Fixing Stuck and Dirty Typewriter Keys

Рет қаралды 199,544

Күн бұрын

In this video, we take a look at how to fix your stuck typewriter keys and what chemicals not to use on your machine. While we have the necessary supplies available, we also take a look at assuring that your print comes out crisp and clean. Join in and be sure to watch. Any questions, feel free to ask and don’t forget to subscribe!

Пікірлер: 283

@producer73 3 жыл бұрын

Disc brake cleaner, Coleman naphtha fuel, and when they are really really stuck Lacquer thinner. Been cleaning and bringing typewriters back to life since the early 90's. :-)

@meursault7030 2 жыл бұрын

Good taste in music.

@producer73 2 жыл бұрын

@@meursault7030 Thanks Man!

@belindahoneywell3515 7 ай бұрын

I'm looking for typewriter repair person in Louisiana, any referral would be appreciated for my vintage typewriter. One person gave an $800 estimate. Shocking price.

@pierrex3226 6 ай бұрын

800 to do what? White spirit or anything quite strong, thinner and the likes, with one these brushes for in between teeth, and a spray bottle, and compressed air, from a can if you don't have access to a compressor, will get you a long way. If the machine needs actual repair, idk, I wouldn't know where to source spare parts for example.

@toecutter1978 2 ай бұрын

Brake cleaner is not too rough of a chemical on some of the materials? I understand you do not want to get it on the finish or keys.

@UnlicensedOkie 6 жыл бұрын

I just love the sound of a mechanical typewriter. one of the most satisfying sounds

@holycrusader1842 4 жыл бұрын

I agree

@tilmanluther1887 3 жыл бұрын

Me too. I have an old kmart typewriter. It's pretty cool

@loveisall5520 2 жыл бұрын

I've been typing since I was a boy in the sixties, even worked as a professional typist through a decade of college. However, my thing was office machines and word processors and of course, IBM always maintained even my personal machines. As an old man living in a fairly small town, there are no typewriter repairmen anywhere near me and I'm gonna have to learn how to do some of this myself on my vintage machines. Thanks so much for the video!

@RapmasterY Жыл бұрын

You are amazing sir, you must have lived such an interesting life. I am from the 90's and very much feel like going back to how things were. So I was taught how to type from when it was common for people to have PCs / MACs, my dad would always have the latest tech, so I was intrigued from a young age, intrigued by the digital world but also the typing. My father would be typing so swift and fast, I would want to learn from him, I then was taught at school , to type blindly, to type, without thinking of the action itself, i didn't find my apprenticeship that year, when I was 16/17, so I went to another school, who then trained me again on it, for another year, so I've been typing ever since, and I can't even tell, but I must be some sort of type maniac, as I write a lot, hence forth I became 'a writer' ahahha, which , what, does it even mean, i guess, when one writes a lot, one can call one self a writer ? haha anyhow, I loved your comment, I am sending you my best wishes sir, you deserve the best sir, so nice we have @TheAspiringTypist sharing his knowledge

@andyowens2645 3 жыл бұрын

I know you posted this a couple of years ago, but you've helped me tremendously today. I could NOT get a key to smoothly strike and spring back no matter what I did on a barn-found Royalite from 1962. But you had the answer, one of the bars was bent just a tiny bit and it was getting stuck. Now it's shiny from all the mineral spirits and it works. Thanks!

@rmcafee7025 2 жыл бұрын

Which key would I hit to unlock the keys when they quit working.?

@alijackson2477 7 ай бұрын

You are exactly what I needed with sticking keys on quiet deluxe royal. Thanks from a history enthusiast. Truly appreciated

@khenichi4616 2 жыл бұрын

You're a typewriter saver! I was just about to reach for wd40 for my old typewriter. Thanks loads! Lots of love from the Philippines!

@TheAspiringTypist 2 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

@bwhog 8 ай бұрын

WD40 is great for loosening stuck bolts and so on but not for cleaning stuff out! Excellent stuff, but for the right applications only!

