Typewriter Basics: Carriage Locks

[@Theyarefulloffear]

I was so confused as to why my typewriter couldn't go all the way left and I wasnt aware of where the carriage lock was until now, thank you so much.

[@davidcornillie]

Thanks for delving into carriage locks and centering mechanisms. They can be a challenge to figure out and understanding the difference is great to know. I still remember the frustration of trying to figure out the simple and elegant carriage lock on my first Olympis SM-3.

[@RyWish123]

I would've never figured out this was the reason it wouldn't move. Thank you for showing how to solve this easy fix!

[@douglasjackson9058]

Great instructional video. Thanks for taking the time to make and share this.

[@drandallesq]

Great start to this series Joe! I have seen ebay postings where the seller said the carriage didn't move, and have asked the seller about the carriage lock, and the person didn't realise there was one.

[@mythicalireland]

Love your videos Joe. Always very informative. Thanks for everything. Anthony

[@kerc]

This is a fantastic idea for a series!

[@VirtualGuth]

Another very helpful video Joe. I would add that while carriage locks are useful for carrying a typewriter around, they should not be trusted to protect the escapement during shipping. In this case it is best to disengage the carriage completely, then wrapping the carriage tightly before completing the packing process. For details, see the video by Phoenix Typewriter titled "How to Cocoon Pack Ship a Typewriter For Safe Shipping".

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Exactly! The Phoenix Typewriter video is great!

[@cauldron101]

Although I encountered some of a carriage lock systems in my collection, it is always a pleasure watching your typewriters! On Smith-Coronas (5-6) I always thought that that carriage lock switch was not a carriage lock, but a carriage centering thing for storing the machine properly in its case. In there, there was no much space for the carriage to move.

[@matildedelgado6647]

Thank you so much. I have an Olympia Monica from 1962 that I just bought and the carriage locks locked on its own when the dent on the carriage passes through, and I can't keep on writing. Do you know how I can fix it? Thank you!!

[@elliotwhite32]

I am going to like this series

[@Bluwhodesign]

I have a Royal safari and while the manual said the carriage lock is on the left side I can't figure out how or where? Do you know anything that could help?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I don’t have a Safari currently, but the manual I looked at online doesn’t show a carriage lock at all. Perhaps it was a feature that was removed at some point, but you have an older manual with yours? I also looked at pictures on the Typewriter Database and didn’t see a carriage lock on them either.

[@alexzxu]

I just got the mercury and happy to have found your video to figure out the carriage lock. And I want to correct you here that the carriage lock is a true lock but you have to fit the little lock lever right behind the plate, where they left a groove to push in the lock lever and this groove stops the carriage from going left. After you fit the lever in that little groove, the carriage release lever won't do anything. Hope this is helpful.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Thank you!

[@sandrodunatov485]

My goodness.. I suddenly finally clearly understood the enigmatic carriage lock on the Hermes. I've read the manual multiple times to no avail. And today, finally, you unlocked 😅 the light. Wow, thanks.. As it appears today I'm dealing with typewriter mysteries, do you know a trick to properly seat the Remington Quiet-Riter in the carrying case? It is my preferred typewriter but properly stowing it back into the case (engaging the case hooks into the hidden locking holes on the back of the machine frame) is for me such a long struggle that I prefer to use my Olivettis, really great machines, btw, I own the Lettera 22, 32, 35 and a Studio 44 like yours, but I prefer the feel of the cinematic of the Remington. Could be an idea for another Basics episode, for those machines that have small unusual locking levers and devices to properly open the case like the Hermes with its little 'secret' (not really.. just small) lever to release it .

[@someonespadre]

My Corona Standard (1937) has a carriage centering device. Nothing works until it is cleared by pulling right. Can’t find one on my Royal De Luxe (1938). According to the 1950s manual the box is the carriage lock. So maybe that’s it. I’m curious because I bought it as non-working, all I did was press some keys and move the carriage left and right which seems to have fixed it. Is there a secret lock in there somewhere or maybe a key was jammed. It works now except it needs a ribbon and the rear feed roller has a flat spot. It works better with heavier paper.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Many of those Smith-Corona machines only had the centering device instead of a lock.

[@someonespadre]

@@Joe_VanCleave further inspection of the Royal box I see a prong on the right side lid inside which secures the carriage, just center it at the downward triangle under the indicator.

[@danieldeary9344]

Does centering the margins provide any more protection? I see some people recommend this for shipping.

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

That is a really good question. It may prevent the carriage from moving but it not good enough to prevent damage during shipping.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

@@AtelierDBurgoyne Yes!

[@sophiahace9920]

I sure miss typewriters! Where would you recommend someone find a typewriter these days? Thanks for the video!

[@ProactiveYellow]

I find mine at antique stores, or Facebook marketplace. You can often find a number of them depending on where you look. The bigger the Antique store or mall, the more likely it is to find.

[@sophiahace9920]

@@ProactiveYellow Excellent suggestions! Thanks very much!

[@oktayborayagiz369]

Help! How do I unlock the carrıage of the Facit Portable late 1960s model? Thank you.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

If it’s a model like the 1620 you unlock it with the silver lever to the left of the back row of keys.

[@oktayborayagiz369]

@@Joe_VanCleave Thank you, Joe, I did it! The carriage moves but so far the only way I can move it is manually. There is no self-movement no matter what I click

[@oktayborayagiz369]

@@Joe_VanCleave Thank you, Joe. I did what you suggested and voila my Facit TP 1 carriage is now unlocked!! But now my carriage does not respond as I click the space bar or the letter buttons on the keyboard. You know, one click and the carriage is supposed to take one little step. It doesn't do that. The only way I can move it is by pulling forward one of the two small levers right behind the roller knobs. What am I missing here? I would really appreciate your help in solving this issue. Mine is I guess a 1620 too. I bought it in 1968 and put it aside for 54 years but now I yearn to reuse it and your support will be much appreciated. Thank you.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

@@oktayborayagiz369 What should move the carriage as you type is: 1)The typing causes the escapement mechanism to release the carriage for movement; 2)The spring motor pulls on the draw band that moves the carriage one space to the left; 3)After moving one space the escapement mechanism resets, preventing further carriage movement until the next character is typed. You should check if the spring motor and draw band are still putting tension on the carriage. Hold the right hand platen knob and pull the release lever behind it; you should feel the carriage wanting to move to the left, this is caused by the spring loaded draw band pulling on the carriage. If there’s no tension on the carriage, either the draw band is broken, or disconnected, or the spring motor lost tension. If the carriage does have tension, then the escapement mechanism isn’t working properly.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

You can visually check the draw band. Set the left margin all the way to the left, then move the carriage all the way to the right. Then tip up the machine and under the right side of the carriage is where the draw band (or cord) will attach to the carriage. It runs to the left under the carriage where he spring motor is located.