TypewriterMinutes - How To: Replace a Ribbon on Remington Quiet-Riter Typewriter

Changing the ribbon on a Remington is a little different from changing it on other typewriters, so we thought we'd make a tutorial on how to do so. This particular model is a 1950s Remington Quiet-Riter Typewriter

[@taylorh1020]

This is the only video that I keep watching to try to manually fix my poor Remington. So much good information. I may just have a working machine on my hands. Great Video.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thank you and good luck with that nice machine!

[@prettypaperthings]

I just found thos at the swap meet for $11! I dont think the poor kid knew what he was selling 🤷

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Nice find!

[@davidtheriault6726]

I was just given a 1953 Quiet-Riter is very good condition. I had to clean the white stuff off the keys, but other than that, it looks beautiful and types really well. Thanks for this helpful video!

[@gena4638]

My 10 year old daughter wants to be a writer. She's wanted a type writer since she was 7. I finally purchased this model for Christmas. I was absolutely lost. This was a very informative tutorial so thank you for posting. The ribbon I bought is black only. I'll have to look for the multicolor one next time. I'll be browsing for more tutorials on basic care and instruction. Thanks again!!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Congratulations to your daughter on her new typewriter. Phoenix Typewriter has a KZbin channel with lots of tips on cleaning and repair of typewriters. The black ribbon will work fine-you just won’t be able to toggle over to red. These Quiet-Riters are really nice machines.

[@greenrouby9029]

Is she still interested in being a writer?

[@isabelaflx]

Thank you VERY MUCH 💚 I have a beautiful yellow Quiet-riter and I had no idea how to replace the ribbon. You guys are amazing, excellent tutorial. ✨🌻

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Sorry for the delayed reply but thank you!

[@barbararezac7667]

I just bought a Remington Quiet Riter. typewriter. I was totally stumped about installing a fresh ribbon until I found your tutorial. Excellent directions and very clear. Thank you very much!

[@madisonj683]

I found one of these at a local antique mall for only $48! Amazing clean condition and even came with the traveling case it fastens into. It works perfectly accept for one of the margin adjusters seems to be stuck, not too big of a deal though. It had ink ribbons in it and they actually still worked but were pretty dried out as I thought they would be so they didn’t show up too well. I’ve wanted a typewriter for years I’m so glad to finally have one. Thanks for this great video! It was so helpful in teaching me how the ribbons work.

[@kimberlycedeno5269]

You're the best guys, thaaanks!!!

[@juniorfio1196]

Thank you so much! I bought a standard ribbon coil, and this video helped me transfer the role to the typewriter.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

You’re welcome! Enjoy that machine.

[@JamesSmith-od7po]

This is quite a nice typewriter to insert the ribbon into the type-guide on as it opens up for you. On a standard typewriter with lots of fiddly prongs, I like to press the shift lock key, select the red colour option and press the G&H together gently until they mesh, this moves the ribbon vibrator to the highest possible position which makes inserting the ribbon easier as the ribbon vibrator is even more accessible.

[@auroraeide6558]

Thank you for this! Wouldn't have been able to change the ribbon on my Remington without it!

[@benjaminlariviere5019]

Thank you so much! Extremely helpful! I had no freakin' idea what to do when the new ribbon came in on modern spools.

[@stephenvj]

Thanks for this video. I have a Remington Streamliner, so not exactly the same, but close enough for what I was looking for - your video helped me fix a ribbon issue.

[@linklindsey5658]

Thanks Grandson is getting one for Christmas and a new ribbon is just what it needs!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

What a great gift! Hope he enjoys it.

[@clairebouniot8635]

Great explanations ! many thanks ! I have to try it now 😀

[@diedonner299]

Great video with lots of useful info and helpful demo. It’s a wonder to me Remington could remain competitive in its day having this complex ribbon regime compared to other brands that required much less work to change the ribbon!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thank you. Yeah they were kind of odd ducks like that. Other than the quirky spools, they are really good machines.

[@RogerHyam]

Very useful. Thank you.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks!

[@joebesch]

Thanks, worked great

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks

[@andrewkeeleyyonda]

Great camerawork! This is exactly what I needed!

[@andrewkeeleyyonda]

Just changed over my ribbon, my typewriter is missing the ring things but I was able to just knot the ends of the ribbon and slide it in the slot and it works

[@pedromeza2398]

Thank you for this very good informative video, after 4 years I finally got around to changing my ribbon and had forgotten how to do that, unfortunately I misplaced the metal rings and will now have to buy some from eBay.

