Are you looking for the best typewriter ribbons for your vintage typewriter but don’t know where to begin? The links below are to universal ribbons which fit most machines. We use these ribbons on most of the machines we sell. The links below will take you to the Amazon site where you can buy these ribbons cheaply and easily with quick delivery.
If you have any questions about which ribbon your typewriter uses, you can get in contact with us. We are always happy to help out!
We also suggest compressed air in a can for cleaning dust from any hard to reach places in your typewriter. But, remember the easiest way to avoid dust, is to keep your typewriter covered when not in use.
We often get asked which paper is best for typing. While most standard printer paper will work, it is always nice to have a block of purpose typewriter paper on hand. Here are our picks:
We also love the range of letter writing sets you can find. These make letters to friends even more special. These Cherry Blossom Papers are our favorites.
The Typewriter Coloring Book is now available on AMAZON
The Typewriter Coloring Book features some of the many typewriters we have had in store. We loved creating fantastic coloring pages from real typewriters. The Typewriter Coloring Book has more than 30 coloring pages of fabulous retro and vintage typewriters. We also added interesting facts and information about typewriters for you to enjoy.
We love sharing our passion for typewriters and The Typewriter Coloring Book is another way for us to share the joy of typewriters with even more people. Grab your copy today or give one away as a gift.
All our typewriters are working vintage typewriters that are ready to use as soon as you open the box. They have new ribbon preinstalled and come with instructions for use.
The majority of vintage typewriters use a universal-sized typewriter ribbon making it simple, quick and easy to change the typewriter ribbon when you run out of ink.
We have more information about which typewriter ribbon to buy here.
Once you have the new typewriter ribbon you can replace this by following the easy guide below:
How to replace a typewriter ribbon with a new universal ribbon:
Step one:
Gather the necessary supplies: You will need a replacement typewriter ribbon that is compatible with your typewriter model. Typewriter ribbons are usually available at office supply stores or online.
Prepare your workspace: Find a clean and well-lit area to work on your typewriter. Clear any clutter and ensure you have enough space to maneuver.
Locate the ribbon cover: The ribbon cover is usually positioned on the top or front of the typewriter. It may be a hinged metal or plastic panel that can be opened to access the ribbon. Open the ribbon cover: Carefully lift or swing open the ribbon cover to expose the old ribbon and the spools.
Step two:
Remove the old ribbon: Look for the two spools that hold the old ribbon in place. They are typically located on either side of the typewriter. Release any clips or levers that secure the spools and carefully remove the old ribbon. Take note of how the ribbon is threaded through the guides to assist you during the reinstallation.
Step three:
Prepare the new ribbon: Unpack your new typewriter ribbon and identify the two spools. Some ribbons may have an arrow indicating the direction in which the ribbon should thread. If not, ensure the ribbon is oriented properly with the inked side facing the paper.
Insert the new spools: Begin by placing one of the spools in its designated location on the typewriter. Take the loose end of the ribbon and guide it through the various guides and around any necessary pulleys or tensioning mechanisms according to the threading pattern of the old ribbon. Ensure the ribbon is properly aligned and does not twist or tangle. Make sure the black ink is above the red ink and that the ribbon is coming around the spools. See image below.
Install the second spool: Once the ribbon is threaded correctly, position the second spool on its designated side of the typewriter. Make sure the ribbon remains taut but not overly stretched. Secure the spool with any clips or levers provided.
Step four:
Feed the ribbon through the small guides at the sides of the spools and through the ribbon carrier. Flick the key hammers back down and disengage the shift lock.
Test the ribbon: Gently turn the typewriter’s mechanism by hand to ensure the ribbon advances smoothly and is properly aligned. Check that the ribbon reverses direction when you press the carriage return key or use the appropriate mechanism for your typewriter.
Close the ribbon cover: Once you are satisfied with the ribbon installation, carefully close the ribbon cover until it clicks or locks into place.
With these steps, you should be able to successfully change the ribbon on your typewriter. However, it’s always a good idea to consult the user manual specific to your typewriter model for any additional instructions or nuances related to ribbon replacement.
Make sure to put the new ribbon in the correct way..
