2 Matching Annotations
- Aug 2024
-
virtualhermans.com virtualhermans.com
-
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
- screwdriver sets
-
- Mar 2024
-
Local file Local file
-
All screws used on the face of the drawers should be sunk in.Round headed screws are apt to tear the skin of the fingers.
-