Typewriter Repair Album: Auckland’s Repaired Machines

   If you are wondering what kind of typewriter might give you the visual impetus you need to type for hours on end then please peruse this list of machines that have come through our Clackers Clinic workshop here in Onehunga, Auckland. I hope that this list will give you a clearer idea of what kind of shape and bulk might best suit your needs. I have waxed lyrical about the benefits of standard typewriters here but I fully acknowledge the well-deserved popularity of portables and ultra-portables as well. I believe that most writers will find it useful to have both - a standard in their studio and a portable for everywhere else. 

   A century of industry and ingenious competitive mechanical creativity went into perfecting these machines for the convenience of writers the world over. They are the best tool for overcoming writer's block. They are the most complete writing studio. They have never been outdone for their simplicity of purpose. To be a writer without a typewriter is to be a runner without shoes, an angler without leader, a tricolon without a third member. Don't cheat yourself out of a most essential tool, rather decide which versions of this marvellous machine you intend to make your own.
   

   Writers often ask what typewriter they should start with — and while nothing beats hands-on typing, getting familiar with how different machines look and feel is the next best thing. That’s why I’ve put together this photo showcase. If you’re new to the world of typewriters, the variety of designs, key actions, and visual aesthetics will more than likely influence your decision. Some writers know in advance whether the look of a machine will inspire in them a sense of dread or a feeling of joy.

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   This page features a selection of typewriters repaired at Clackers Clinic. These machines arrived in various states of disrepair — keys jammed, carriages frozen, ribbons missing — but left the bench fully functional and ready for another round of creative work. Some now belong to journalists, students, collectors, and everyday writers across New Zealand.

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   Browse through the sections below, grouped by brand, to see what’s come through the workshop. Whether you're considering buying a typewriter or simply admiring these classic machines, you'll find a wide range of models and repair types represented.