

Usually the order for tweaking is: * Ring and Cylinder adjustment (distance of platen from typeface; the type shouldn't touch the platen or you'll find you're imprinting on your paper, making holes in the paper and/or ribbon, which isn't good). Sometimes using a simple backing sheet can remedy a bit of this distance problem, especially on platens which have hardened or shrunk slightly over time. * On Feet adjustment (vertical adjustment so that letters are bright and clear and neither top or bottom of characters are too light/faint) Repair shops will often type /// or a variety of characters with longer ascenders/descenders to make sure that the type is clear from top to bottom. * Motion adjustment (the lower and upper case letters are at the same level with respect to each other) The best way to test this is to type a center character like HHHhhhHHH to see if they line up on the bottom (the last three Hs are usually done with the Shift Lock on to make sure that's properly set).

You can search YouTube videos for your model (or related models) and these words which may uncover someone doing a similar repair, so you have a better idea of what you're doing and where to make the adjustments.

Here's Joe Van Cleave describing some of it in one of his early videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0AozF2Jfo0

The general principles for most typewriters are roughly the same with slight variations depending on whether your machine is a segment shift or a carriage shift. You should roughly be able to puzzle out which screws to adjust on your particular model to get the general outcome you want.

Related blogposts: * https://munk.org/typecast/2022/01/23/adjusting-ring-cylinder-on-a-brother-jp-1/<br /> * https://munk.org/typecast/2013/07/30/typewriter-repair-101-adjusting-vertical-typeface-alignment-segmentbasket-shift-typewriters/

You might find a related repair manual for your machine with more detail and diagrams for these adjustments via the Typewriter Database or on Richard Polt's typewriter site.

For those not mechanically inclined you may be better off taking it onto a repair shop for a quick adjustment. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html 

Reply to u/Acethease at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1d76ygx/got_a_as_a_gift_corona_3_recentlyish_and_i_need/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/typewritermaintenance/posts/3414723442098414/

Dealing with stripped screws

Joe Bellicini indicates that the set screw threading for the platen knobs on the Royal Quiet De Luxe is #6-40.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/315760588097

Some advice on cleaning typewriters from someone who previously had a typewriter shop.

Recommendation: mineral spirits with a touch of transmission fluid.

Remington Typewriter Type Alignment Adjust Typebars by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

When adjusting typebar slugs, it's much easier to bring a letter up higher on the page than to bring a letter lower.

Joe Van Cleave hypothesizes that the slightly blurry and/or ghosting letters on typewriters may be the result of the typebar just hitting the typing guide and moving slightly as they do thereby creating issues with the type clarity.

https://youtu.be/GpLpTkhSGWc?si=MFmshF-LPPa1CyUP&t=1190

Smith Corona 1C Standard Portable Typewriter, Repaired Adjusted Escapement Trip Balance Bar by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

The real problem with this typewriter is the loose nut behind the keyboard—that is me. —Alton Gansky

Some of the Smith-Corona 6 series machines (electrics) came with copper shipping restraints that were meant to be removed by the dealer prior to sale. Sometimes they can be found inside cases and in other instances, inside the typewriter itself.

via: https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ew971o/need_help_finding_where_this_came_from_more/

See also:<br /> https://imgur.com/a/xbo6SoY<br />

https://imgur.com/a/PMPCXN5<br />

Colloquial repair solutions for hard platens: <br /> - use backing sheet(s) - light sanding and cleaning with organic solvents - Brake Fluid soaking for an hour followed by drying time (see also: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-restoration.html) - Rubber Renue https://mgchemicals.com/products/electronics-maintenance/specialized-cleaners/rubber-renue/ - Methyl salicylate and alcohol mixture - Sanding and/or lathing and resurfacing with heat shrink tubing and/or by bicycle inner tube

Actual repair/restoration/recovery:<br /> - J. J. Short Associates, Inc. https://www.jjshort.com/typewriter-platen-repair.php

see colloquial advice at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ewb36f/rubber_renue_to_soften_platens/

Kirk Jackson, Nashville Typewriter via https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ewb36f/rubber_renue_to_soften_platens/lj24vxx/

https://www.nashvilletypewriter.com/about

1938 Corona Zephyr Typewriter Service Adjustment Methods by [[Theodore Munk]]

Yanni Giftakis recommends melting crayons into the letter groves of typewriter keytops to replace their missing paint with a heat gun, much the same way D&D players will fill in the groves on their dice.

This is similar to Richard Polt's recommendation "To restore faded paint on keys and scales, try Lacquer-Stik Fill-In Paint."

via https://www.facebook.com/groups/typewritermaintenance/posts/3831371387100282/

The case FOR WD-40 use in typewriters by [[Thom Cholowski]] in Antique Typewriter Maintenance Group

Some thorough colloquial and unreferenced, but reasonably scientific advice about the use of WD-40 to clean typewriters, particularly with respect to water displacement.

Once used for cleaning typewriter internals, WD-40 needs to be flushed out with kerosene or naphtha.

