https://www.weaveroptics.com/gunsmithing-tools/driver-and-hammer-sets/multi-bit-tool-kit/WV-849718.html

Weaver multi-bit gunsmith tool kit

Recommended by u/Private_Bonkers over the Chapman typewriter screwdriver set at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1f0q3pw/chapman_typewriter_screwdriver_set/ljttlx1/

via u/Private_Bonkers

the cons of the Chapman 0623 screwdriver set for typewriter repair

Virtual Hermans - Lucas Dul

Lucas Dul does an overview of affordable and available tools for typewriter repair as well as more advanced

Basic Tools

• screwdriver sets
  • Carpenter screwdrivers (come to a point) the point can slip and causecam out screws
  • Hollow ground - provide the most amount of torque and prevent cam-out problems (also called gunsmith He uses the 0623 Chapman set (the number is the date of international typewriter day) The large tip can be problematic
  • long reach screwdriver
  • magnetic screwdriver
  • tempered stainless steel ruler (as a screwdriver, especially
  • microdrivers (usually used for eyeglasses or electronics)
• spring hooks (push/pull)
  • Fixture from an embroidery set with length for getting length
  • grab hooks
• pliers
  • standard needle nose pliers
  • 45-90 degree pliers (he uses more often)
  • wire cutters (for modifying springs in machines and modifying links in machines)
  • parallel draw pieces (with heavy duty cutters)
• Mechanics' wrench set
  • prefer cast ones
  • socket screwdrivers (fixed hex screwdriver) expecially for shift adjustment on the Royal Ps
  • Chapman's has a mini rachet 1/4" socket in it's 0623 set
• Forceps especially a long pair for IBM Selectrics (via Duane Jensen)
• Tweezers
• Blowtorches
  • alcohol torches (for heating and bending metal)
  • soldering, brazing, and heat shrinking
  • small butane torch (cigarette lighter use)
• Oilers with needlepoint applicator (he uses sewing machine oil)
  • One can use the surface tension of the oil to place a dot on the tip of a scewdriver (flat head) and then place the dot within a machine with reasonable precision
• MIG Pliers - have cutouts for taking rubber off of old feedrollers (otherwise these pliers are used for welding); he describes it as the nutcracker of the typewriter world
• strap wrench (especially for removing platen knobs to prevent damage)
• knife (butter knife)
  • razor blade for trimming rubber (otherwise too thin for other applications)
• flashlight (simple is fine)
• marker (Sharpie)
  • marking orientation of removed parts (washes off with alcohol)
• hammer
• retainer clip pliers (especially for IBMs, Brothers, Swintecs) with spare e- and c-clips (some have thumbscrews for minimizing damage to clips) openers are more useful than "closers"
• Bristol wrenches - looks like Allen Keys, but with star cross section for bristol locks in IBM machines
• Hand crank (for IBM Selectrics) thread into the operational cam shaft

Intermediate Tools

• segment bearing rod (good for removing individual typebars)
• drinking straw for ball bearings on royal portables and S-C portables and flat tops staggered 1/2" ball bearings with orbital gear (star-shaped) - snip opposite sides to insert orbital ring and ball bearing for holding and placement in typewriter
• carpenter's pencil for marking

Advanced/Specialty tools

• t-bender for forming metal (exp. thin pieces)
• 9 jaw pliers for bending typebars
• peening pliers (for manipulating and stretching materials)
• wheel benders (he doesn't use often)
• eyelete tool for putting eyelets in typewritter ribbon
• files (small/cheap) widen gaps inside of type guides when necessary or thinning out tight pieces

Very specialized

• Type slug solder jig or solder guide
• keyring pliers ($400 and above to purchase)
• multimeter for checking circuit components on electric models. Primarily using Ohm setting to see if current is passing through parts, otherwise they're broken.

Honorable mentions

• center punch for drilling points and new screws
• dental mirror for looking into machines
• spring gauge to set 2lbs for desktop and 1lb for portables

Q&A

air compressors are useful for cleaning

Don't damage screws on older machines.

US used imperial screws until 1940/50s and machines after are all metric.

3 dessert island tools<br /> - screwdrivers, pliers, spring hook

An update and a tour of my new workshop by [[Retrotype]]

An overview walkthrough of a small semi-professional typewriter repair shop.

Tools of the typewriter trade by [[Retrotype]]

Excellent overview of many of the basic tools for typewriter repair. Didn't have the strongest grasp of all the tools' specific names, but good enough for describing their general use cases.

Example of a typewriter toolset including a case made for telephone company repair, but which works with typewriters.

