Typewriter Ribbons – Find the Right Fit for Your Machine

Various typewriter ribbon spools.

Have you recently bought or are you thinking of buying a typewriter? One of the main problems with maintaining a working typewriter is keeping a fresh ink ribbon installed.

Clackers Clinic provides fresh, sealed typewriter ribbons — and help to identify the right ribbon and spool for your machine. Whether you're using a classic portable or a rare desktop model, we’ve probably got you covered.

Not Sure What Ribbon Fits Your Typewriter?

Many typewriters use different ribbon spool sizes and shapes. If you're unsure what kind you need, just take a photo of:

1, The ribbon spools currently inside your typewriter

2, The area where the spools attach — especially the center post or spindle

Simply email these pictures to us at nztypewriter@gmail.com or text them to 021 0852 7756. From there, we’ll help you identify the correct ribbon and ask whether you prefer an all-black ribbon or a black-and-red (bichrome) one.

A ribbon spool spindle example photograph.

Here is an example of a photograph of a ribbon spool spindle that would help us find the correct ribbon spool for you.

And here is another helpful photograph of a spindle or spool mount.

Ribbon Prices and Pickup Info

We sell ribbons for $20, plus postage within New Zealand. Pickup is available by arrangement from our Auckland workshop in Onehunga.

Postage to anywhere urban - Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and most New Zealand towns - is currently $5 and to anywhere the postal system deems to be rural, $12. This applies for one set of ribbons or for as many as can be fit into the smallest allowable package.

Most ribbons come pre-wound on plastic spools. If your machine requires special spools, we can help you transfer the ribbon — or do it for you.

Winding New Ribbon onto Old Spools

Sometimes the new plastic spools won’t fit your typewriter, or you might want to reuse your original metal ones. Some machines don’t use spools at all, requiring you to wind the ribbon around the bare spindle clips. Here’s how to do that properly.

Here is an example of a distinctive Remington ribbon cover which clips into the centre of the ribbon mount. Normal spools won't fit this set up.

A Remington typewriter ribbon spool mount.

And here is the view with the spool cover removed. The central mount is much to big for a standard ribbon spool.

Ribbon Spool Hook

Most ribbon spools include a small barb or hook which catches the ribbon. Look for a hole in the ribbon where it was previously attached — you can usually reuse that hole by slipping it over the barb.

If there’s no hole, create one with a nail, drill bit, or something sharp. It doesn’t have to be fancy — if it holds, it works.

The inside of a typewriter ribbon showing the barb connecting with the ribbon end.

Here is an example of the ribbon spool hook where the ribbon fits over.

No Barb? No Problem.

If your old spool has lost its hook — often due to being yanked out with more enthusiasm than patience — you can simply tie the ribbon onto the hub.

The important thing is to ensure the ribbon winds flat. It shouldn’t be twisted or folded as it passes through the machine. If you’re using a black-and-red ribbon, make sure the black portion ends up on top by the time it reaches the direction-triggering ring.

A direction triggering ring near the end of a typewriter ribbon.

This is the direction-triggering ring near the end of a ribbon. Most ribbons have them.

Using the Ribbon Guide for Stability

You can wind the ribbon by hand, but it can be awkward and easy to mess up. The quickest and cleanest method is to:

1, Place the receiving spool on its spindle inside your typewriter

2, Thread the ribbon through the ribbon guide

3, Wind manually, letting the machine guide the alignment

This method keeps the ribbon taut and prevents it from twisting or folding over itself.

Typewriter ribbon fed through the ribbon guide.

The ribbon can be fed through the guide for stability before manually winding onto the spool.

We Also Install Ribbons

Need a hand installing your ribbon? We can talk you through the process remotely or do it for you at our Onehunga workshop. Most modern ribbons will fit directly, but for unusual or vintage models, we’ll help re-spool or wind manually onto your original spools.

Got Questions About Typewriter Ribbons?

If your machine hasn’t been used in a while, a new ribbon is usually the first step toward legible typing. If you’re unsure about compatibility, spool size, or ribbon installation, feel free to send us a message — we’re happy to help get you typing again.

If you are new to typewriters we recommend taking a look at the various machines we have repaired so you can have an idea of what you might want to invest in.