Replacing new typewriter ribbon on original spools
If your typewriter uses smaller spools you can follow the simple steps below to wind a universal ribbon onto the original spools:
Step 1 – Remove the old ribbon from the original spools
Gather the necessary supplies: You will need a replacement typewriter ribbon that is compatible with your typewriter model. Typewriter ribbons are usually available at office supply stores or online.
Prepare your workspace: Find a clean and well-lit area to work on your typewriter. Clear any clutter and ensure you have enough space to maneuver.
Locate the ribbon cover: The ribbon cover is usually positioned on the top or front of the typewriter. It may be a hinged metal or plastic panel that can be opened to access the ribbon.
Open the ribbon cover: Carefully lift or swing open the ribbon cover to expose the old ribbon and the spools.
Remove the old ribbon: Look for the two spools that hold the old ribbon in place. They are typically located on either side of the typewriter. Release any clips or levers that secure the spools and carefully remove the old ribbon. Be careful to keep any clips that may hold the ribbon onto the spools or any screws that may hold the spools onto the typewriter. Some ribbons are held in place on the spool using a clip, while others are attached by a spike. Take note of how the ribbon is threaded through the guides to assist you during the reinstallation.
Once the spools are both empty you are ready to install the new ribbon.
Step 2 – Installing new ribbon
For this job, it is best to use some rubber gloves. Winding ribbon soaked in ink can be pretty messy!
Remove one end of the ribbon from the new spools and unhook it from the spool. You might find it easier to cut the ribbon off as close to the spool as possible.
Attach the end of the new ribbon onto the spike of one of the old empty spools or clip the ribbon onto one of the old empty spools as necessary. Notice the direction of the spike, because you will be winding the ribbon onto the old spool in the opposite direction. (Otherwise the ribbon will come loose).
Step 3 – Filling the Spools
Carefully wind the new ribbon onto the old spool while unravelling it from the new spool. This takes a little practice and you may find it easiest to use a pencil inserted into the spool hole to spin the spool easier. Make sure that the ribbon is flat and not twisted.
Allowing the spools to roll like wheels (so lightly hold the middle of the spools only) this will unravel the new ribbon from the full spool.
Keep doing this until all the new ribbon is wound onto your old spool. When you have finished the once full new spool should now be empty and showing its spike or clip. Cut the ribbon off the spike of the now empty new spool and attach it to the spike on remaining empty old spool.
Replace the original spools with the new ribbon back into the typewriter and start typing again with fresh ink!
Replacement universal ribbons
If you are not sure which ribbon to buy, check our post on The Best Ribbons for your vintage typewriter. Below is a link to universal-sized ribbons that are easily purchased on Amazon for a low price.
We get asked a lot about where to find different color ribbons. Below is a link to this supplier of multi-colour ribbons also on Amazon.
These fab color ribbons are also available on Amazon
Our Typewriter Coloring Book is here!
The Typewriter Coloring Book is now available on AMAZON
The Typewriter Coloring Book features some of the many typewriters we have had in store. We loved creating fantastic coloring pages from real typewriters. The Typewriter Coloring Book has more than 30 coloring pages of fabulous retro and vintage typewriters. We also added interesting facts and information about typewriters for you to enjoy.
We love sharing our passion for typewriters and The Typewriter Coloring Book is another way for us to share the joy of typewriters with even more people. Grab your copy today or give one away as a gift.
There are so many fantastic vintage typewriters still around today. Finding the best vintage typewriter for your needs usually comes down to a mixture of personal taste combined with any special requirements you have for writing.
The infographic below gives a broad overview of the styles of typewriters per decade. This is a great place to start when choosing what kind of typewriter is best for you.
Finding The Best Vintage Typewriter by Decade
Once you have decided on the decade or decades that most suits your taste, you can then narrow down your search for the best vintage typewriter for your taste and needs.
We love to help people find the perfect typewriter to suit their needs. You can contact us with your needs and we will help you figure out the best style and model of typewriter to suit you!
Why do we love vintage typewriters?
Vintage typewriters remind us to slow down. They teach us to enjoy the art of writing without distraction again.
It is surprisingly rewarding to watching the keys type ink directly on a page.
No one is making typewriters anymore, so we need to treasure the typewriters that are still working. They are the last of a kind. So, your typewriter will actually appreciate in value over the years.