[@carvermarks]

Great job--I just scored a quiet-riter in an antique shop in Bozeman, Montana--flew it home to San Francisco . . . I see you had the same problem, or did I miss something in that the cover doesn't stay open--I just used some tape to hold it up/open and of course, the main feature--the handy ribbon changer, I almost didn't use it, but certainly works fine.

[@georgesbugs6664]

wonderful tutorial. I really needed this. i just received my first typewriter about an hour ago.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

mongpong22 Thank you for watching. I'm glad it was helpful. Happy typing!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Carlie McCoy Thanks for watching. Happy typing!

[@ryerichards4885]

God I love these things!

[@JamesSmith-od7po]

I love it! nice video.

[@stephaniesalazar4146]

I’m missing that metal piece that pops on that keeps the ribbon in place :) yay

[@Jason-zc1yi]

Thank you for the Tutorial!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Jason W Thanks for watching.

[@tmunk]

Heh, this is why I always end up letting my Remingtons go, at least the post-war ones with this system. Great machines, but a lot of little proprietary bits that can get lost easily, and are often missing.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Ted Munk Thanks for watching. I wish Remington hadn't used those little plastic knobs on the ends of metal levers. Those are frequently missing.

[@traviesa8282]

Thanks it was very helpful!!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davebo3428]

Awesome!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks for watching.

[@excavationcomics]

"Im gonna call you molasses" Laughed at that

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I forgot about that one. :)

[@andrewschrotenboer9445]

I only have one of the metal ribbon cylinders with the hook on my machine. I noticed some ribbons (look like universal ones) that have a Remington style hole in the middle of the spool on Amazon for around $10. Would these work if I were to remove the one existing metal cylinder?

[@andrewsclater809]

Hi Great video!! Thank you. Are the ribbon spool covers essential? We've found one of these to buy but it has one spool cover missing. Is that a problem?? Thanks again for such a great video, with excellent assistant input!

[@prettypaperthings]

Hi great video! I have this typewriter and ordered some standard ribbon on Amazon. I didn't respool. I just popped out the middle centers and then it fit on the typewriter. I'm using it like that, I still saved the metal pieces tho. I was wondering if when you get a chance, could you test it out method and give a review to see if it is actually working. I'm unfamiliar with typewriters. I just want to make sure it is just as efficient and I am not wasting ribbon. I can't tell or know how much ribbon should move as I type. Thank you ! Veronica

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thank you for watching. There are some replacement spools that work on this machine, but you may have purchased generic, standard spools. I don’t recommend putting standard spools on-they likely will interfere with the ribbon-reverse mechanism. I would just transfer/wind the new ribbon on from the new spools.

[@northernartifacts9640]

So my child picked up a Remington Quiet Riter 11. It is however missing one of the ribbon "rings" that is needed to attach the ribbon. I have searched and searched for a place to acquire these rings. Any ideas on where to look for some? Thanks!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

You can try the antique typewriter maintenance group on Facebook. If you don’t have the rings, you can tie a knot in the end of the ribbon and slip it inside the inner shaft as an alternative.

[@JamesSmith-od7po]

Hmmm. My ribbon cover doesn’t stay open. I can’t see how it would since it has no springs. It just drops down which makes changing a ribbon harder. Have you wedged yours open please?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Jus saw your message. That machine is gone but on another one, it stays open, but barely.

[@redbarnz]

I had A Remington Quiet-Riter once. It was a competent machine but it felt a little tinny. I likes my Hermes 2000 and Olympia SM3 better.

[@elfopsyko]

hey awesome video! I just got one in a garage sale its a Remington Sperry Rand, but i didn't realize that it was missing its metal rings to secure the ribbon, and i just want to know if there is a chance that it might actualy work wiht out them?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Yes you can tie a knot in the end of the ribbon and put the knot on the inside of the slot in the ribbon shaft-that secures the ribbon, which can then be wrapped around as we show in the video. Phoenix Typewriter has a video that shows this I believe.

[@user-yv5ee4jz8m]

@@TypewriterMinutes thank you so much oml, owning a typewriter as a teenager in 2020 is a very niche thing, so it has been REALLY hard for me to find out if there's a way i can do this. thank! you! (i know this videos old, but maybe you'll receive this comment and feel my appreciation lol)

[@TypewriterMinutes]

mary thanks for the kind words! Glad the typewriter revolution is spreading. :)

[@eastonretzke8142]

TypewriterMinutes I’ll second what Mary said! I have my great Grandpa’s Remington Quiet-Riter, and it’s missing it’s rings. You truly are an angel! Thank you for caring for these classic machines!

