Fixing Stuck and Dirty Typewriter Keys

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!

[@producer73]

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]

Good taste in music.

[@producer73]

@@meursault7030 Thanks Man!

[@belindahoneywell3515]

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]

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]

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.

[@loveisall5520]

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]

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

[@UnlicensedOkie]

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

[@holycrusader1842]

I agree

[@tilmanluther1887]

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

[@andyowens2645]

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]

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

[@khenichi4616]

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]

Glad I could help!

[@bwhog]

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

[@alijackson2477]

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

[@marloeshoebers9705]

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

[@Maddtuna]

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!!

[@fitthejack]

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

[@normaconway1393]

yes! ha Ha!

[@johntapp1411]

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

[@wclark3196]

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

[@beverlyannking]

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]

Yes!

[@benhurst9515]

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!

[@wahoospa1]

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]

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.

[@jessicabrackett1034]

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

[@taylorh1020]

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.

[@Paykwee]

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

[@kennethcox421]

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

[@jerrymcdonald6832]

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.

[@philipgregorysougles1744]

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

[@onman14]

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.

[@jilliannicoleramsay]

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

[@bucchinostraniero]

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

[@GoldenTV3]

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!

[@sydney6107]

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]

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.

[@MirjamMirre]

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

[@crystalmoon4419]

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

[@lindeehopkins6439]

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!

[@HappyHellscapes]

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.

[@dr.wm.anthonyconnolly5803]

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…

[@mllebiddies]

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.

[@crimeneysake6207]

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

[@angelinaphillips2165]

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]

@@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]

Yes same here I'm glad I watched this first

[@jhenry330]

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!

[@F4Wildcat]

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!

[@gloriabarletta2491]

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!!!!

[@patricia1333]

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!

[@laxtobuttgroyn1193]

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

[@Rakanaldukhaiel]

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.

[@jonathanmcclure8346]

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

[@hltvieira6354]

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 🤞

[@sammartin7515]

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

[@piggystims702]

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]

My 1/4 key was also the one sticking 😆

[@danielpollak3255]

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!

[@rafaelruizm.2910]

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!

[@ShaunVictor2507]

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.

[@scubadudefrommaine]

IT WORKED! Thanks so much for the knowledge.

[@petermurphy5302]

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

[@mraven8036]

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!

[@GuidoArg26]

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

[@sharonking9652]

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]

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

[@ummidontknow55]

Thank you for the information. Super helpful!

[@mysteriesinmind]

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.

[@Charlotte-lj8kl]

Excellent. Very helpful to clean sticking keys

[@joetreetop5960]

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.

[@SmutGrrl]

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.

[@johnlennon1049]

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

[@KerrymayMakes]

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.

[@BEWedPhotography]

Thanks, good video, very helpful for a beginner collector

[@laurachalich2512]

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

[@braderichsen7198]

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

[@goob8600]

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!

[@rufinoongstudios]

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

[@MikeBarzacchini]

Helpful tips. Thank you!

[@jamescassell4143]

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

[@dhirajshetty483]

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

[@SredniVashtar83]

This is awesome, thank you!

[@LuxurioMusic]

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.

[@ClaireOSullivanAuthor]

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.

[@jessicagalloway3465]

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.

[@theeditor1149]

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.

[@cathycreates]

So helpful, thank you.

[@sms-2014]

Thanks -- really helpful!!

[@a100enbajada7]

thank you! great and useful video

[@MrGyges]

Great stuff. Thank you,✅

[@CarlosGomez-vt9pk]

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.

[@moel2753]

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

[@thethriftyfawn]

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!

[@ankitgandhidas6239]

It's really informative

[@incomsquad3037]

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

[@mistersparrow]

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?

[@infinitymiracle6892]

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!

[@carolfox6334]

Really helpful thanks

[@PetalsandParchment]

Thank you so much!! 💓

[@jtrindle9383]

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"

[@tomyates5486]

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.

[@22eoras]

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?

[@sabinevanerp]

Thank you!

[@bwhog]

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.

[@krishnamurthyur1454]

Thank you it helped me

[@spinrodriguez8930]

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]

Sounds like a plan for an upcoming video!

[@kgpspyguy]

I’ve always used simple green to good results.

[@lauriekinning5407]

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

[@Whatsamattau2]

Thx, very helpful

[@donnawise3968]

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

[@johnhamill7419]

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.

[@citizencoy4393]

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.

[@janicehicks3556]

Thank you!!!

[@edwardvalentino3835]

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

[@johnlennon1049]

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?

[@KevinRevolinski]

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.

[@chloepocock1615]

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.

[@maggielo9855]

Thanks!

[@mizu2695]

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

[@tilmanluther1887]

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

[@mundomoderno7699]

Exelente video me gusta la idea de tener una maravilla de eses