Typewriter Repair Services
What To Expect:
There are a lot of different typewriter brands and models. Most of these can be putinto one of two categories: manual and electric. Manual typewriters are generally recognized as antiques or at least vintage. Electric typewriters, usually not. Most of the time, electric typewriters (as opposed to manual) are used in the office and do actual work. Manual typewriters can do work, but that's generally not how they're used.
Electric Typewriters:
Like anything being used, the cost of maintenance will determine whether or not you keep a machine. Electric typewriters can usually be repaired for the minimum service charge ($95) plus parts. Parts will almost always come from salvaged machines, or from parts dealers who salvage machines (like typewriter.com). If no part is available, the customer is advised to start looking for a new machine. We can generally tell within a very short time whether or not an electric typewriter can be fixed.
Sorry--we so NOT work on IBM Selectric typewriters.
Manual Typewriters:
Manual typewriters generally take longer to fix than electric typewriters. Our price for repair is $75 per hour. Usually, if a part is needed, it has to be salvaged or made. Manual typewriters often have springs or rods that break in them, and usually one can be made from scratch.
Unlike electric typewriters, the value of the machine isn't determined by the amount of work it does... since antiques generally aren't used to do actual work. You'll have to assess the typewriter yourself to decide how much value it has and how much money you want to put into it. Even simple problems (like the ribbon advance not advancing) can sometimes take several hours to repair, so don't assume that since your machine almost works that it will only need a little cleaning and oil. That very rarely happens. So here are some questions you should ask yourself.
How much would my typewriter be worth if it worked properly?
We are not appraisers. We do not know how to get a dollar value from an antique. But here are some things to look at:
- PLASTIC OR METAL - If your machine is made of metal, then it will generally last longer than something made of plastic. Even plastic that was taken care of breaks down over time and becomes brittle. So if you see plastic in your machine's covers or parts, the typewriter is worth less than one made completely of metal.
- HOW MUCH FUNCTIONS (or doesn't function) - Almost every problem in a typewriter will take time to 1 diagnose, 2 repair. If your machine has three things wrong with it, you can expect at least 3 hours of work--probably more like 5. For an old plastic machine that is already beginning to break, 5 hours hardly seems worth the effort. However, if a machine is made entirely of metal, and was designed to last a very long time, 5 hours isn't unreasonable. You might find the same model for sale somewhere for a lower price, but it's unlikely that such a machine was thoroughly tested. Most people, when selling a typewriter, write a few words with it, and call it "working."
- HOW WILL IT BE USED - If you plan to write an entire novel, you'd be better off spending money on a functioning electric typewriter. Even the old metal machines can start to fall apart after they've been heavily used.