Vintage typewriters look great on any desk.
They are so super easy to use. No updates are required, no virus check needed and they are completely hacker-proof!
They give you an instant physical backup of your work. There is no way to mistakenly delete your work.
They do not need an internet connection and there is no need to charge them.
I hope the typewriters in my store will inspire more people to treasure these beautiful machines from the pre-digital age.
The Typewriter Coloring Book is now available on AMAZON
The Typewriter Coloring Book features some of the many typewriters we have had in store. We loved creating fantastic coloring pages from real typewriters. The Typewriter Coloring Book has more than 30 coloring pages of fabulous retro and vintage typewriters. We also added interesting facts and information about typewriters for you to enjoy.
We love sharing our passion for typewriters and The Typewriter Coloring Book is another way for us to share the joy of typewriters with even more people. Grab your copy today or give one away as a gift.
There is something so special about receiving a letter in the post. The joy of getting a personal letter with a stamp on it in an envelope is such a forgotten joy. And we hope to bring letter writing back in fashion.
We are all so busy these days, that we just fire off an email to someone to say ‘hey, thinking of you. Hope all is well…’ Nice to do, but how much nicer for that loved one to open their letterbox and find a personal letter! The joy of it! The spontaneity and the pleasure of knowing someone took time to write a letter, put it in an envelope, write the address on it, put a stamp on it and take it to the mailbox! Wow, that’s so cool!
Yes, it can seem a little weird to get started, but once you start writing and receiving letters back you will love it! I promise!
So What Letters Can We Write?
1. Write a letter to a friend, just because.
2. Send a real letter to someone you follow online. Like a post you read? Be different and send a letter telling how you liked the post.
3. Send your mum a letter, or you Grandmother, or your Aunt. I promise you will be the favored child if you do this! Bonus points if you also include a clipped recipe or article you think they might enjoy.
4. Write a note to your kid’s teacher, saying thanks for the great job they do.
5. Write to someone serving abroad. Operation Gratitude accepts letters thanking Troops, Veterans, New Recruits, or First Responders for their service. Share the love.
6. Send an updated photo of the kids to a grandparent you don’t see often
7. Write a fun letter to your partner or child and hide it somewhere they will find it.
8. Send a letter to your friend who is celebrating a birthday.
9. Pick a friend who lives a long way from you. Send them a letter that includes an envelope and stamp for them to reply to you. This could be the beginning of a fun way to keep in touch.
10. Send a thank you for a gift you received or for a dinner you attended.
11. Write to thank your doctor, dentist or hairdresser for the work they do.
12. Write a fan letter to your favorite band, actor or singer. Go all old-school with this!
13. Get involved in a movement by putting your writing skills to use for Amnesty International
14. Join the Letter Writing Alliance and be part of the movement towards writing letters again.
Our newest typewriters:
All our typewriters are fully working typewriters that are perfect for writing letters and notes to your friends and loved ones.
The Typewriter Coloring Book is now available on AMAZON
The Typewriter Coloring Book features some of the many typewriters we have had in store. We loved creating fantastic coloring pages from real typewriters. The Typewriter Coloring Book has more than 30 coloring pages of fabulous retro and vintage typewriters. We also added interesting facts and information about typewriters for you to enjoy.
We love sharing our passion for typewriters and The Typewriter Coloring Book is another way for us to share the joy of typewriters with even more people. Grab your copy today or give one away as a gift.
The Typewriter Coloring Book is now available on AMAZON
The Typewriter Coloring Book features some of the many typewriters we have had in store. We loved creating fantastic coloring pages from real typewriters. The Typewriter Coloring Book has more than 30 coloring pages of fabulous retro and vintage typewriters. We also added interesting facts and information about typewriters for you to enjoy.
We love sharing our passion for typewriters and The Typewriter Coloring Book is another way for us to share the joy of typewriters with even more people. Grab your copy today or give one away as a gift.
SOLDOlivetti Dora Typewriter and Case$225.00 USD
SOLDGreen Olympia Traveller Typewriter$320.00 USD
SOLDOlympia SM2 Typewriter$320.00 USD
SOLDRetro Red Remington Typewriter$200.00 USD
