I have a Smith Corona Sterling cartridge electric typewriter and the only keys that work are tab and half-space. I'm wondering how to fix it, as I haven't gotten to use it in a couple of years.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
Make sure your ribbon is fresh. Thrifty Fun has a guide on this
www.google.com/
Two suggestions....if you are handy, you can try YouTube and check out the videos for Smith Corona typewriters. There are a lot of repair and troubleshooting videos out there.
The older typewriters can be fairly easy for DIY repairs. Your hands will get super dirty...but a little Lava soap and you will be cleaned up and ready to click clack back into typing!
If the videos aren't helpful, and if you are near Dunkirk NY, this guy specializes in Smith Corona repairs or at least he did. I hope he is still in business.
I actually came across him a while back because he has something on his site about groundhogs that predict winter....and I am a big fan of Punxutawney Phil and I wanted to see who his "cousin" is for the spring prognostications :)
This is the guy's website: www.willrepairservice.com/
Post back with an update! PS. If you are not in NY, there are still typewriter repair shops in other cities. Hopefully you will have one nearby.
I have used several different but similar typewriters over the years and many problems can arise when a machine has been unused for a long period of time.
You should start with a new ink cartridge (keep the old one just in case this exchange does not help). Remove the cartridge while cleaning your machine.
Remove the typewriter from the case and place in on a large rag (old sheet/towel) on a table that you can work on.
You will need a container of computer air spray and a small brush (use an old toothbrush) as well as some clean rags.
Spray your machine key arms top and bottom; use the brush to brush across key arms. Wipe away any dirt/debris.
I doubt that a repair service will agree with this method but I have used it and it usually worked.
www.amazon.com/
You may need to take it to a repair shop for a proper cleaning.
Here is a web site that you can ask your question and other typewriter owners will offer suggestions. The YouTube video is not about your problem but just check the area below for a place to ask your question.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
