Typewriter Repair Shop - Services - Process and Cost Details

Typewriter repair shop · Fuengirola, Málaga

How we repair typewriters, and what it costs

Every machine is treated as a mechanical instrument, not a decorative object. This page shows the eight stages on our bench, real worked examples with real numbers, and exactly what you pay before anything is taken apart.

Restoration is a decision, not a formula

No two machines arrive in the same state. An Olympia that has sat in a dry cupboard needs very little. The same model pulled out of a damp garage may need a new platen, a full strip-down and weeks on the shelf while a part is found.

So we inspect first, then tell you what your machine actually needs. Some typewriters go through all eight stages below. Many need half of them. We would rather leave honest original paint alone than repaint a machine to look newer than it is — and we restore reliable function while respecting the original construction and character of each typewriter.

On the bench

Eight stages, in order

Technical inspection of a vintage typewriter on the workbench at El Granero.
Stage 1

Inspection and evaluation

When your typewriter arrives we carry out a technical inspection: mechanical condition, typebars, platen, carriage movement, escapement, ribbon system and overall wear. This determines the exact scope of work.

Typewriter components partially disassembled for cleaning and lubrication.
Stage 2

Cleaning and lubrication

Key components are partially or fully disassembled as required. Old grease, dust, rust residue and hardened lubricants come off using the appropriate technical method. Every moving part is then correctly lubricated.

Mechanical repair work on the internal linkages of a vintage typewriter.
Stage 3

Mechanical repairs and adjustments

Worn or damaged springs, linkages, typebars, drawbands, escapement elements and levers are repaired or replaced. We use original parts where available, compatible replacements, or precision reproductions when necessary.

Checking typing alignment and impression on a serviced typewriter.
Stage 4

Alignment and calibration

Typing alignment, carriage travel, ribbon advance, spacing and impression are adjusted until the machine types cleanly, evenly and consistently. This is the stage that decides how a typewriter feels to write on.

Cosmetic restoration work on the exterior panels of a vintage typewriter.
Stage 5

Cosmetic restoration (optional)

If you want it: exterior cleaning, polishing, paint correction, decal restoration, and chrome or nickel polishing. Cosmetic work is always optional and always quoted separately.

A reassembled typewriter being tested after service at El Granero.
Stage 6

Reassembly and functional testing

The machine is fully reassembled and tested. We verify typing quality, carriage return, ribbon feed and overall reliability before it is signed off.

Discussing repair options for a client's typewriter at the El Granero workshop.
Stage 7

Client approval

Any additional repair or extended work is discussed with you in advance. No work is carried out without your approval, and no cost appears on an invoice that you have not agreed to first.

A serviced typewriter packed for collection or insured shipping.
Stage 8

Pickup or delivery

Once complete, the machine can be collected in Fuengirola or shipped. Invoices and documentation are provided, and warranty applies depending on the service level.

What makes the difference. We work exclusively on vintage and antique typewriters. You decide the scope of the work, we use original, compatible or precision reproduction parts, and cosmetic finishes are never applied at the expense of mechanical integrity.

Pricing

Three levels of service

Every job starts with an inspection, because nobody can quote a typewriter honestly without opening it.

Basic service50€

Air cleaning and technical inspection

Basic external and internal air cleaning plus an initial technical inspection to assess the machine's condition.

The 50€ is a mandatory, non-refundable minimum payment covering roughly 30 minutes of technician work. For complex, heavy or very dirty machines needing more disassembly, a further 50€ may be applied during inspection, bringing it to 100€.

Standard servicefrom 150€

Cleaning and maintenance

Deep cleaning, lubrication, mechanical adjustments and full functional setup. The price rises with machine size, condition and any parts required.

  • Certificate of writing and functionality
  • One free revision check within a year
Advanced service100€ to start

Repair and full restoration

For machines needing extensive repair, part replacement or complete restoration. The final price is variable, set by the diagnosis and confirmed by you before work begins.

Timeframe depends on complexity and on how quickly parts can be found.

Real numbers

Three machines, three invoices

These are typical jobs, not fixed packages. Prices vary with missing parts, corrosion and what you want the machine to do.