@marloeshoebers9705 Жыл бұрын

Thank you! This video helped me fix my vintage typewriter. It now types beautifully and no more stuck keys!

@fitthejack 4 жыл бұрын

Is it killing anyone else that he’s testing all these keys straight on the platen with a ribbon in there

@normaconway1393 4 жыл бұрын

yes! ha Ha!

@johntapp1411 4 жыл бұрын

It’s better to have a sheet or two of paper.

@wclark3196 3 жыл бұрын

A bit of alcohol on a cloth will clean off the ink.

@beverlyannking 3 жыл бұрын

yes -- my old typing teacher would have given him an F for the day!! I can hear her now: never type without a piece of paper -- you will ruin the platen! LOL

@kevinmonceaux2101 3 жыл бұрын

Yes!

@Maddtuna Жыл бұрын

bought an old underwood typewriter to use as a prop in a video. V B & N were stuck... I grabbed my WD-40 assuming it would be the best thing. I found this video right after and I'm so glad I did! Used some Rubbing alcohol and now it's working just fine! Thank you!!

@wahoospa1 4 жыл бұрын

The best way to clean sticking keys is using what is known as a segment pick. You slide the segment pick into the slot the key is in and scoop out the debris in there. Also slowly raise the key up and see if it is rubbing one side or the other of the segment anvil, if so you will have to form the type bar left or right depending on what side is rubbing in the anvil. Like that word "form"? When working on typewriters one is trained to refer 'form' and not bending. Also a super, super dirty machine would need to be chemically cleaned, oiled, and adjusted.

@bwhog 8 ай бұрын

Yes, you can get precision picks (dental tool sort of things) and one of them is a straight pick that ought to fit perfectly into those slots. Just be careful not to bend the delicate tip of it while you're digging.

@benhurst9515 5 жыл бұрын

I just found this video and I immediately subscribed. I am starting to get into typewriters so I am binging every video I can found about them! This has been the best and most helpful one!

@jessicabrackett1034 5 жыл бұрын

YOU RULE!!!! I just rescued SO MANY TYPEWRITERS using your video! Nobody wants a typewriter with sticky keys, and I am grateful to how easy you made it to fix them

@jerrymcdonald6832 Жыл бұрын

Why anyone would make a video about cleaning a typewriter would have befuddled, me until I came into ownership of a 1941 Royal Quiet De Luxe. Thank you!!! It's a beautiful machine that I have.

@GoldenTV3 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Just bought my first 1970s smith and corona type writer off of craigslist yesterday and some of the keys were stuck. This video really helped. Thanks!

@bucchinostraniero 4 жыл бұрын

This is a trully professional video. You explain things in a few and simple words. Thank you very much for your precious help.

@taylorh1020 4 жыл бұрын

I just followed your video and fixed all my awful slow keys on my Skyriter. It types great now. Thank you so much for the mention of mineral spirits in a spray bottle. I kept using alcohol but using that and jiggling the keys did the trick. Thanks so much for the vid.

@mllebiddies 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! Decided to clean up my Underwood Leader typewriter today with these tips. It WORKED. Almost all the keys were sticky before. Now all of them work.

@Paykwee 5 жыл бұрын

I swear this is the only helpful typewriter cleaning video! Thank you so much!

@kennethcox421 2 жыл бұрын

This was very helpful, Thank you, however, Joe Van Cleave, Phoenix Typewriter, and Jot and Tittle Typewriters have cleaning videos on KZfaq. I have learned something from all of them.

@sydney6107 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video. I have a typewriter from the 1910's and my dad was going off of his experience with restoring cars. Will definitely try the rubbing alcohol.

@yowtfputthemaskbackon9202 4 жыл бұрын

watch out though that shit will start rusting in an instant, rubbing alcohol and break cleaner are curses to small machienery if you fuck around with the,m, always put some oil in afterwards.