• Shore A durometer gauge
• nylon fishing/picture hanging wire spec to 25kg (for drawband replacement)
• thick waxed string/yarn for repairing fishing nets (for drawbands)
• nitrile gloves (to prevent staining, issues with mineral spirits, and other caustic chemicals)
• XPower pressure blower for blowing out dust/dirt and mineral spirits. (smaller than an air compressor)
• nail grooming set with tweezers, picks, etc. (not technically necessary, but sometimes useful)
• dental tools (for use as spring hooks)
• Renaissance micro-crystalline wax (non-corrosive, made for British Museum, good on marble, wood, leather, etc. Good on bare metal for treating previously rusted metal. (It's recommended to use an abrasive polish for improving the shine of glossy paint however)
• Pouch and set of precision screwdrivers (he only uses the flatheads though the set includes other) Prefer hollow ground tips which are squared off rather than wedges.
• Chapman bit set of screwdrivers (with hollow ground tips) He prefers these for hard to remove screws. Issue that it's a bit thicker at the tip.
• Liquid wrench penetrating oil for helping to loosen screws (he likes this better than WD-40)
• brash wire brushes
• steel wire brushes (uses less frequently as they're more abrasive)
• pouch of precision wrenches (imperial and metric) his are bladed, Moody tools wrenches (mfg.) prefer the thinnest tips
• microfiber cloths
• jig for soldering typeslugs on typearms
• pouch with various typewriter specific pliers:
  • 3 prong pliers (total of 9 prongs) for making bends/forming typebars (especially making bends in the middle of bars rather than the end.;
  • peening bend pliers;
  • bending pliers for sideways bends esp. with thinner typebars;
  • vertical adjustment pliers (with rollers) not good for making adjustments of 3mm or more;
  • forming pliers with screws on the end to rotate heads for bending, peening and cutting;
  • peening pliers (bending by metal displacement)
• Magnetized screwdrivers
• forceps
• screw grabber (active capture)
• spring hooks (push/pull)
• nylon brushes for dusting
• needle nose pliers
• t-bender with slotted head for forming metal
• small bottles for mineral spirits and sewing machine oil. They have small metal tips for precision application.

https://chapmanmfg.com/products/0623-r-typewriterset<br /> #0623 Typewriter Set | Chapman MFG<br /> $53.00

https://www.jensentools.com/product/247IE050-247IE050 Techni-Pro 247IE050 Midget Open End Wrench Set, Metric, 8pc. <br /> $41.25

https://www.jensentools.com/product/445-369-445-369<br /> Techni-Pro 445-369 8-Pc SAE Midget Wrench Set <br /> $28.67

This manual suggest using a knitting needle with a bent tip to assist as both a spring hook for pulling springs as well as for pulling drawbands back through typewriter carriages.

https://www.rrtypewritermart.co.in/product/29409649/Twister--Nut-Opener<br /> Typewriter tool: twister - nut opener<br /> Long bar with t handle to loosen nuts

Type bar bender<br /> https://www.rrtypewritermart.co.in/product/29583290/Type-Bar-Bender

A tool with degree measurements for bending typebars for placement into a basket. Could be used for bending bars for swapping QWERTY to QWERTZ.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/404818669654

Mini Typewriter Blow Torch Soldering Tool Alcohol Torch

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186572686851<br /> Vintage Remington Touch Oiler Tool 5 1/2" Long Metal Tool

https://www.mrmrsvintagetypewriters.com/en-us/products/special-typewriter-repair-man-tools-kit-leather-bag-or-carrying-case

Typewriter Tool Kit from the DOLLAR TREE by [[Just My Typewriter]]

Overview of cheap tools for typewriters available at Dollar Tree and similar dollar stores.

• microfiber cloths
• q-tips
• LA's Totally Awesome cleaner
• Silly Putty
• toothbrushes
• allen wrenches
• wire bristle brushes
• hook and pick kit
• screwdrivers and sets
• extendable mini mirror
• rubber gloves
• flashlights
• magnets to hold screws

Crawford 25108 E-Ring and C-Clip Tool 8-1/2"

Crawford Tool SH5 Spring Hook 5 Piece Set<br /> https://crawfordtool.com/collections/spring-hooks/products/crawford-tool-sh5-spring-hook-5-piece-set

Crawford Tool 25006 IBM-Style Spring Hook Push/Pull

Crawford Tool 1722-TN Nylon Bristle Detail Brush AKA Typewriter Brush

Lube-All Oiler LA124 Triple Pack, 1 oz, 2 oz and 4 oz Bottles with Flexible Spout and In Cap Shut-off Valve<br /> https://crawfordtool.com/products/lube-all-oiler-la124-triple-pack-1-oz-2-oz-and-4-oz-bottles-with-flexible-spout-and-in-cap-shut-off-valve?variant=42824191901937

Bottles that could be useful for dispensing either oil or lacquer thinner/mineral spirits.

https://imgur.com/a/typewriter-tools-sSBsL

https://www.theeagleeyeprojekt.com/

Very pro-use and sharing of typewriter tools. May do a kickstarter-like project to make tools and sell them.

I've used the small typewriter tables with drop sides and wheels before. I appreciate their small size and ability to move around. I'm actively looking for a new one at the moment. (I sold the original 20 years ago when downsizing during a move between apartments and prior to restarting my collection.)

