Common tools, solvents, chemicals, and their Uses

Though typewriter repair may appear to be a dark art, requiring complicated and specialised tooling, most --if not all-- typewriter issues can be fixed with simple household materials and materials from the local hardware or surplus store. This is a list of common tools that you may encounter.

Tools

Tools are very important for getting inside your typewriter and for removing parts. Here are a few tools that should be included in every repairman's case.

Screwdrivers

You’ll want a nice set of screwdrivers. Long precision screwdrivers are very nice, and you’ll also want some with bigger handles for a better grip and for use with larger screws. Flat-head screwdrivers are most commonly used, you will rarely find any other kind of screw head. Holdy screwdrivers are also nice for driving hard-to-hold tiny screws. You can never have too many screwdrivers.
Make sure you have screwdrivers that fit the head of the screw well. Any looseness can cause stripping.

Pliers

Another essential tool of a typewriter repairman. Pliers are great for holding things and forming parts. Get a set of needle nose ones and some regular ones.

Wrenches

Many typewriters have nuts and bolts, along with screws. A good set of wrenches are essential for loosening these. The most common nut/bolt you will come across is 1/4”. An adjustable wrench is also good for those odd sizes you come across every now and again.

Dental Picks

Highly recommended; it is peerless when it comes to removing gunk from thin areas. One end may be bent into a hook to assist drawband pulling.
Check your grocery or drug store's dental care area, or look for clay tools at a craft store. It's a good idea to have plastic tips as well as metal if you can find them.

Spring Hooks are similar to dental picks, but are specifically designed for attaching extension springs. Useful, but not essential. Most dental picks will do the same job.

Brushes

You will want at least a toothbrush. They come in various stiffness; a hard one is recommended. You can also use a brass brush on typeslugs and plain metal to remove rust. Do not use a metal brush on paint, chrome, or delicate areas. Straw cleaning brushes are useful for reaching parts deep inside your typewriter without having to take it apart, as well.

Chemicals

You want to use as little chemicals and oils as possible, but the most commonly used are below.

Putty

You can buy typeslug cleaning putty that can be used multiple times. Use it each time after you use your typewriter to keep the characters looking sharp. This putty will not remove old, caked on ink and dirt. Make sure you brush everything, first.

Solvents, Scrubs, and Degreasers

Solvents are commonly used to loosen caked on dirt, dust, and other gunk. Here are some common solvents and degreasers. Be careful with these as they are not good for paint or rubber and will also dissolve those. Do NOT EVER use these on decals.

• Isopropyl Alcohol - Alcohol is one of the less aggressive chemical solvents. It does not smell too harshly, and evaporates quickly. Isopropyl Alcohol is more accessible and less volatile.
• Mineral Spirits - Mineral Spirits are more volatile and aggressive than Isopropyl Alcohol. Be very careful with this, as the fumes are not good for your brain.
• Degreasers - There are various degreasers you can use. The most recommended are Mean Green, Purple Power, and Zep Orange. Once you have cleaned with these, you will need to flush the area with something like Isopropyl alcohol. Water can be used, as well, but make sure you get everything very dry.
• Dish Soap - A mild degreaser and surfactant, hand dish detergent is sometimes the best option. Try to avoid things with petroleum like Dawn. Use diluted in water with a damp cloth or toothbrush.
• Soft Scrub/Cif Cream Cleanser - Do not get the type with bleach in it! This can be used safely with a toothbrush on crinkle paint, the rough stuff from the late 40s through early 60s. Please test in an area that's not easily seen, first. Any problems with peeling paint will be made worse by scrubbing. This stuff is great for cleaning platens and making them a bit more grippy, too. Make sure you wipe it down well with a damp cloth a few times to get all residue off. Never use it on gloss paint!

Penetrants

These should not be used as oil, even if the package says you can. These include WD40, PB Blast, 3n1 Oil and the like. You will want something to free stuck screws. Drip some onto the screw head and let it penetrate into the threads. Don't spray it on your typewriter, as you'll have to clean it all off. Be patient and wait before trying to remove screws you haven't had out recently. It can be difficult to find proper replacements if you strip them.

Oil

The proper oil for typewriters is light machine oil. It's also used for sewing machines and guns, so you can use either of those. Light machine oils include Rem-Oil, Hoppes 9, and even trumpet valve oil.

Despite popular belief in some places on the internet, oil is good for typewriters, in certain places. DO NOT OVER-OIL AND NEVER OIL DIRTY PARTS. Keep oil to places like carriage rails, carriage wheels, and the escapement. Sometimes the ribbon system, backspace, and tabulator mechanisms need oiling too. It is generally not recommended to oil the segment.

Rust Removers

Chemicals

• Do not put any of these on anything but bare metal.
• Evaporust - Nontoxic, water based, biodegradable, liquid. Apply with cotton swab.
• Naval Jelly - A bit toxic, use in a ventilated place, gel so it sticks on better. Apply with cotton swab or small paintbrush.

Physical

• Fine Wet-Sand - sandpaper or sponge meant to be used with water. This will keep dust down and quickly strips rust off things like rails.
• Emery Cloth - This is basically a very fine sandpaper. It's good for polishing. If you use wet sand, this should be your second step.
• Melamine Eraser - Works on surface rust, but takes a lot of elbow grease.
• Steel Wool - will leave shavings, so don't use on parts inside the machine without running a vacuum. Emery cloth is a better alternative.