@onman14 2 жыл бұрын

I don't own a typewriter. I don't need a typewriter. I have never even used a typewriter in my life, yet I'm watching this now, and for whatever reason I'm actually enjoying it.

@crystalmoon4419 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this very helpful and informative video! Love that there’s troubleshooting to show what the issues could be. Great form 🥰👍😊

@gloriabarletta2491 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!!! I bought a Royal typewriter at an estate sale for $3. Not much money if it didn't work. Well, I tried it and some of the keys stuck. I saw your video and and I was so happy I did! I did as you said, and as a result, it works great! Thanks again for saving my estate sale buy!!!!

@MirjamMirre 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful thank you! Just bought my first Royal Standard #5 and can’t wait to make it shine again.

@philipgregorysougles1744 Жыл бұрын

That 4k view of your typewriters is awesome! I was about to use WD40 on an SM4 and you saved the day.

@F4Wildcat 5 жыл бұрын

I bought an Scheidegger Typematic TMS for 1 euro, complete with everything. The guy who owned said it was broken because most of the keys where stuck. I figured something just needed some TLC. This video learned me how to fix it and my Scheidegger types like a charm now! Thanks alot @the aspiring typist #the aspiring typist for this tutorial!

@jhenry330 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this video. I picked up a 1949 Royal and the keys were sticking bad. I used the alcohol, but things really took off after I blew compressed air on the newly soaked hinged area!

@patricia1333 Жыл бұрын

I’ve started using a 1909 Underwood and your description is EXACTLY the problem I’m facing. Going to apply all I am learning here and let you know how it goes!

@dr.wm.anthonyconnolly5803 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. You know you’d think after years of collecting typewriters I’d know how to properly clean sticky keys but it wasn’t until I stumbled across your video that the use of rubbing alcohol sprayed at the joint of the keys does the trick. So thank you. It worked very well…

@jilliannicoleramsay 3 жыл бұрын

All I was wondering was WD40. Thanks for the "NO! NO!" advice (ASAP) on this and more.

@laxtobuttgroyn1193 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! This will make Mr. Moody at the bank really happy.

@lindeehopkins6439 6 жыл бұрын

This is AWESOME! TY. I saw one of your YT w/ red '50s Smith Corona..."Why I use a typewriter to write", & loved it! Just bought myself a Royal Arrow & my granddaughter a Royal from the 60's...we both like to write. I told her about your YT...so excited to get started!

@hltvieira6354 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial. Thank you very much for the detailed instructions. A help as I just bought a 1964 Smith Corona Galaxie which works beautifully except the letter "Gg" sticks. Now if I could find a gorgeous Royal like the one you show here it or my very favorite electric from my 40 years as a secretary: the IBM Executive 🥰 One day I'll find one I can afford 🤞

@mysteriesinmind 3 жыл бұрын

This was just what I needed. I searched for "How to oil a manual typewriter" -- I didn't realize what I would find was the answer to "SHOULD I oil a manual typewriter," and the answer would be a definite NO! Subscribing now and I really appreciate your efforts.

@sammartin7515 3 жыл бұрын

Just got a typewriter and so glad I found this video! Thank you much! (The typewriter in question is an Underwood no. 5)

@mraven8036 4 жыл бұрын

I just got a S-C Electra 210 and she needs some TLC. I've ordered a new ribbon and I'll get to cleaning! Thank you for the video!

@rafaelruizm.2910 6 жыл бұрын

Great video! Very instructive. I just got an old Halda typewriter and I was looking for info about how to clean it and restore it. Also there is a lot of mystery buttons that I don't know what they are for. I hope you keep doing more videos!

@crimeneysake6207 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks bunches. I am one of those WD40 fixes almost anything people. This explains my chronic stick on return problem.

@angelinaphillips2165 6 жыл бұрын

Crimeney Sake so is my hubby, so i listened to him and sprayed like crazy, well not crazy. Dammit. Should've done some research.

