Do all typewriters take the same ribbon?

Beware of ribbons being offered as a “universal” typewriter ribbon. There is no one-size-fits-all typewriter ribbon, or universal spool for that matter. Manual typewriters perform best with a specific grade of ribbon material while their electric counterparts perform better with another.

Do typewriter ribbons work on all typewriters?

Group 4 Ribbons are used on mainly all Olivetti Typewriters. They have been specially designed to work on this Model and on all early machines they need a small nut to hold it tight to the typewriter.

What kind of ribbon does my typewriter use?

Almost all manual typewriters use half-inch-wide ribbons, and most typewriters can use dual-color ribbons (such as red and black), so look for one of those — they look nice and can be useful.

Do typewriter ribbons dry out?

The ink in a typewriter ribbon must remain wet and usable for a long period of time. If it dried out overnight, you’d be left with yards of really pretty black ribbon…and nothing else. Completely useless.

How long do typewriter ribbons last?

How long should a ribbon last? Cotton ribbon should yield approximately 900,000 characters or about 180,000 words. If you’re typing double-spaced pages, that gives you 720 pages of rough draft perfection!

Do typewriters need ink ribbons?

Most typewriters use a universal ink ribbon while some of the Smith Corona typewriters from the 70s and 80s use a cartridge. Ink can dry out on ribbons. It does take a while, but it happens. If you are not going to use your typewriter for some time, I recommend putting your ribbons in a sealed plastic bag. Ribbons are reversible!

Do typewriters come with spools?

Yes, usually. The typewriter will usually come with its own spools. Whether or not they were originally intended to be disposable, you can treat them as permanent now and keep them with the typewriter. When you need a new ribbon, just wind a new ribbon onto the spool that you already have.

Can You reverse the direction of a typewriter ribbon?

Many folks don’t know this: when you reach the end of your spool, your typewriter has a lever (it’s different on each typewriter) that reverses the direction of the ribbon. This allows you to use the same ribbon multiple times before needing to re-ink it or purchase a new one.

In addition to being simple, manual typewriter ribbons last for ages. Decades, even. In fact, they’re more likely to dry out from disuse than wear out from typing too much. Good luck and enjoy your “new” machine!