Home >> Collecting >> Antiques

How to Install Typewriter Ribbon

At one time, replacing a typewriter ribbon was as common as replacing an ink cartridge in an ink jet printer. As typewriters have fallen out of favor, fewer and fewer people remember how to replace a ribbon in an antique or more modern typewriter. Replacing a ribbon is easy, especially if you have an old ribbon in place. Although they are getting harder to find, some original new-old-stock typewriter ribbons are still available for a number of vintage typewriters.

Things You'll Need

Typewriter
Replacement ribbon

Instructions

Two Spool Ribbons
- 1
  Remove the existing ribbon. Note the path that the ribbon takes as it goes from one spool to the other.
- 2
  Roll the ribbon entirely on to one of the two reels if your replacement ribbon didn't come with a take-up reel. If your new ribbon has a take-up reel, skip this step.
- 3
  Attach the end of the new ribbon to the take-up reel if your new ribbon doesn't already have one. In most cases, there is a sharp arrow shaped piece on the reel. Use that arrow to penetrate the ribbon and make a few winds of ribbon around the take-up reel.
- 4
  Slip the take-up reel on the take-up spindle on the right side of the typewriter. Align any tabs designed to turn the reel to move the ribbon during typing.
- 5
  Feed the ribbon through the path you noted when removing the old ribbon and place the main ribbon on the spindle. Give the take-up reel a few turns to make sure the ribbon moves freely through the typewriter mechanism.
One Piece Ribbon Packages
- 6
  Remove the old ribbon cassette. In some typewriters, you can do this by simply pulling up on the cassette. Other typewriters may have a latch holding the cassette in place.
- 7
  Note the pins and position of the old cassette and open the new cassette.
- 8
  Slip the new cassette in the same position as the old cassette. Most cassettes have a hand-feed knob to advance the ribbon. Turn this a few times to ensure that the ribbon is moving freely.

Antiques