From what I read, the little bit of oil that can be used should only be on active machines. If it’s sitting for a long time it’s better to have them dry. Have you used oil? If so, any recommendations on brand?
reply to u/grenierdave at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1w86wy5/first_typewriter/
I like this Sewing Parts oil because it's got a nice, long "zoom spout" for dispensing a drop at a time. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV4G9R1Sypers.html
I also sometimes use Rem Oil in a spray can, but that can be overly aggressive, so I follow it up with my air compressor at 75-90psi to blow off the excess.
Using a toothpick, screwdriver with a long shank and flat blade, or a long q-tip saturated in oil, and doing a "drop" at a time on moving parts is an old-school trick as well. A 4 oz bottle of oil should last you nearly forever.
Another trick some will use is to do a 10:1 mixture of mineral spirits to oil on their last treatment of a machine. The mineral spirits will flash off fairly quickly and leave an incredibly thin coat of oil on all the parts that need it (with exception to the segment.)
A drop of oil on your carriage rails every couple of weeks is also useful for ongoing maintenance.
See also:<br /> - https://boffosocko.com/2024/08/09/on-colloquial-advice-for-degreasing-cleaning-and-oiling-manual-typewriters/ - https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/06/typewriter-use-and-maintenance-for-beginning-to-intermediate-typists/