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How to Fix Your Smith Corona Typewriter

Having an old Smith-Corona typewriter is a great way of creatively writing without the need for electricity. While writing, you won't be distracted by computer games or the urge to surf the Web, and you don't have to plug into a printer to produce your works. But it can be a frustrating experience if your typewriter stops functioning correctly. Fortunately, there are a few things you can fix at home before having to take it into a specialist.

Things You'll Need

Smith-Corona typewriter
New typewriter ink ribbon for Smith-Corona
Sewing machine oil

Instructions

- 1
  Tap each key individually to see if any stick or do not hit the ribbon properly. If you find one that sticks, slightly and gently bend the arm from the key head. Tap the key again. If it still doesn't hit directly, bend it slightly the other way. The goal is to line up the key so it hits exactly in the middle of the ink ribbon and falls neatly back into place.
- 2
  Unlatch and remove the top covering, exposing the ink ribbon. Unhook the ribbon from the middle of the typewriter and gently pull it out of the left and right spool holders. Install the new ink ribbon in the same place you removed the old one, making sure to hook it securely in the middle. Reattach the top covering.
- 3
  Flip over the typewriter, exposing all of the gears and mechanisms. Dab sewing machine oil into all of the gears and joints. Allow it to sit a couple minutes to absorb all of the oil and flip it back over. Strike each key individually, allowing each part become lubricated from the oil.

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