Olivetti Pluma 22

A portable for occasional home use. Complete and functional, but needing a deep clean, alignment, light cosmetic work and a new ribbon.

  • Initial inspection50€
  • Deep cleaning50€
  • Alignment and typing adjustment25€
  • Light exterior clean and polish25€
  • New ribbon installed10€

Estimated total 160€

Olympia SM3

A semi-portable for regular, reliable use. Heavier machine, complex internal mechanics, hardened grease and minor alignment issues.

  • Inspection and advanced disassembly100€
  • Deep cleaning and lubrication80€
  • Alignment, spacing, ribbon system40€
  • New ribbon installed10€

Estimated total 230€

Underwood No. 5

A large standard antique needing a full mechanical service. Extensive cleaning and several mechanical adjustments.

  • Inspection and advanced disassembly100€
  • Deep internal cleaning and lubrication120€
  • Adjustments and escapement tuning80€
  • Drawband or minor part repair50€
  • New ribbon installed10€

Estimated total 360€

Timing, collection and the machines we service

How long it takes. A basic service takes three to seven working days. An advanced restoration runs from a week to several months, depending on the machine and the parts.

Brands and models. We work with European and American machines — Olivetti, Olympia, Hermes, Royal, Adler, Erika, Underwood and many more — from small portables to large office standards.

Payment and storage, plainly. The 50€ inspection payment is required and non-refundable. Each additional 30 minutes of technician work needed for diagnosis or quotation is charged at 50€. Maintenance plans and subscriptions are quoted individually, and work starts only once you confirm.

Finished machines must be collected within three weeks. After that, storage is 25€ per week for a maximum of three further weeks. After six weeks in total the machine is considered abandoned.

Estimate request

Tell us about your typewriter

Fill in what you know. Nothing here is compulsory except your name, your email and the last agreement box — if you cannot answer a question, leave it blank and we will work it out on the bench.

1. About you Required
2. The machine Brand, model, age

Usually stamped on the frame under the carriage or on the back panel.

3. Condition What it does and does not do
4. What you want from it This changes the quote
5. Its story Optional, but it matters

We treat these differently. On a machine with a history we lean towards preserving original parts and paint rather than replacing them.

Photographs. This form cannot carry attachments. Please email your photos to us, or send them on WhatsApp, using the same name you gave above. Four shots help most: the whole machine, the keyboard from above, the typebars, and a typed sample if it still types.

We usually reply within two working days. Your details are used only to answer this enquiry — see our privacy policy.

The result

Machines that came off this bench

Before you send a machine

Practical questions

Why do I have to pay for an inspection?

Because an honest quote needs the machine open. The 50€ covers about thirty minutes of technician time and tells you exactly what your typewriter needs. Nothing further is done until you agree to it.

Do you work on machines sent from outside Spain?

Yes. We ship to and from more than seventy-five countries. Send the form above first — we will confirm the work, the likely cost and how to pack the machine safely before you post it.

My typewriter is rare or pre-war. Will you take it?

Usually, yes. Rare and antique machines are handled under our advanced service, where more of the work is hand-made and parts must be found or fabricated. Send photographs, the serial number and a picture of the case.

Can you repaint it?

We can, in high-quality automotive paint matched to the original colour or a new one, with decals touched up or replaced. But on a machine with good original paint it is usually the wrong call: it costs more and it removes the history. See our custom-made machines for what a full colour change looks like.

Is the work guaranteed?

The standard service includes a certificate of writing and functionality and one free revision check within a year. Full terms are on our warranty page.

Do you sell parts and ribbons separately?

Yes — original spare parts, 3D-printed parts and universal ribbons. If you would rather fix it yourself, we also offer online support.

Or just talk to us

Not sure what your machine needs?

If the form is more than you want to fill in, write to us with the make, the model and a photograph. We will tell you what it probably needs before you send it anywhere.

Chat with us WhatsApp
Call us by phone

Send us an Email

The El Granero cover for my typewriter really met all expectations regarding durability and dust. Excellent product

Very smooth shopping experience. Arrived with no problems. I can type away now!

