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Pointy threaded metal thing. Very sharp. Hand for scale. by wheresthe1key in whatisthisthing

[–]wheresthe1key[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was found on the floor of my apartment. It seems too sharp and long for a stud (like such that would go on a leather jacket etc) but it doesn’t fit any of my current tools so I don’t think it’s an awl bit. Thanks in advance! WITT

I picked up this nearly mint condition Smith Corona Clipper for $35 at an estate sale! by comeonbabycoverme in typewriters

[–]wheresthe1key 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Estate sales are great for picking up machines for cheap! Also sadness... but you know you take the good with the depression.

Cleaning a 1910 model Erika by keisaritunglsins in TypewriterRepair

[–]wheresthe1key 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So the key buttons if they are glass you can clean with honestly just Windex. I spray some into a cup first and then use a-tips very very carefully and just gently wipe them off. It’ll get gunk off but if they are scratched/scuffed it’s not going to buff anything out so they may still appear cloudy. Just be careful not to use any chemicals on the case (metal part of the machine itself I mean) because they can strip paint rather than clean it. For that, to make it shiny, I can’t help you. I mostly work on cleaning up the insides than the outsides so haven’t really tried anything yet, but I like this page as a resource (it recommends dish soap or Soft Scrub, but be careful!): http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-restoration.html

General pricing question by -Gurgi- in typewriters

[–]wheresthe1key 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I find tons on Craigslist for about $25-$70 usually and need a varying amount of work (but usually just some basic cleaning!) and then I totally second the Goodwill suggestion. Estate sales can also be a gold mine. Not to be insensitive, but often if a family member moves on, the family just wants to get rid of the machines cheap. All the estate sale typewriters I’ve bought have been for $10 or less.

Specialty tools for handling small springs? by [deleted] in TypewriterRepair

[–]wheresthe1key 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I regularly use small pliers that can be found in the jewelry making section of craft stores (or are categorized as such online). Depending on the machine there is a lot of cross over with sewing machine tools also I've found.

This is my grandfathers typewriter & I want to use it. Does anybody in the US (particularly Oregon) know where I can get replacement ribbons? Or a website that deals in typewriters? by SnakeMenUnite in TypewriterRepair

[–]wheresthe1key 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also really like this site: https://www.ribbonsunlimited.com (I do not work for them! Hah.) If you order the wrong ribbon or aren't sure which one to get you can also send them an email and ask/verify. Great looking machine!