How to Restore a 1920s Remington Typewriter in 7 Simple Steps

A dusty Remington on the attic floor isn’t just a relic – it’s a portal to a time when every keystroke felt like a small ceremony. Restoring one can turn a forgotten piece of history into a trusted writing companion, and the process is easier than you might think.

Why Bother with a 1920s Remington?

Most of us spend hours on screens, but there’s a quiet joy in hearing the click‑clack of a real typewriter. The rhythm steadies the mind, and the tactile feedback reminds us that words are made, not typed. Plus, a restored Remington can become a conversation starter at any gathering – “Did you know my desk holds a machine that once typed the first radio script?” is a line that never fails.

Step 1 – Give It a Gentle Clean

Before you pry apart anything, clear away the surface grime. Use a soft brush (an old paintbrush works fine) to sweep dust from the keys, carriage, and the metal body. Follow with a lightly damp cloth – just enough moisture to lift grime, not soak the machine. Avoid harsh chemicals; a little dish soap diluted in water is plenty. Let the typewriter dry completely before moving on.

Pro tip from Timeless Keys

I once tried a commercial cleaner on a 1918 Underwood and ended up with a sticky mess. Stick to mild soap and a soft cloth – the machine will thank you.

Step 2 – Inspect the Mechanics

Open the carriage and look for obvious wear: broken springs, bent levers, or missing screws. The “platen” (the rubber roller that feeds paper) often shows cracks after decades. If the platen is cracked, you’ll need a replacement; they’re still sold by a few specialty shops. Take note of any parts that look out of place – you’ll need to address them later.

Step 3 – Disassemble with Care

Remove the key caps first. Most Remingtons have a small screw under each cap; a tiny Phillips screwdriver works well. Keep the caps in a bowl so they don’t roll away. Next, unscrew the main housing panels. Label each screw with a piece of masking tape and a number – it saves a lot of head‑scratching when you reassemble.

My own mishap

I once tossed a handful of screws into a drawer and spent an hour hunting for the one that held the shift lever. A simple label system would have saved that afternoon.

Step 4 – Clean the Inside

Now the real work begins. Use a cotton swab dipped in a little rubbing alcohol to clean the metal contacts and moving parts. For stubborn grime, a soft toothbrush works wonders. Pay special attention to the “typebars” – the little arms that strike the inked ribbon. They can collect dried ink and dust, which makes the keys feel sticky.

If you find rust, gently rub it away with fine steel wool. Do not over‑scrub; you want to remove the rust, not gouge the metal.

Step 5 – Lubricate the Moving Parts

A well‑lubricated typewriter runs smooth and quiet. Use a light machine oil (sewing machine oil is ideal) and apply a drop to each pivot point: the carriage return lever, the key levers, and the platen bearings. Wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth – too much oil will attract dust.

Why light oil?

Heavy oils can gum up the gears and make the machine feel sluggish. A single drop per joint is all you need.

Step 6 – Replace Worn Components

By now you should have a list of parts that need swapping. Common replacements for a 1920s Remington include:

• Platen rubber
• Ribbon (modern fabric ribbons work fine)
• Broken springs
• Worn key caps

You can find these pieces on vintage‑typewriter forums or through specialty dealers. When installing a new platen, make sure it sits flush with the carriage; an uneven platen will cause paper jams.

Step 7 – Reassemble and Test

Follow the labels you made in Step 3 and put the panels back together. Tighten all screws but don’t overtighten – the metal can crack under too much pressure. Once the machine is whole again, load a sheet of paper, insert a fresh ribbon, and give each key a gentle press.

Listen for the “ding” at the end of the line; that’s the carriage hitting the stop. If any key sticks, double‑check the corresponding typebar and spring. A quick adjustment now saves a lot of frustration later.

Final thoughts from Victor

Restoring a Remington is more than a DIY project; it’s a dialogue with the past. Each cleaned key, each replaced spring, brings you a step closer to the hands that typed telegrams, love letters, and early newspaper headlines. When the machine finally clicks into rhythm, you’ll hear not just metal on metal, but a story waiting to be written.

Enjoy the process, keep a notebook handy for any quirks you discover, and remember that every restored typewriter adds a little more analog romance to our digital world.

#typewriter #restoration #vintage