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How to Make Old Typewritter Ribbon Still Work

As computers replace typewriters for many functions these days, typewriters gather dust. Their ribbons dry out and no longer work properly. If you decide to use your old typewriter, you may find a new ribbon difficult to locate. You may be able to apply more ink to the ribbon to allow you to fill out a form or type a letter.

Things You'll Need

Rubber gloves
Old newspapers
Two ink pads
Black ink
One can of vegetables

Instructions

- 1
  Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from ink stains. Cover your work surface with old newspapers.
- 2
  Remove the ribbon from the typewriter. Open the top of the typewriter and lift out both halves of the ribbon spool.
- 3
  Wet one of the ink pads with the black ink, coating it with a thin layer. The ink shouldn't pool on the surface, but should soak into the pad evenly.
- 4
  Unwind the typewriter ribbon by rotating one spool until all the ribbon is on one spool, yet still attached at one end to the other spool.
- 5
  Determine the side of the ribbon that normally faces the paper when in the typewriter. Look at the impression of letters on the old ribbon. Position the ribbon so you can read the letters and they're all facing the right way. With this side up, lay the ribbon on top of the inked pad.
- 6
  Place the non-inked pad on top of the ribbon. Set the can of vegetables on top of the pad to weigh it down.
- 7
  Slowly draw the ribbon between the two pads, across the ink. Try to keep your ribbon smooth and steady to allow an even layer of ink to coat it. Wind the ribbon onto the spool as you work.
- 8
  Replace the ribbon in the typewriter when as much of the ribbon as possible has been coated with ink.

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