Typewriter Support

Typewriter Support

Something not typing right?

Every machine that leaves our bench is cleaned, adjusted and tested. Machines still travel badly, ribbons still run dry, and a typewriter that sat in an attic for thirty years has opinions. Most faults have a simple cause. Start below.

Describe your problem Read the care guide

Before you reach for the oil

Most sticking keys are not dry. They are the opposite: decades of old oil, thickened into varnish and holding dust. Adding fresh oil to a sticky segment usually makes it worse within a month. If a machine feels sluggish across many keys at once, that is a cleaning job, not a lubrication one — and it is one of the most common reasons a typewriter arrives on our bench.

Find the fault

Work through the symptom that matches yours. If nothing here fits, or a step makes things worse, stop and write to us.

A key sticks, or two typebars clash and stay up

Lift the stuck bars apart gently by hand — never force the keys down from the top. If it happens with one specific bar, look for grime at the pivot where the bar meets the segment. If it happens across the whole keyboard, or the bars return slowly, the segment needs cleaning rather than oiling. Typing fast on a machine that has sat unused for years also causes clashes until the mechanism loosens up.

The letters print faintly, or not at all

Check three things in order. Is the ribbon still inked, or has it been running on the same worn stretch? Is the colour selector set to a used half of a two-tone ribbon, or accidentally on stencil? Is the ribbon actually threaded in front of the typebars rather than behind them? A tired ribbon is by far the most common answer. Universal ribbons and metal spools are in stock.

The ribbon doesn't advance, or won't reverse

Watch the spools while you type a line. If neither turns, the drive is disengaged or jammed. If one turns until it stops and never flips direction, the reverse mechanism isn't tripping — on most machines this is triggered by an eyelet or the ribbon running out, and a ribbon wound without its metal eyelets will simply run to the end and stall. Re-spooling onto original spools solves this more often than you'd expect.

The carriage won't move at all

Check the carriage lock first — most portables have one for transport, and it is easy to forget after unpacking. Then check the margin release: if you have typed to the right margin, the carriage will refuse to advance until you press it. Only after both of those should you suspect the escapement.

The carriage moves, but not one space at a time

Skipping, double-spacing or running free are escapement symptoms. Try a slower, more deliberate stroke first — a glancing or half-pressed key can fail to trip the escapement cleanly. If it persists regardless of how you type, it needs adjustment on a bench. Please don't try to correct escapement geometry at home; it is easy to bend something expensive.

Paper slips, feeds crooked, or the line spacing wanders

Check that the paper release lever is fully closed — half-engaged is a classic cause of drift. If the paper still slips, run a finger along the platen: a hardened, glazed or flat-spotted roller no longer grips. Platens dry out with age and can be recovered. Storing a machine with paper left in it is the usual culprit behind flat spots.

It came from us and something isn't right

Write to us and say what the machine is doing. Every machine we sell carries a one-year warranty, and shipping damage is our problem to solve, not yours. Photographs of the machine and the packaging help enormously if the box took a hit. Warranty terms.

Guides and manuals

Everything below is free and already written. Start here before booking any service.

Quick care checklist

The short version: what to do weekly, monthly and before storing.

Open the checklist →

Maintenance guide

Cleaning, storage climate, carriage handling and what not to use.

Read the guide →

Original manuals

Scanned user manuals as PDFs, by brand and model.

Find your manual →

Spare parts

Original parts, 3D-printed replacements and hard-to-find pieces.

Browse parts →
Still stuck

Tell us what it's doing

Describe the symptom in your own words — you don't need the correct terminology. A short video of the machine misbehaving is worth ten paragraphs. We answer from the workshop in Fuengirola, in English, Spanish or Polish.

Contact the workshop

If it needs the bench rather than an email, see online diagnostic support or our repair services and prices.

Vintage typewriter mechanism on the workbench at El Granero Typewriter Company


Read Essential Maintenance and Best Practices

Maintaining a Smooth Operation

Used sparingly and in the right places, oil keeps a typewriter running and helps prevent rust. Used generously, it is the single most common cause of the sticky machines that arrive on our bench. The right product in the right quantity matters more than the amount.

Choosing the Right Product

  • Odorless mineral spirits are an excellent choice for cleaning. They are a solvent rather than a lubricant, so they flush out old oil and grime instead of replacing it.
  • Lightweight, high-grade oils like sewing machine oil or spindle oil are suitable for lubricating moving parts, applied one drop at a time.
  • Gun oil is another option, but be cautious not to over-oil the machine.
  • Specialized typewriter lubricants have emerged, offering benefits like being odorless, non-toxic, and capable of penetrating intricate parts.
  • Never oil the segment, the slots the typebars pivot in. That is the one place where oil attracts dust and causes the sticking it is meant to cure.

Preventing Damage from Leaving Paper in Your Typewriter

Leaving paper in a typewriter for extended periods can cause damage to the rollers and platen. Release the tension on the rollers before storing the typewriter to prevent flat spots on the rubber.

Best Practices for Moving and Using the Typewriter Carriage

  • Avoid slamming the carriage, as this can damage the escapement mechanism.
  • Use a smooth, controlled motion when returning the carriage to start a new line.
  • Regularly check and reset the margins to ensure the carriage is moving smoothly.
  • Secure the carriage when transporting or storing the typewriter.

Properly Releasing Roller Tension for Long-Term Storage

  • Release the tension on the rollers before storing the typewriter to prevent flat spots on the rubber.
  • Use the paper release lever or consult the owner's manual for specific instructions.

Keeping it Clean: Tools and Techniques for Typewriter Hygiene

  • Use soft brushes, compressed air, and cleaning cloths to remove dust and debris from the internal mechanisms.
  • Clean the exterior surfaces with a damp cloth and mild dish soap.
  • Avoid using wax on typewriters with a crinkle paint finish.
  • Use rubbing alcohol or a metal polish to clean and polish chrome or nickel-plated parts.

The Ideal Climate: Temperature and Humidity Ranges for Typewriter Storage

  • Store typewriters in a room with a stable temperature between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 4 to 27 degrees Celsius).
  • Maintain a relative humidity level between 30% and 50% to prevent rust and corrosion.

The Rhythm of the Keys: Frequency and Duration of Typewriter Use for Optimal Health

  • Regular and frequent use is the best form of maintenance for a typewriter.
  • Make an effort to type a page or two every month or two to keep the parts moving freely and in good condition.
  • Recognize the signs of disuse and address any potential issues before they become significant.
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ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Tihomir Miloš

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

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Julian Stachura

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

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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!

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Frank Broccoli

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

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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.

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Keith

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.

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Michael Southam

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

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Cecilia Cortés

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.

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Justin Goodstein

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.

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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.

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Araceli Osuna

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

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Angel Blanco

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

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Jeff Bender

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. :-)

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Michele Simeoni

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

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Margarida Pinto

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!

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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!

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Nikita

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!

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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!

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Ryan Buesgens

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.

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Cristina Colucci

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

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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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Cristina Di Sandro
Articolo non funzionante troppo caro

Articolo non funzionante troppo caro

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Amy Shatila
It's gorgeous and perfectly restored!

It's gorgeous and perfectly restored!

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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.

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arantxa suso

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.

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Lu Mac

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 ! 😍

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Mads Bolaris

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.

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victor

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

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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!

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