How to find typewriter parts (Buying a Bad Typewriter ep 3) by [[Just My Typewriter]]

When you buy a typewriter, you're joining a cult<br /> A messy one, but definitely a friendly one.<br /> —Sarah Everett timestamp 3:10

Brass Tab Stops for Remington Noiseless 7 Typewriters by [[David Randall]]

David Randall made some custom tab stops for his typewriter with some thin brass, a hacksaw, and a file.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/721704878218903/posts/2437242443331796/

Knife and Hammer Coat of arms for the Uncertified Typewriter Mechanic

Smith Corona Typewriter Main Spring Rewound Repaired Replaced by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

An update and a tour of my new workshop by [[Retrotype]]

An overview walkthrough of a small semi-professional typewriter repair shop.

Philly Typewriter starts a trade school by [[Richard Polt]]

This is interesting, but 4 years? This seems like a 1-2 year thing at best.

https://www.mrmrsvintagetypewriters.com/en-us

Scadden, David T. Approved Home Study Course in Typewriter Repair and Service. Little Falls, NJ: Typewriter Repair School, 1959. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/homestudycourse.pdf.

Who is Byron L. Wolfe, Author of OAMI Noiseless Typewriter Mechanical Training Manual? by [[Theodore Munk]]

Great, simple list here of all the adjustments for typewriter repair.

Common Typewriter Problems and Fixes

A short pictorial primer for quick repairs of many common typewriter problems including:<br /> - stripping a typewriter<br /> - cleaning and oiling - carriage not moving<br /> - ribbon reverse not working<br /> - bell not working - characters out of alignment<br /> - inconsistent margin<br /> - space bar jumping/inconsistent

https://typewriterdatabase.com/manuals.php

AMES OAMI Mechanical Training Manual for Standard and Portable Typewriters<br /> By: Clarence Leroy Jones<br /> In 3 Volumes plus Addendum - Published 1945<br /> Volume Three: Noiseless Typewriters<br /> By: Byron L. Wolfe, Illustrations by: R. J. Tiller & Jack Lewis<br /> https://typewriterdatabase.com/1945-AMES-OAMI-MechanicalTrainingMan.v3-noiseless.manual

Meet Bob Marshall<br /> Voyage LA Magazine

https://willowcreektypewriters.com/pages/about<br /> Willowcreek Typewriters

The most essential tool for typewriter repair… by [[Theodore Munk]]

https://www.mrmrsvintagetypewriters.com/en-us/products/special-typewriter-repair-man-tools-kit-leather-bag-or-carrying-case

Crawford Tool SH5 Spring Hook 5 Piece Set<br /> https://crawfordtool.com/collections/spring-hooks/products/crawford-tool-sh5-spring-hook-5-piece-set

Crawford Tool 25006 IBM-Style Spring Hook Push/Pull

https://groups.io/g/TYPEWRITERS/topic/soldering_type_slugs/82277130?p=

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/14szjp/decided_to_share_one_of_mine/

Description and tools for swapping out typewriter slugs by soldering.

https://www.theeagleeyeprojekt.com/

Very pro-use and sharing of typewriter tools. May do a kickstarter-like project to make tools and sell them.

https://www.youtube.com/@slug_life

aka u/Private_Bonkers on Reddit r/typewriters

https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1eirayg/comment/lg9h02w/

Meet the Dublin man meticulously restoring vintage typewriters | IMAGE.ie by [[Lizzie Gore-Grimes]]

Reasonable estimate it would seem. I haven't seen any others before.

Converting A Typewriter To Colemak by [[Jan Söndermann]]

Smith Corona Typewriter Repaired Flying Carriage ! Fixed Escapement Pawl by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Pawl was frozen on escapement. He also took out a piece of the rubber which he planned to replace with some surgical tubing to add a small layer of spacing.

This repair is similar to part of that at Smith Corona Typewriter Power Spacer Escapement Repair Adjustment No Silencer Model

Smith Corona Typewriter Power Spacer Escapement Repair Adjustment No Silencer Model by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

SCM typewriter escapement and margin lock/release by [[Nis Kildegaard]]

Smith Corona Typewriter Ribbon Vibrator Bind, Lift Sticking Up, Forming/Adjusting Process by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

u/Affectionate-Dog8414 has started a small repair shop in their garage. Denver, CO

Turning a passion for typewriters into a thriving LA County business by [[KCAL news]]

https://www.m-morren.nl/1730210_reviving-typewriters-with-custom-3d-printed-feet

Typewriter Type Bar Alignment, Sticking Keys, Smith Corona Speed Booster Rebound Wire Adjusted by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 160: Servicing the Triumph Norma 6 by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Joe Van Cleave shows how to raise/lower individual type slugs by bending the typebars, particularly the ones out toward the end, without using custom typewriter repair tools.

time stamp 19:25

https://johnlewismechanicalantiques.com/

John Lewis in Albuquerque, NM, a typewriter repair person since 1966.

