In the typewriter space, the closer you get to the people actually manufacturing typewriter ribbon, the cheaper it gets. As a result you can buy ribbon in bulk for about US$2 per spool versus $10-15. In America, I've had excellent experience with Baco and Fine Line: https://boffosocko.com/research/typewriter-collection/#Typewriter%20Ribbon

Mostly on Amazon and similar platforms you'll find resellers selling for top dollar. If you're going to do this, then the better route is to spend the same (or possibly a bit less) and get your ribbon from a local typewriter shop which helps keep them in business for the eventual day you'll need a more serious repair or help. Try a local shop from the list at https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

If they're close, your local shop will also help teach you how to respool ribbon and thread it properly as well as potentially other tips and tricks.

reply to https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1q095fg/just_bought_a_typewriter_any_tips/

reply to u/14Papa19 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1q0dt1e/new_to_us_remington_streamliner/

Try spooling the ribbon manually in one direction or the other for a foot or so to get to ribbon that's not dried out and you may be in luck and not need to replace it right away.

Ribbon purveyors: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-faq.html#q1

If you've got the original Remington metal hubs (which are needed for the auto-reverse functionality), keep those as they're expensive to replace. Spool your new ribbon (1/2" wide and typically comes on 2" diameter plastic universal spools) from cheap plastic spools onto your originals.

If you don't have the original metal hubs, you can call around to repair shops for replacements (which may be the cheapest route) https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html. Ribbons Unlimited also sells these hubs with ribbon attached, but it's more expensive to do this, but once you've got them, you can buy ribbon by itself for much cheaper in the future and just wind the new ribbon onto existing spool hubs.

Here's some useful videos which might help you out in terms of how to spool up your ribbon:<br /> - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTFM54VKKc4 (Slightly different model to yours, but same spool mechanisms) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWQTa4b7jPs (This one has some advice about using a Remington without the spools.)

If you needs some tips on color matching your typewriter to a desk or your fountain pen: https://boffosocko.com/2024/03/22/acquisition-remington-streamliner-196x-portable-typewriter-in-metallic-mint-blue/

For more on use and maintenance: https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/06/typewriter-use-and-maintenance-for-beginning-to-intermediate-typists/

Good luck and happy typing!

https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1p42tr1/typewriter_ribbon/

It's a small metal ring/hub that fits onto the ribbon spindle. You can call around to repair shops for replacements (which may be the cheapest route) https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html. Ribbons Unlimited https://ribbonsunlimited.com also sells these hubs with ribbon attached, but it's more expensive to do this, but once you've got them, you can buy ribbon by itself for much cheaper in the future and just wind the new ribbon onto existing spool hubs.

Here's some useful videos which might help you out: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTFM54VKKc4 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWQTa4b7jPs (This one has some advice about using a Remington without the spools.)

There are generally only a few configurations for ribbon vibrators with respect to ribbon threading, look at a few manuals here and surely yours will be covered by one: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html

Typically the rule is that the ribbon sits closer to the paper at the typing point than any piece of the vibrator and is then threaded through the arms of the vibrator. From there it often goes through holders at the ribbon cup and then into the spool.

Remington Rand KMC Standard Typewriter, Ring Style, Noiseless, 1/2", Install, Replace Ink Ribbon by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Without the Remington ribbon rings, one can utilize the slots in coordination with grommets to thread up a Remington typewriter.