I currently use a dual pedestal desk and and usually have my typewriters on the pull out writing drawers. This drops the typewriter an inch and makes one's typing position (27" off the floor) much more comfortable than having the typewriter higher up 29-31" for most modern desks and tables.

I have tested a pedestal desk with a spring-loaded typewriter platform that moves up and out of the desk after opening a door. This was an excellent experience, and if I find another, I will surely purchase it. The tough part is that they take up a lot of space as the internal desk space is given entirely to hiding the typewriter when not in use. They're definitely great if you have a heavy 30+ pound standard typewriter that's not so mobile.

The third type are wooden desks with two desk height levels. One for traditional desk work and a second lower one as the typewriter platform. The lower height is obviously much more ergonomic for typing for long periods. On most of these desks, the inset typewriter space is most often given completely over for the typewriter to be there permanently. If your plan is to only have a typewriter, then jump, but their use is more difficult if you're sharing that space with a computer and need to move the two back and forth regularly. Additionally, the wooden desks have either permanent cut outs or can be flipped over to hide the cutout and make the entire desk space flush when the typewriter isn't in use. You'll have to use your own gut to decide which of these two might be best for you. I recently saw a reasonable version of a convertible wooden desk at https://abqtypers.substack.com/p/convertible-typewriter-desk

I find these pop up pretty regularly in the $200-500 range. Often owners don't want them because they don't use typewriters, and they don't move easily, so they're likely to come down in price pretty quickly/easily.

Duane of Phoenix Typewriter uses Leak-Proof Lube-all oilers for dispensing lacquer thinner on typewriters.

Lube-All Oiler LA124 Triple Pack, 1 oz, 2 oz and 4 oz Bottles with Flexible Spout and In Cap Shut-off Valve

reply to u/riatai69 at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1e3c0zy/tools_for_a_deep_maintenance/

You can do a tremendous amount with just a few things:

• thin Philips screwdriver with a small magnet to hold/catch screws
• small adjustable wrench
• bottle of Simple Green (or other mild cleaner)
• can of mineral spirits (naphtha, paint thinner, varnish remover, PB B'laster etc.) with a standard/cheap restaurant refillable ketchup/mustard squeeze bottle
• Toothbrush (and/or brass bristle brush)
• canned air
• a piece of string (useful for reattaching some pieces without more specialized tools, and particularly for reattaching springs)
• light machine oil (gun or sewing machine) for very lightly oiling your carriage rails
• YouTube for watching lots of typewriter repair videos

If you want to go higher end and do a lot more

• a set of spring hooks with push/pull ends
• full set of small wrenches
• more custom screw drivers
• a nice thick felt pad (approx 15" x 15" x 1/2"+ for having a place to sit your typewriter on without scratching it up)
• a small lazy susan big enough to set your typewriter on to more easily manipulate it
• air compressor (to replace your canned air)
• bins and trays for storing typewriter parts and screws while you're taking them apart and putting back together
• a set up for spraying down/washing out typewriters (DIY ideas include paint roller trays or plastic milk crates as a base and plastic bins for catching the run off)
• wiping cloths or similar cloth rags for wiping things down

If you want to go crazy

• Keyring pliers
• set up for respooling ribbon from 330+ yard spools
• The Manual Typewriter Repair Bible https://typewriterrepairbible.com/ as well as various other repair manuals and all the tools listed within them.
• storage shelving for 100+ typewriters
• a small collection of machines for parting out
• an 800+ square foot workshop space
• a publisher for you book about typewriters

When you're really ready for full-on insanity

• professional dunk tank and fire suppression equipment
• Your own typewriter repair shop and storefront
• I hear there's one for sale in Cambridge, MA https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/05/17/business/cambridge-typewriter-new-owner-retirement-tom-furrier/ It probably comes with everything mentioned above as well as lots of machines for parting out.

Type Shop, Ep. 15: The Ultimate Keyring Toolset Guide by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

Charles Gu's new keyring pliers for about $500 for a set are as good as if not better than vintage tools. In particular the new rubber pieces seem to help protect from breaking the original glass key tops which will then require replacement.

http://mytypewriter.com/hello-qwerty-typewriter-keyring-pliers-kit.aspx

Charles Gu at MyTypewriter.com is selling new typewriter keyring pliers!

ᔥ[[Typewriter Chicago]] in Type Shop, Ep. 15: The Ultimate Keyring Toolset Guide at 2022-12-29<br /> (accessed:: 2024-07-08 08:23:36)

Before You Buy a Typewriter … Six Top Things You Need to Know by [[CreateX3]]

Keyring pliers are used to remove the metal rings off of both circular and tombstone glass typewriter keys so that the legends can be replaced or even covered over with black paper circles for teaching or learning typing. They take some practice and skill to use, but speed up the replacement of legends significantly.

https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/typers.html