Royal Quiet De Luxe Magic Margin Stuck Won't Slide Clean Flush Restore Operation of Typewriter by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

50+ year old oil can cause parts of a typewriter to seize and not work properly. Hitting it with some heavy degreaser (lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, etc.) and some compressed air as well as getting the parts moving will help clean these parts out.

Excess oil on a typewriter can be cleaned up with both air and a clean rag.

Fun tip:

Spraying down a typewriter body and painted portions with oil before treating with lacquer thinner will help to prevent the etching of painted portions which might be splashed during the cleaning process.

It may help to spread the oil out with a cloth or by hand, particularly on the rulers.

Royal HH Typewriter Ribbon Spindle Shaft Frozen, Analysis and Repair Procedure by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Troubleshooting a frozen spindle. Discovered that the spindle was frozen internally. Flushed with lacquer thinner and then blown out.

https://www.austintypewriterink.com/

Based on the labels on typewriter ribbon donated by Octavia Butler, she got her ribbon from Office Machines Incorporated which had locations at 543 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA and 433 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA.

via https://anacostia.si.edu/collection/object/acm_2004.0007.0002

reply to u/67comet at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1e4hu0s/smith_corona_electra_120_ribbon_carrier_not_moving/

That piece is called a ribbon vibrator which moves the ribbon up and down. They generally operate on gravity and as a result they need to be clean and free from oil, gunk, hair, dust, etc. Usually they slide up and down freely. There's a colloquial saying in the typewriter space that "A typewriter isn't really broken unless it's clean and broken."

Occasionally ribbon vibrators can become bent which makes them inoperable and this can be remedied with some light forming (bending) with an appropriate screwdriver or needle nosed plier. You can search YouTube and you'll find a variety of videos for cleaning and forming these back into shape so that they slide cleanly.

As for your missing 1/! slug, it's unlikely that you'll find someone selling just the slug itself and then you'll need to solder it on perfectly and/or adjust it slightly with appropriate tools to get the right alignment. Far better is to check around with repair shops that might have the same or similar machines which they're parting out and then you could request one. Your best bet is to purchase the entire typebar and slug assembly from a donor machine which you can then swap out into your machine and skip the soldering. For this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFMu6dUROGA can give you tips.

To find donor machines, try repair shops on this list: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

Olympia SM-3 SM-4 Typewriter Platen Roller Variable Ratchet Disassembly Repair Fix Plunger by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

J. J. Short Platen Day!!! My First Swap and Review- Test and Talk by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Part 4: COMPLETE Olympia SM3 Service and Repair Series: STICKY RIBBON LIFTER by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

The universal bar lifts the ribbon vibrator.

Adjustment points to adjust the ribbon lift heights for issues with red/black on bichrome use.

Maximum travel of the universal bar adjustment screws on crossbar that attaches to springs. timestamp 5:29

Screws at the ends of the cross bar which are attached to the key springs can be adjusted slightly to provide for heavier or lighter touch control. Timestamp 6:07

reply to u/riatai69 at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1e3c0zy/tools_for_a_deep_maintenance/

You can do a tremendous amount with just a few things:

• thin Philips screwdriver with a small magnet to hold/catch screws
• small adjustable wrench
• bottle of Simple Green (or other mild cleaner)
• can of mineral spirits (naphtha, paint thinner, varnish remover, PB B'laster etc.) with a standard/cheap restaurant refillable ketchup/mustard squeeze bottle
• Toothbrush (and/or brass bristle brush)
• canned air
• a piece of string (useful for reattaching some pieces without more specialized tools, and particularly for reattaching springs)
• light machine oil (gun or sewing machine) for very lightly oiling your carriage rails
• YouTube for watching lots of typewriter repair videos

If you want to go higher end and do a lot more

• a set of spring hooks with push/pull ends
• full set of small wrenches
• more custom screw drivers
• a nice thick felt pad (approx 15" x 15" x 1/2"+ for having a place to sit your typewriter on without scratching it up)
• a small lazy susan big enough to set your typewriter on to more easily manipulate it
• air compressor (to replace your canned air)
• bins and trays for storing typewriter parts and screws while you're taking them apart and putting back together
• a set up for spraying down/washing out typewriters (DIY ideas include paint roller trays or plastic milk crates as a base and plastic bins for catching the run off)
• wiping cloths or similar cloth rags for wiping things down

If you want to go crazy

• Keyring pliers
• set up for respooling ribbon from 330+ yard spools
• The Manual Typewriter Repair Bible https://typewriterrepairbible.com/ as well as various other repair manuals and all the tools listed within them.
• storage shelving for 100+ typewriters
• a small collection of machines for parting out
• an 800+ square foot workshop space
• a publisher for you book about typewriters

When you're really ready for full-on insanity

• professional dunk tank and fire suppression equipment
• Your own typewriter repair shop and storefront
• I hear there's one for sale in Cambridge, MA https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/05/17/business/cambridge-typewriter-new-owner-retirement-tom-furrier/ It probably comes with everything mentioned above as well as lots of machines for parting out.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUkDy-CP92u0XQ4oAl4nCsgid72Z9dl4E