@gherriman5945 5 жыл бұрын

@@angelinaphillips2165 Find Phoenix Typewriter's video about a Royal Quiet Deluxe that was seriously messed up because of WD40, and then how it cleaned up. You probably already found it, but in case you have not.

@jtrindle9383 2 жыл бұрын

Yes same here I'm glad I watched this first

@petermurphy5302 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot - Brother De Luxe 1510 now rockin and rollin again!

@HappyHellscapes Жыл бұрын

I’ve found using craft bottles (the ones with the needle tip type applicator) is good for applying alcohol to small tight spaces like that.

@ummidontknow55 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the information. Super helpful!

@scubadudefrommaine 4 жыл бұрын

IT WORKED! Thanks so much for the knowledge.

@ShaunVictor2507 Жыл бұрын

This is a great video. I've found my grandmother's Remington travel-riter and was going to use grease to get the bars to work :) looking forward to getting the typewriter up and running from your advice.

@sharonking9652 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this information. I am waiting to get a Royal Futura 800 in the mail any day now. I was told everything works, and hopefully it does. I know it will definitely need cleaning and this information will be very helpful.

@TheAspiringTypist 6 жыл бұрын

+Sharon King I’m glad, Sharon! Hopefully you already received the Royal and have had the time to enjoy it!

@danielpollak3255 Жыл бұрын

Great Tipps not to make the obvious errors of using WD40 or silicone spray, but it really hurts see you type on the naked rubber cylinder... Thanks for the video!

@piggystims702 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for making this video. I just picked up a 1965 Singer Scholastic T4/Royal Royalite. It is so similar to the skyriter, this video is perfect for what I specifically need to know!

@piggystims702 Жыл бұрын

My 1/4 key was also the one sticking 😆

@BEWedPhotography 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, good video, very helpful for a beginner collector

@Charlotte-lj8kl Жыл бұрын

Excellent. Very helpful to clean sticking keys

@ClaireOSullivanAuthor 6 ай бұрын

I just got a 1960s (in there somewhere) Smith Corona Galaxie since I want to write up my characters/plot/outlines on a typewriter and the computer is just too distracting for the intense work x for research. I was glad to see I can try rubbing alcohol - before I obtain the mineral spirits. The left shift key sticks as well, and wondering what to do about that, if you are able to get back to your previous videos. These vids of yours are exactly what I need. Thanks so much.

@GuidoArg26 Жыл бұрын

I really appreciate this vid. I bought an Erika Number 5 and fixed some keys. Thank you from Argentina.

@braderichsen7198 Жыл бұрын

Perfect, my 1956 Smith-Corona Sterling is flying again. Thanks for the help.

@KerrymayMakes 6 жыл бұрын

Perfect thank you. I have an old consul that looks a lot like the first one and it keeps sticking. I have rubbing alcohol so will give it a go tomorrow.

@johnlennon1049 2 жыл бұрын

You’re the BEST man! Subscribed and rang the little bell too!

@dhirajshetty483 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial ! Thanks so much ! I'm subscribing 😄

@laurachalich2512 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you SO much!! This was super helpful! :D

@MikeBarzacchini 2 жыл бұрын

Helpful tips. Thank you!

@joetreetop5960 3 жыл бұрын

My wife gifted me an old Imperial which is totally awesome. Some of its keys are getting stuck so I’m going to apply your technique. Thanks man. Love your passion.

@jonathanmcclure8346 4 жыл бұрын

I clicked so many videos before I found this one. This is exactly what I needed ! Straight simple and informative. Thanks !

@CarlosGomez-vt9pk 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I was ready to get some sewing machine oil or maybe Labelle, but now I will go back to my trusty rubbing alcohol.

@goob8600 3 жыл бұрын

This video helped alot and I mean alot! Thank you I got a 1967 smith corona corsair rust everywhere on the hammers they were so stuck but yeah very good video!

@sms-2014 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks -- really helpful!!

@SredniVashtar83 6 ай бұрын

This is awesome, thank you!