[@jacobpowell1882]

Just got a quiet riter and one of the arrow rings seems to be missing and chance you’d know how to proceed?

[@douglasjackson9058]

Bought one similar called a travel writer,its little and missing the rings. Without rings can I fasten ribbon through slots? What do you think? Or... Do you know where I can find...ribbon rings? Thanks. Always enjoy your videos!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Sorry for the delayed reply but I just now saw this message. Yes you can tie a knot in the ribbon and put the knot on the inside of that little slot. Should work just fine.

[@Cruz474]

Do you know where I could get another one of those caps at 7:27? Mine is missing one, but all it needs is one, so it's no big issue. but I would like my typewriter to be whole.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I would join the Facebook groups Antique Typewriter Collectors and Antique Typewriter Maintenance and post both places, asking if anybody has a spare original spool top from a Quiet-Riter parts machine they can spare.

[@Cruz474]

@@TypewriterMinutes Thank you for quick reply!

[@JamesSmith-od7po]

Great video, very informative. Thanks. With regard to the super, ginormous ribbon spool you have, is the company you refer to the one in Texas? I couldn't see any pictures of the spool on their website. I am in the UK. I'm not a business and it probably wouldn't be sensible for me to buy a spool this large as by the time I had used it all, it would have dried out, however, I am curious to know roughly how much they cost. Do they have a name? I tried searching on Google images but kept getting pictures of standard sized ribbons on plastic spools. Thanks

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I probably should refer everybody to Fine Line for pricing. They were recommended to me by a long time satisfied customer. They are very easy to work with. Here is their contact information: FINE LINE RIBBON, INC. P.O. BOX 697 ENNIS, TX 75120 800-527-0354 finelineribbon.com

[@JamesSmith-od7po]

Perfect, thank you.

[@thrivewitheve15]

Hello there. I recently purchased this typewriter. The circle piece that has the arrow to attach the ribbon, one of mine is missing and the one that is present does not come off. Any idea where I can purchase that part? or the name of it. DO oyu know any place online I can order ribbon for this type writer that will actually fit?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Seshata--Thanks for watching. I'm not sure what the official name is, but I call it the flange or inner ring. One option is to purchase a cheap parts machine to rob parts from. The flange is not required, however. There is a thin slot on the built-in cylinder that the flange (if you have one) slips over. If you don't have the flange, you can either tie a knot near the end of the ribbon, or use an eyelet (if your ribbon has an eyelet already installed) and slip the ribbon into the slot, with the knot or eyelet inside the cylinder. Then you can wind the ribbon on as shown in the video. (Note that this system does not require an eyelet on the ribbon for the ribbon reverse mechanism to work. But you can use an eyelet or knot, as I noted, to secure the ribbon to the cylinder.) As far as the flange that won't come off, my only suggestion would be to wiggle it gently. Sometimes they fit snugly. Finally, I have seen ribbons and flanges on Ebay that purport to fit Remington Quiet-Riters, but I don't know whether or not they work.

[@Adriana-gn6uh]

Hi there! I'm not quite sure how to explain this but basically the metal rings on my typewriter are attached to the ink spools. If I buy new ink ribbon, will the new spools have metal rings attached as well or will I have to string it onto the spools I currently have?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Hi there. By metal rings do you mean the little metal rings that some spools use that “clamp” the ribbon onto the inner shaft of the spool? Or do you mean the spools themselves are metal? Either way if you buy a new ribbon on plastic spools you should be able to wind it onto your original spools if that’s what you want. Most typewriters use standard 1/2 inch ribbon.

[@Adriana-gn6uh]

@@TypewriterMinutes I think I understand it better now that the new ribbons have arrived. Thanks!

[@sheckygreen1726]

where do you buy your bulk ribbon from...bought some on line and it was a joke great videos

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I have purchased bulk ribbon reels from Fine Line Ribbon Company. www.finelineribbon.com They don’t take credit cards (at least they didn’t when I last purchased from them) but I didn’t mind sending a check by snail mail. I have also read good reviews of Baco ribbon but I have not tried them yet. Thanks for watching.

[@DavidLew1]

This vid is essential viewing! Thanks! ! However, I hit a snug: Either the left feeds, and the right is still. Or if I toggle the reversal switch. Right will go in the opposite direction and the left doesn’t move. Frustrating. Full disclosure I’m missing the two rings that slides over the foot. Help. Lol

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Hard to tell from here but I know there can be problems with the ribbon system if those little feet doodads in the center of the ribbon spool posts are not both pushed in. If you’re missing the rings, you can also tie a knot near the end of the ribbon and slip the knot inside the center post-there is a little slit that would allow the ribbon to come out when the knot is inside the post. Then wrap the ribbon around the post a few times so the little foot doodad is pressed in. Try that on each side and see if that fixes the problem. How is the ribbon on there now?

