Common Questions

Others have felt your pain.

Common Repairs

How do I reattach the drawband?

The concept is similar across many typewriters. Check out some of these videos, and of course search google.

Royal Typewriter Draw Band String Cable Reattached Main Spring Wound

Royal "O" Typewriter Draw Band Repaired Replaced Mainspring Wound

Cleaning

Help! There's white powder on my keys!?

No, typewriters do not automatically generate cocaine.

White powder on 1950s and later plastic keys is a result of a chemical process known as degassing and a result of decomposition in the plastic itself. It can be removed with vigorous dry rubbing, with bare fingers or gently with a Scotch Brite pad. Some say that WD-40 on your fingers may help. Do a couple now, do something else, do a couple more. You might get blisters. Have fun!

How do I remove hair, dust, and other gunk?

A detailing brush with a small handheld vacuum that's used for computers can be effective at removing hair and other debris. Other tools one might use are a dental pick, a paint brush, and pipe/straw cleaners (single use or reusable, hard and soft). Using tools can be more effective than canned air at times.

An air compressor can send piece of your typewriter flying if they're not secure, so some prefer a low powered vacuum with a dust cup with filter. There are ones for cleaning electronics/keyboards that can serve this purpose. Others used canned air or low pressure compressors.

How do I clean up my crinkle paint?

Clean with WD-40 and a toothbrush. Per usual, make sure to keep WD-40 stays away from the innards. Exclusively apply it to the panels Avoid any decals and painted lettering/details. Wipe off with a dry rag to absorb it. WD-40 is hydrophobic so if you use a wet rag it won’t soak up.

Common Problems

How do I fix a sticky ribbon vibrator?

Could be gunked up or need to be re-formed. Definitely rule out all other potential causes before bending the metal.

What do I do if letters are getting cut off?

This could be because your ribbon vibrator (the part that raises the ribbon up) is not raising enough OR that you need some adjustment to the shift mechanism. A fix for the former can be easier and should be attempted first. However, before any repairs should be attempted, make sure it is *clean*. Dirt and will also prevent it from raising high enough. On a few machines, an improperly threaded ribbon will also cause this issue.