@SmutGrrl 9 ай бұрын

Very helpful! I just got a used Biser. It's been kept fairly well, but some of the keys do stick, and I'm excited to give it some cleaning. Hopefully it works well. It already types pretty well so I'm enthusiastic.

@bwhog 8 ай бұрын

Be VERY careful if you are using alcohol or mineral spirits. It is vital that you get it ONLY where you want it. Alcohol and mineral spirits can damage plastics and other materials and even strip certain types of paint (especially if it is already loose.) Just want to make sure that warning is in here somewhere. Also, make sure you do careful evaluation before just going to bend or flex things. You want to make sure you're attacking the right area and not introducing more problems while trying to fix another one.

@a100enbajada7 3 жыл бұрын

thank you! great and useful video

@cathycreates Ай бұрын

So helpful, thank you.

@Rakanaldukhaiel 6 жыл бұрын

Your videos very helpful man, I'm watching you from arabic country you know typewriter is rare here, so don't stop man, good luck bro.

@LuxurioMusic Жыл бұрын

Great video! I got a typewriter (and old Oliver of some kind) a long time ago and wanted to start using it, but the keys feel really heavy and the slugs have a tendency to get stuck, so I'm gonna try this out. Glad you got the WD40 comment in because that was the first thing I was going to try before looking up how to do it.

@rufinoongstudios 6 жыл бұрын

Hello there Aspiring Typist! I have just picked up a Royal DeLuxe this morning ! Never used a typewriter before - I just thought it’s a super cool mechanical item! And there’s a few dirty area underneath it - thank you for posting your video :) I am now more confident in cleaning my Royal

@MrGyges 2 ай бұрын

Great stuff. Thank you,✅

@jamescassell4143 Жыл бұрын

this is such a great video! absolutely perfect and cant thank you enough :)

@moel2753 4 жыл бұрын

I have that exact typewriter lol made cleaning my typewriter much easier.

@ankitgandhidas6239 3 жыл бұрын

It's really informative

@Recroom.Phone-Gamer Жыл бұрын

Very helpful, thanks you!!! Now i only have the problem that the spacebar doesn’t work

@carolfox6334 2 жыл бұрын

Really helpful thanks

@theeditor1149 2 жыл бұрын

This was such a great simple video on how to clean a typewriter. I have an 87 brother electrical typewriter and ive been too scared to clean it in case i damage it and its in very good condition already but i might just give the inner bits a wipe after seeing this, thank you so much for this.

@jessicagalloway3465 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!! I just found a 1940's (I believe) royal kmm typwriter. It is severely dirty.....but all the mechanicals are working surprisingly. Preparing to give it a good cleaning. Ordered new ribbon (hopefully the right one). Do you have any suggestion to clean the key buttons up without any damage. They are readable just a little foggy. Thank you in advance and thank you again for all your info.

@krishnamurthyur1454 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you it helped me

@spinrodriguez8930 6 жыл бұрын

Great video. I’d love to see another one about cleaning up the non-functional things on a typewriter. Like the tops of keys or the glossy parts to really make them shine.

@TheAspiringTypist 6 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a plan for an upcoming video!

@kgpspyguy 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve always used simple green to good results.

@PetalsandParchment 6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! 💓

@jtrindle9383 2 жыл бұрын

We have an old very stuck manual typewriter that I was going to surplus but while it was sitting on the "to go" pile a boy in our community found it and begged me to keep it around. He has some learning difficulties but is a bright 10 year old and I'm betting if we work together on this it's going to be just what he's needing to get him interested in, as he puts it, " how letters get put together for words"

@Whatsamattau2 2 жыл бұрын

Thx, very helpful

@thethriftyfawn 2 жыл бұрын

SUBscribed! Bought my first typewriter a couple days ago, and it will need a good cleaning before I can use it, but this video will help!