[@thomasdalton9504]

Hey! I’m from the UK, and have a question that is completely unrelated to typewriters! What accent is that of yours? It sounds so cool!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I was born in Colorado. I sound pretty normal to me but maybe I have an accent and I can’t tell. :)

[@havefunbesafe]

Great video sirs! I have the same typewriter; why does the ribbon sometimes jam when I use it in Red mode?? Thx 🙏🏻

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I don’t think I’m good enough to diagnose that one remotely. Are you sure the ribbon is threaded in correctly?

[@havefunbesafe]

@@TypewriterMinutes I ended up replacing the ribbon and cleaning moving parts with mineral spirits…works like a charm now. 🥳

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Good deal!

[@taylorh1020]

Does anyone know what that rubber U part under the slugs is called? It's making my keys stick to it (like they are sinking into it) and I wanted to know what I could put on that rubber part to make sure they don't rest too hard on it and get stuck anymore. Thanks.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I don’t know if it has a formal name. I call it the type bar rest. If the rubber is so bad that it’s gooey, you may want to replace it. It is a repair I haven’t had to do yet but I’ve seen people use felt, new rubber, or even leather as replacement material. I’m not sure what model you’re working on but here is a video of a little trick on a felt pad. Check to see if you can flip your rubber upside down as in this video, using the part of the rubber without grooves. (If it’s not just all melted everywhere). kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHalmoBsf994ars

[@ikariginyu9165]

Hello there , am 15. My mom bought me a 1950 Remington typewriter. With is old ink ribbon. So I searching up and saw your video. I like your video by the way. I like how you teach step by step. ohhh and I know the steps by watching your video. But I have a question. Do I need to buy any kind of ribbon or has to be his brand

[@TypewriterMinutes]

You can use standard 1/2 inch ribbon and wind it onto the original spools. Are your spools like those shown in the video?

[@ikariginyu9165]

Yea

[@ikariginyu9165]

It has the spools

[@beccakunce8421]

Hi! What do I do if my typewriter is missing a metal ring from the ink spool? I bought a typewriter from a thrift store and am replacing the ink. When I pulled off the old ribbon there wasn't a metal ring attached on one of the sides. What do I do?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Sorry for the delay in responding but I have not been on KZbin for a while. You can tie a knot in the end of the ribbon and slip it in that little slot on the spindle, if you were talking about a similar Remington.

[@Superstrike_11]

Where can I buy the large ribbon?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

FINE LINE RIBBON, INC. 800-527-0354 [e-mail] finelineribbon.net/

[@nachocheeseburritos9710]

Do have a Link to buy the ribbon

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I don’t know if they have the specific nonstandard spools for that Remington but here is where I buy my ribbon: FINE LINE RIBBON, INC. 800-527-0354 [e-mail] finelineribbon.net/

[@kidcreator2719]

where did you get that giant ribbon spool?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Fine Line Ribbon. www.finelineribbon.com

[@kidcreator2719]

thank you

[@pph192]

I really hope someone sees and replies to this. I found this beautiful machine among some junk, ready to be thrown away. The drawband (carriage strap), I believe is broken. The spacebar doesn't work at all, the mechanism doesn't move at all when I type and the (I really don't know the words for the parts of a typewriter,sorry ) place where the paper goes just moved freely. How could i fix it...does anybody know?

[@bethanydillard9078]

what kind of ribbon is this? sorry if that's a dumb question

[@TypewriterMinutes]

It is 1/2 inch nylon ribbon. It is the most common size ribbon. Hopefully that’s helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@bigtoes6388]

The print "Typewriter Minute" at the beginning of your videos looks very nice. Is it a ribbon with darker ink? Would you let me know how can I get the exact same ribbon as the one used here?

[@heatherfish9985]

I have one and must capital letters are not aligned (higher than the rest of the text) how do I fix this? I heard you mention it in the video

[@heatherfish9985]

Nevermind I found your video on it. The nut didn't come off my screw, so I just turned the whole thing and that worked. Hopefully it stays in place.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Sorry for the delayed reply. I hope you were able to fix it.

[@isabellaeisman6876]

where’s a good place to get ribbon for it?

[@merewynlang160]

=e