Minichan

Topic: Does anyone here have any expertise in typewriters?

Anonymous A started this discussion 1 year ago #118,355

I cannot figure out how come my ribbon won't advance in a Remington 333 model.
I Google'd and I DuckDuckGo'd yet I cannot seem to find answers for this particular model.

Anonymous B joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 15 minutes later[^] [v] #1,300,606

I have no clue what you are even talking about. To my understanding, this sounds like a "threading" issue?

I only take them in fallout 4, looks cool though

(Edited 23 seconds later.)

Father Dave !RsSxeehGwc joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 3 minutes later, 19 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #1,300,608

I don't, but I can ask God if you want.

Anonymous D joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 4 minutes later, 24 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #1,300,611

If your Remington 333 typewriter's ribbon isn't advancing, several potential issues might be causing the problem. Here are some common reasons and troubleshooting steps you can follow:

1. Ribbon Mechanism Jam or Obstruction:
- Check if there's any visible obstruction or jam in the ribbon mechanism. Dust, dirt, or small objects might be blocking the ribbon's path.
- Clean the mechanism with a soft brush or compressed air to remove any debris.

2. Ribbon Installed Incorrectly:
- Ensure the ribbon is installed correctly. Sometimes, an improperly threaded ribbon can prevent it from advancing. Double-check the ribbon's path according to the typewriter's manual.

3. Ribbon Tension Issues:
- The ribbon might be too tight or too loose. Adjust the tension by gently turning the ribbon spools to see if that resolves the issue.

4. Ribbon Selector Switch:
- Ensure the ribbon selector switch is set correctly. Some typewriters have a switch to select the color band of the ribbon (black or red). If it's in an incorrect position, it might affect the ribbon's advancement.

5. Ribbon Drive Gears:
- Check the ribbon drive gears for wear or damage. If the gears are worn out or broken, they may not engage properly to advance the ribbon.
- You may need to open the typewriter's casing to inspect the gears. Be cautious and refer to a repair manual or guide for your specific model.

6. Manual Ribbon Advance:
- Try manually advancing the ribbon by turning the ribbon spool. If it advances manually, but not when typing, the issue may lie in the ribbon advance mechanism itself.

7. Spring Mechanism:
- Inspect the spring mechanism connected to the ribbon advance system. If the spring is broken or detached, it may need to be replaced or reattached.

8. Typewriter Maintenance:
- Regular maintenance is crucial for typewriters. Ensure your machine is well-lubricated and in good working order. Lack of lubrication can cause parts to stick and prevent the ribbon from advancing.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be beneficial to consult a professional typewriter repair service or refer to a detailed service manual specific to the Remington 333 model.

(Edited 46 seconds later.)

Anonymous E joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 3 minutes later, 27 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #1,300,613

The problem is you bought a Remington 333, and you'll spend 3 times the cost of a quality typewriter just trying to keep this maintained.

Save yourself the headache and throw it in the trash. Buy a Smith Corona Secretarial 250 Electronic Typewriter. It can do anything this can do with a mechanical design that you can feel in your fingertips. In the 20 years I have owned mine there has been only one issue with the carriage return that took 3 days to fix because I needed to order the appropriate part. After a 10 minute install, it was back in proper order.

Anonymous F joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 3 hours later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,300,636

I was collecting the $5 ones from the thrift shop when I went through a hipster phase. As someone not good at this kind of thing, I'd probably drown it in oil (gun, machine, whatever) and see if the components start moving correctly.

Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 1 year ago, 2 hours later, 5 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,300,686

@1,300,613 (E)
The typewriter was found at an antique store and was a Christmas present.
The typewriter looks in pristine condition and looks right out of the box.

@1,300,611 (D)
I'm not sure what is wrong. The typewriter looks really well maintained and looks as if it's fresh from the original box. I searched YouTube and one problem said it could because I haven't reserved the ribbon or whatever that means. But I can manually feed the ribbon so I assume it's the mechanism itself.

Anonymous G joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 13 minutes later, 6 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,300,688

@previous (A)
How much does it cost to repair a typewriter?
Average repair cost is $300-350.
Shocking to discover the number of places that do repairs.

Anonymous D replied with this 1 year ago, 3 hours later, 9 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,300,727

@1,300,686 (A)

Given your description and the ability to manually feed the ribbon, it does suggest that the issue may lie within the ribbon advance mechanism itself. Here are some additional steps to further diagnose and potentially fix the problem:

1. Reverse the Ribbon:
- Some typewriters have a mechanism to reverse the ribbon direction once it reaches the end of the spool. Ensure the ribbon reversal mechanism is functioning correctly. Manually reverse the ribbon direction if your typewriter allows it.

2. Inspect the Ribbon Reversal Mechanism:
- Check if the ribbon reversal mechanism is engaged properly. This mechanism usually switches automatically when the ribbon reaches the end of one spool, but it might need manual adjustment or could be stuck.

3. Check for Mechanical Blockages:
- Since you mentioned the typewriter looks well maintained, ensure no parts are inadvertently locked or blocked. Sometimes, during transport or storage, components might shift and cause a blockage.

4. Test the Ribbon Advance Mechanism:
- Remove the ribbon and observe the ribbon advance mechanism while typing. This will help you see if the mechanism is moving as it should without the ribbon in place.

5. Lubricate Moving Parts:
- Even if the typewriter appears well-maintained, some internal parts might need lubrication. Use a typewriter-safe lubricant on the moving parts of the ribbon advance mechanism.

6. Check the Ribbon Selector Switch:
- Make sure the ribbon selector switch is not stuck between settings. Toggle it a few times to ensure it's properly engaged.

If these steps don't resolve the issue, and since you can manually advance the ribbon, it's likely that there's a specific fault within the advance mechanism that requires more detailed inspection. It might be beneficial to consult a professional typewriter repair technician or refer to a detailed service manual for your Remington 333 model.

If you'd like to continue troubleshooting on your own, consider seeking out specific tutorials or forums dedicated to typewriter repair, where experienced enthusiasts can offer more targeted advice based on your observations and findings.

Anonymous H joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 4 minutes later, 9 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,300,729

You left your typewriter at my apartment Straight from the tortured poets department I think some things I never say Like, "Who uses typewriters anyway?"

Anonymous I joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 2 minutes later, 9 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,300,731

Typewriter? I barely type know her!
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