Fixing Stuck and Dirty Typewriter Keys

[@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

[@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.?

[@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

[@jimtalbott9535]

⁠@@tilmanluther1887”K-Mart sucks….” Sorry, movie reference, couldn’t resist. ;)

[@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

[@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!!

[@marloeshoebers9705]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@jonathanmcclure8346]

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

[@philipgregorysougles1744]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!!!

[@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…

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@AboAbdullah1400]

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.

[@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!

[@johnlennon1049]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@unlink1649]

Amazing, thanks man. My Olympia Traveller has a stuck key problem and this fixed it. Thanks! Learning about Typewriters is a lot of fun :) I'm actually a mechanical keyboard guy so this is all transferable knowledge for me.

[@jilliannicoleramsay]

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

[@GuidoArg26]

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

[@braderichsen7198]

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

[@sammartin7515]

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

[@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!

[@bucchinostraniero]

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

[@MirjamMirre]

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

[@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 😆

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 🤞

[@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.

[@petermurphy5302]

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

[@Charlotte-lj8kl]

Excellent. Very helpful to clean sticking keys

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@crystalmoon4419]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@laurachalich2512]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@moel2753]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@BEWedPhotography]

Thanks, good video, very helpful for a beginner collector

[@jamescassell4143]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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"

[@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.

[@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.

[@ummidontknow55]

Thank you for the information. Super helpful!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@scubadudefrommaine]

IT WORKED! Thanks so much for the knowledge.

[@Recroom.Phone-Gamer]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@cathycreates]

So helpful, thank you.

[@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?

[@MrGyges]

Great stuff. Thank you,✅

[@alexisohriner3663]

During the Covid era, isopropyl is a hot commodity that now 3 of my hobbies need. Whats a good alternative for cleaning a typewriter? Idk what mineral spirits are

[@lucinalucina4350]

In the UK the equivalent to mineral spirts is white spirit, if that’s any help. (And the UK version of rubbing alcohol is surgical spirit.)

[@kgpspyguy]

I’ve always just used simple green and a soft rag. Worked fine for me for the simple stuff. Cleaning keys, removing old dust/crud etc.

[@mojave7604]

You can buy mineral spirits at a local hardware store. Normally in the paint section.

[@MikeBarzacchini]

Helpful tips. Thank you!

[@SredniVashtar83]

This is awesome, thank you!

[@Emily-ob7yq]

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

[@a100enbajada7]

thank you! great and useful video

[@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.

[@dhirajshetty483]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@petebetancourt7374]

How do you clean the roller and there’s like this little white specs on it and the rest of the body of the typewriter

[@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?

[@kevinmonceaux2101]

Would mineral spirit alternatives that work for cleaning oil paint brushes also work in this application? I have some Gamsol in stock at the moment. Then again, I think I already have some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. I have a couple of manual machines in my collection that I haven't used in years. They would both probably benefit from a cleaning, with a suitable amount of paper in them to protect the platen during the process.

[@carolfox6334]

Really helpful thanks

[@valaustin8756]

Excellent video. I have a different problem with an old SCM Smith Corona. The upper right hand corner has a button that lifts the ribbon carriage to either black, red or “white” type. This feature does not work... appears that the lever may be broken? As a result, the ribbon is set below the letter “hammers” and there is no ink whatsoever on the paper. Any ideas on how to repair this?

[@BobFalkenstein]

How did you get the carriage not to move when cleaning the Skyriter?

[@holsolwellness]

Great video! My problem is the "a" key on my Smith-Corona Electric Correction II typewriter moves forward and returns fine, but does not produce a printed "a" on the page. I replaced the ribbon and still no luck. To make matters worse, there are no local repair shops or resources. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you!

[@kaelaknight820]

i'm surprised you dont have a video on how to change the ink cartridge

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

I’ve been using Hoppe’s gun oil on my Olympia SM5 that I got as is. When I got it two years ago it was gummed up with some rust and I cleaned it with rubbing alcohol and lubed it up with the oil and it’s moved smoothly since, but should I clean the oil off again?

[@Nerdomaly]

I use Liquid Bearings on my typebars and I've never had a problem. Going on 7 years since I did it. I guess YMMV. I think it's just WD-40 that's really bad.

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

@@Nerdomaly I've heard nothing but bad things about leaving WD-40 on machines.

[@jerrygundecker743]

Appreciate the video, but isn't striking the platen w/o paper kind of tough on it. Not trying to be critical here, but The Navy taught us not to do that.

[@AntonovP]

Yes, I have the same concern regarding bending the key and using a metal brush (?!). Isn't that a little bit harsh on a machine? And that cloth? Why not using a normal cotton cloth, not this with hundreds of potential ends ending in the machine?

[@yowtfputthemaskbackon9202]

@@AntonovP depending on the machine you can be more or less aggressive, for example i wouldnt mind digging in an olympia SG1, that thing will take it, heck throw it at a wall and see if it sticks, with an Adler mod.7 as another example you should be way more gentle, 100 years of aging is the one thing, but it was a fairely expanisve typewriter and was made to be treated so. so even though it looks way more mechanic and rough, you need to be more carefull, and use only the finest oils and cleaners.

[@MichaelShimniok]

My middle school typing teacher and also my mom hammered that lesson home...

[@wclark3196]

@@AntonovP Any decent typewriter is already about 30 years old. My oldest is 68 years. These are not delicate Swiss watches, these are working machines. If is possible to wear pieces out, but scrubbing type was a soft wire brush isn't going to damage them. I prefer to use a toothbrush, though, as I think that gets things done fine and you don't get loose wires breaking off. A typewriter is a precision machine, but not a fragile machine (antiques aside).

[@edwardprout3348]

I had to buy 2 0!ne from feb.1960 and 1 from the 70's a croronamatic super 12

[@suehennessy]

I just bought a vintage deluxe brother typewriter online the space bar was missing do you think i could bye one iv looked on line but can't find one hope you can help love your video

[@johnjunietify]

I'm assuming the same technique for a sticking/non moving ribbon carrier in a Royal Mercury? If not, any suggestions?