@sabinevanerp Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@incomsquad3037 6 жыл бұрын

I wish to add that although you say never use oil on a typewriter, there is one common exception. For the garage sale/ thrift shop finds with slight rusting on the underside (anywhere there's a joint on the main key bars) I tend to use a light penetrating oil/ silicon dry lube followed by working the keys. The oil/lube has just enough resistance between the joints to loosen up any grime or rust buildup, which I then use mineral spirits to flush out. The mineral spirits also tend to clear out any remaining silicon lube so it's like it was never there. Again, underside ONLY! never should oil be used on topside mechanical parts

@tomyates5486 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for doing these videos... Did you ever do the video on the Skywriter bottom cleaning? I have a mid-'60's Sears Chieftain, which I believe is the same machine. And yes, the bottom makes a nice platform, but the downside to that feature is obvious.

@infinitymiracle6892 2 жыл бұрын

Hello there! This is SUCH a great video! I’m just wondering if you can use 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol to make the keys more flexible. Thanks!

@22eoras 5 жыл бұрын

Didnt know where else to ask but here I go... btw the video was great and helped alot! Its a Smith-Corona Silent Super and the (,) key does not move, almost ike.its locked. So yea its absolutly stuck with no movement. Any idea how to go about this?

@janicehicks3556 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!!

@Emily-ob7yq Жыл бұрын

I was at a thrift store recently and bought a Remington ram model seventeen for 20$ everything seems to work though it needs a new ink ribbon and the y key comes back really slow. I know nothing about typewriter but for some reason I just felt the need to try to make it work

@mistersparrow 2 жыл бұрын

This is a wonderful video. I just purchased an Olympia SM9 that has no sticking keys but it does seem particularly rattly and clanking when typing. Do you think lubricating each joint of the arms and keys would help quiet this noise a bit?

@citizencoy4393 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video and your time. Could you possibly make a video on what to do when your ribbon cage wont go up and down as you type? Happy holiday.

@lauriekinning5407 2 жыл бұрын

Lots of info. Thanks. I have a 1940 043-B that none of the keys move. Is there a locking mechanism for traveling purpose?

@maggielo9855 Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@tilmanluther1887 3 жыл бұрын

I'm going to try and clean a kmart deluxe model 100 typewriter now after seeing this video. Mine works but not the best as I know it hasnt been cleaned in years

@edwardvalentino3835 6 жыл бұрын

I recently acquired a 1953ish underwood. That's all I know about it ? It needs a good lube? Could also stand a cleaning. Suggestions please

@KevinRevolinski Жыл бұрын

Thanks this is a great useful video! I do have one specific question for a number 5 Underwood. On the keys some of the letters have disappeared. But they are under a plastic cover. I find that if I wipe them down repeatedly the numbers start to emerge. But not completely and some better than others. Any advice on what I could be using? Right now I'm just using a damp towel because I'm not sure what would happen if I used chemicals on whatever kind of plastic that is from the 1920s.

@johnlennon1049 Жыл бұрын

Love the videos. I have a 1955 Smith Corona Sterling. When I press on the back space key, it returns but slowly. Also, how do I clear the tabs on this machine?

@donnawise3968 6 жыл бұрын

Hi, I have two underwood typewriters. One of which I have a USB keyboard kit for and the other I bought just for the underwood spool covers (can't seem to get anything over here in the UK!?) The second typewriter isn't working, but I love the keys on it. Am I able to put the keys on the functional soon-to-be a wireless keyboard typewriter? Thanks for any advice

@chloepocock1615 4 жыл бұрын

I recently found a Coronet Super 12, on the street, when I plugged it in and turned it on the colon/semicolon type bar continuously moved back and forth, as though the key was stuck. I began to take it apart but nothing looks out of place on first glance. Wondering if you had any insight.

@johnhamill7419 2 жыл бұрын

While I was in the USAF fixing Teletype Writers we would take an acid brush and cut the bristles short. This would make the brush stiffer and could get into tight spaces. This could be used on the parts to clean them and allow you better access to tight areas. Hope this helps.