Supplies explained
Typewriter Ribbons Explained: Nylon vs Cotton, Bichrome, Re-spooling and Re-inking
A fresh ribbon is the single cheapest upgrade for almost any vintage typewriter. It is also where new owners get confused: nylon or cotton, black or black-and-red, universal spools or originals, and what those little metal eyelets are for.
This guide focuses on the ribbon itself and how to get it working on your machine. For which spool fits which model, see the site's ribbons and spools guide and our post on Smith-Corona Silent-Super spool fit.
Ribbon basics: width, length and spools
A typewriter ribbon is a long strip of inked fabric wound on two spools. The ribbon passes through the ribbon vibrator (the small guide that lifts the ribbon in front of the type when a key is struck) and feeds from one spool to the other as you type.
For most manual typewriters the key measurements are:
| Feature | Common on manuals | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 1/2 inch (about 13 mm) | Too wide will not fit the vibrator; too narrow prints poorly or slips out |
| Length | Varies; many universal ribbons are sold in long lengths | Extra length is fine as long as it fits on your spools |
| Spool | Varies by maker and model | Spool hub size, depth and drive pins differ. Wrong spools may not turn |
| Reverse eyelets | Small metal grommets near each end | Trip automatic reverse on many machines |
Some electric typewriters, and some later portables, use cartridges or other proprietary formats instead of open spools. If your machine has a cartridge, search by the exact model and cartridge type.
Nylon vs cotton (and silk)
The fabric matters more than most people expect. Different fabrics hold ink differently and give a slightly different impression.
| Nylon | Cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Widest choice | Less common; specialist sellers |
| Durability | Long-lasting; resists tearing | Wears faster; edges can fray |
| Print look | Dark and even; can look slightly heavier | Many typists describe it as crisper and slightly softer-looking |
| Re-inking | Re-inks well | Re-inks well |
| Best for | Most users, most machines | Typists who want a particular look and do not mind replacing more often |
Silk ribbons were historically used for very fine print, and you may see references to them, but they are rarely encountered today. For most people, nylon is the right first ribbon.
Black, bichrome and other colors
Bichrome ribbons are split lengthwise: usually black on the top half and red on the bottom. Most typewriters have a color selector that shifts the vibrator so the type strikes the upper or lower half.
- All black: uses the whole width, so a single-color ribbon lasts longer before it fades.
- Black and red: lets you type headings or notes in red. Handy, but each half wears separately.
- Stencil setting: many machines have a stencil or white position that moves the ribbon out of the way so the type strikes directly, for cutting mimeograph stencils. If you set this accidentally, nothing prints.
- Other colors: brown, blue, purple and green ribbons exist for creative use.
Printing only half a letter? Check the color selector first. If it is set between positions, or set to red on a black-only ribbon, the type will strike only part of the inked area.
How to install a universal ribbon on original spools
Universal ribbons often come on generic plastic spools that do not fit every machine. The common fix is to wind the new ribbon onto your machine's original metal spools.
- Photograph the old ribbon path. Note how it runs through the vibrator, the guides, and around any reversing arms, and which direction each spool turns.
- Remove the old ribbon. Unhook the end from each spool. Many spools have a small hook or slot that holds the end.
- Attach the new ribbon to one original spool. Hook it on, or secure it with a small piece of tape if the spool has no hook.
- Wind it on by hand. Turn the original spool while letting the ribbon unwind from the universal spool. Keep the ribbon flat and even, inked side consistent.
- Keep both eyelets. Stop winding with enough ribbon left so the eyelet near that end stays on the ribbon, then attach the free end to the second original spool.
- Thread it through the vibrator. Follow your photo. The ribbon should sit flat in the vibrator guides.
- Test. Type a line and watch the spools turn. Type until the ribbon nears the end and confirm it reverses.
Wear gloves or keep a cloth nearby: fresh ribbon ink transfers easily to fingers and from fingers to paint.
For a starting point, Shop 1/2-inch nylon ribbons on eBay
Why ribbon reverse eyelets matter
On many manual typewriters the ribbon reverses automatically. When the ribbon nears the end of one spool, a small metal eyelet or grommet crimped into the ribbon catches on a reversing arm and flips the drive to the other spool.
If your new ribbon lacks eyelets, or you cut them off while trimming, the ribbon may run all the way to the end and stop, or pull off the spool. Many machines also have a manual reverse lever. If yours does not reverse automatically, look for that lever and use it when the ribbon nears the end.
Re-inking a ribbon
A ribbon that has gone gray but is not torn can often be re-inked instead of replaced. The general method:
- Use ink intended for typewriter or ribbon re-inking. Inks designed for other purposes may dry too fast, sit on the surface, or contain oils that bleed on paper.
- Apply a small amount evenly along the ribbon, either while winding it from one spool to the other or with a roller.
- Let the ink soak in and settle before typing. Over-inked ribbons smear and fill letters.
- Re-inking does not fix a frayed or torn ribbon. Replace those.
For supplies, browse ribbon re-inking ink on Amazon and read the product description to make sure it is meant for fabric ribbons.
Storing spare ribbons
Ribbons dry out over time. Keep spares sealed in their packaging or in a zip bag, away from heat and sunlight. A long-forgotten new-old-stock ribbon in its original tin may still work, but expect it to be drier than a fresh one.
New-old-stock ribbon tins are also collectible in their own right, especially those with attractive graphics. If that interests you, browse vintage ribbon tins on eBay.
Troubleshooting ribbon problems
| Problem | Likely cause | Try |
|---|---|---|
| Ribbon does not advance | Spools not seated on drive pins, or advance mechanism dirty | Re-seat spools; check that both spools are engaged |
| Ribbon does not reverse | Missing eyelets or a stuck reversing arm | Use manual reverse; check eyelets; clean the reversing arms |
| Ribbon slips out of the vibrator | Threaded incorrectly or ribbon too narrow | Rethread following the guides; confirm width |
| Print is very light | Dry ribbon or wrong color selector setting | Check selector; replace or re-ink |
| Ink smears on paper | Over-inked ribbon or dirty slugs | Type a few pages on scrap; clean slugs |
| Ribbon twists | Wound unevenly onto the spool | Rewind carefully, keeping it flat |
If the ribbon looks fine but the typing still looks blotchy, the type slugs may need cleaning. Our post on key slugs covers what to look for.
Buying tips
Search by your exact model whenever you can, especially for machines with unusual spools. Listings that say "fits" a list of models are seller claims, so check the spool photos against your own. When in doubt, buy a universal ribbon and keep your original spools.
If your machine arrived without spools at all, that is very fixable, but it is worth identifying the model first so you buy the right ones.
FAQ
What size ribbon does a manual typewriter use?
Most manual typewriters use a 1/2-inch (about 13 mm) fabric ribbon. Spools vary by maker, so check your machine or keep its original spools.
Is nylon or cotton ribbon better?
Nylon is durable and widely available, which makes it the best choice for most typists. Cotton is preferred by some for a crisper look but wears faster.
Why is my typewriter only printing the top half of letters?
The color selector is often set to the wrong position or between positions. Check it before assuming a mechanical problem.
Can I re-ink an old typewriter ribbon?
Yes, if the fabric is intact. Use ink intended for ribbon re-inking, apply sparingly and evenly, and let it settle before typing.
What are the metal eyelets on a typewriter ribbon for?
On many machines they trip the automatic ribbon reverse when the ribbon nears the end of a spool. Keep them when winding a new ribbon.