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ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Pablo Barceló Moreno

Hace poco conocí a Jacek y Ania para que me ayudaran a poner a punto mi máquina de escribir Olivetti Studio46. Me recibieron en su oficina-taller con mucho naturalidad y sobre todo compartiendo conmigo su simpatía, amabilidad, pasión y amor por su oficio. Y por supuesto consigueron un resultado espectacular con mi máquina, la cual cuidaré y utilizaré con mucha ilusión cada vez que escriba. Además, pronto empezarán con un curso de mecanografía, a cual, si mi trabajo me lo Permite, asistiré para sacarle e
Mayor rendimiento a mi “Oli” Mil gracias de nuevo, y a todos aquellos que tengáis una máquina de escribir que necesite de mantenimiento o reparación, no dudéis en contactar con ellos! Un abrazo fuerte!

This company is absolutely fantastic the work is very professional polished can't ask for better service love this company

C
ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Cristina Guimarães

Comunicação ótima com a equipa da El Granero, quer na escolha da máquina quer no seu envio. Tive um atraso na sua entrega dado que queria a minha máquina para escrever os votos de casamento. Felizmente, ainda chegou a tempo. Estou deliciada. Muito bem acondicionada.

Order lost in shipping between Spanish shipper and USPS in states.
El Granero is staying in contact and working diligently on their end to try to locate the package and resolve the matter.
The extra effort they are expending to ensure this relatively small purchase gets found and delivered is greatly appreciated and speaks volumes about the integrity of this small, family owned business.

Excellent service. I ordered typewriter ribbons for my Hermes Baby and they arrived in the mail within days.

He tenido problemas con mi máquina Olivetti Collegue y, la verdad, que encontrar a esta gente ha sido toda una suerte. Muy formales en cuanto a los tiempos de recogida y entrega, muy atentos en el trato y muy cuidadosos en el embalaje. La máquina ha regresado nueva, y además me han hecho algún obsequio! Muchas gracias por todo.

El Granero provided me with an exceptional level of service, attention to detail, and authentic communication. I purchased the Olympia typewriter from a friend and noticed the "a" key was not working properly. When I attempted to make the adjustment myself, the arm broke off, which began my journey of research to find a professional restoration service. Coming across El Granero, I noticed they had a 50 euro option to repair the typewriter (with shipment to-and-from their location in Spain). The process was not as difficult as I had anticipated, and the owners provided updates, videos, and demos of the fixes they made to my typewriter. I am truly grateful that they were able to not only fix the "a" key, but fully tune and restore my typewriter to its former glory. Thank you, thank you, thank you, I am now creating performance pieces with confidence, and writing with great pleasure.

J
ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Jose Antonio Ramos

Son encantadores, unos profesionales como la copa de un pino. Trabajo rápido e impecable. Repetiré sin dudarlo.
Tuvimos la gran suerte de conocerlos en persona, a ellos y a sus mascotas.
Experiencia de 10.
Maquina repasada, limpia, engrasada y en perfecto estado.
La maquina tiene mucho valor sentimental, por eso ocupa el mejor sitio de casa.

Total confianza, muy profesionales y amables, tienen unas piezas muy exclusivas y cuidadas. Totalmente recomendables!

Excelente en todos los sentidos. Amabilidad y compromiso. Muchas gracias por todo.

Ania and Jacek were so helpful and made this purchase as easy as can be. My typewriter was packed incredibly well and arrived safely and is a real beauty. I'm thankful I don't live near their shop, otherwise I'd probably be buying more of their beautifully restored machines. :-)

A beautiful accessory for your typewriter. Quality craftsmanship that perfectly matches the spirit of a 'vintage' object. Highly recommended!

Absolutely beautiful Typewiter, restored to perfection, all wrapped with great love and care. It was a present for my husband’s 50th birthday and it couldn’t have been any more perfect. Thank you Ania and Jacek!

M
ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Margarida Pinto (Portugal)
Absolutely perfect!

Absolutely beautiful Typewiter, restored to perfection, all wrapped with great love and care. It was a present for my husband’s 50th birthday and it couldn’t have been any more perfect. Thank you Ania and Jacek!

We are thrilled to hear that your husband's 50th birthday gift was a success! A typewriter as a gift is such a unique and meaningful idea. bery special. We can only imagine the joy it brought to your husband on his special day. Thank you for sharing your experience, and I'm sure this positive review will encourage others to consider similar gifts for their loved ones!

These guys are very knowledgeable and super helpful! They answered my queries with patience and shipped my order securely. I will be buying more typewriters from them in the near future!

S
ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Sarah Cabrera (United States)
2021 and happy

In 2021 I had bought a beautiful Olympia Traveler de Luxe...it looked like new. Between moving from one country to another and place to place I was finally able to bring it with me. I lost the manual and was stuck. I was scared so I contacted them quickly via Instagram. Not even 2 minutes passed and I was resolving the mess I had. They sent me the manual and wow it was working again. They even sent me photos with drawings so I could understand since I am new to this world of clippers. Super happy, and now let's write!

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that your Olympia Traveler de Luxe made the journey with you and is back to working like new. It was our pleasure to assist you quickly and provide the manual and helpful drawings. We're glad to have made the process easier for you as you dive into the world of typewriters. Happy writing!

El Granero does a fine job. I once had two rare typewriters of the same make and model. Both had problems. However, they were able to fashion one working and complete Groma Kolibri typewriter to me. I was on holiday in southern Spain shortly after the work was complete. he went out of his way to deliver the machine to our hotel. superb service everytime I have worked with El Granero typewriter.company.

I am very pleased with the typewriter I ordered. The restoration is great and I’m very much looking forward to writing with it.

F
ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Francisco Martinez ramos

Ha sido fantástico: me dejaron en un estado fenomenal una máquina antigua que no había quien diese algo por ella. 100 por 100 recomendables

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ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Cristina Di Sandro
Articolo non funzionante troppo caro

Articolo non funzionante troppo caro

It's gorgeous and perfectly restored!

It's gorgeous and perfectly restored!

L
ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Lamprini Koleidou

I'm so happy with the service experience provided by Ania and Jacek. I am also thrilled with my typewriter, which arrived in perfect condition. Despite placing my order on New Year’s Eve, they were open and promptly responded to my emails, offering suggestions and helping me find what was best for me. I was looking for a typewriter with a Danish keyboard and they were the only ones I found in Europe that could accommodate my needs. I was amazed by their effort to accommodate my needs. It was a perfect service experience. I will definitely recommend them to anyone looking to buy a typewriter. They are true professionals.

No tengo palabras para describir lo que sentí al recibir la máquina de escribir. Fue indescriptible. Está super bien restaurada y funciona a la perfección. Es una de esas cosas que no pasan desapercibidas por la vida de uno y que tienen un valor que va más allá del material. Gracias por hacerlo posible.

This is my first Hermes Baby, It is in good condition it is clean and pretty ! really an ultraportable one ,ready to use .Thanks to Ania of El Granero for keeping track of the shipment ,for packing it securely and giving an additonal extra touch of wrapping in time for Christmas .I really appreciate it .Of course for the wonderful cute typweriter Pin and dust cover freebies ! 😍

I couldn’t be happier with my shopping experience with El Granero! To no fault of their own, the first typewriter I purchased was lost in the mail, but El Granero was quick to help me out. They found a replacement that fit all of my needs and were able to refurbish it and send it to me before a deadline that I had.

During every step of the process they were there to answer my questions and to make sure I felt great about my purchase. I definitely felt supported by them.

I’ve already begun using the typewriter I purchased to write personal letters to friends and family and it couldn’t be more perfect. It’s been professionally serviced and works flawlessly! Thank you for the great typewriter; it’s already one of my favorite things I own.

Beautiful little black Olympia typewriter. Eager to start using it. Thanks for the excellent service. A big thank you to the team for providing such outstanding El Granero service. Your efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Best!
ANDRÉS

D
ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Daniela Arreola Seg
Beautiful machine and excellent craftsmans...

Beautiful machine and excellent craftsmanship. Shipping was a little delayed but Ania was super communicative and wonderful. Will buy again!