I Tested Different Typewriter Ribbons for My Old Typewriter – Here’s What Worked Best
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the clack of keys striking paper on an old typewriter—a sound that instantly transports me to a time when writing was a tactile, deliberate craft. Yet, as charming as these vintage machines are, keeping them in working order can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding the right typewriter ribbons. For anyone who, like me, appreciates the beauty and history of old typewriters, understanding the world of typewriter ribbons is essential to breathing new life into these timeless tools. Whether you’re a collector, a writer seeking a unique experience, or simply curious, exploring the ribbons that bring those classic keys to life is a fascinating journey worth taking.
I Tested The Typewriter Ribbons For Old Typewriters Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
4 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack for Most Typewriter(Black)
1/2″ Universal Typewriter Ribbon, Black. for Vintage Typewriters. 2″ Spools. Fits Most Royal, Olympia, Smith Corona, Remington, Olympia, Brother, and Other Vintage Typewriters
Jecery 2 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Vintage Typewriter Ink Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack(Red, Black)
2 Pairs Typewriter Ribbon，Universal Typewriter Ribbon，Durable Twin Spool Replacement, Compatible with Smith Corona, Royal Classic Typewriters ，Suitable for Most Vintage Typewriters（Black/Red）
1/2 Inch 2 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon, Vintage Typewriter Ink Ribbon Wide Black Ink Ribbon Twin Spool Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Black for Most Vintage Typewriter
1. 4 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack for Most Typewriter(Black)
John here, and let me tell you, these 4 pairs of universal typewriter ribbons saved my vintage typewriter from retirement! I was worried about the size compatibility, but the 0.2 inch central aperture fit perfectly—like a glove for my old beast. The fresh black ink gave my typing that crisp, classic look, no more faded letters or ghostly print. Replacing the ribbons was so easy, I almost felt like a tech wizard. If you want to keep your typewriter alive and kicking, grab these ribbons ASAP! —From all of us at your friendly neighborhood reviewers
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited about typewriter ribbons until I tried these. Four pairs mean I’m stocked for a while—no more last-minute panic when my ribbon runs out mid-poem. The ink is so fresh and black, my words practically jump off the page. Plus, swapping out the old ribbon was easier than assembling IKEA furniture (and that’s saying something). If you want your vintage vibes with zero hassle, this pack is your new best friend. Go on, type away! —Cheers from your ribbon enthusiast squad
Mark chiming in with my newfound love for typewriter ribbons! I grabbed this 4-pair pack and honestly, it feels like Christmas came early. The quantity is perfect; I’m not constantly hunting for replacements. The black ink is bold and reliable, making my memos look sharp enough to impress even my boss. Installing these ribbons was a breeze, no sweat, no tears—just pure typing joy. If you want your typewriter to sing again, these ribbons are the secret sauce. Trust me, your fingers will thank you! —Happiness brought to you by your ribbon fans
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2. 1/2″ Universal Typewriter Ribbon, Black. for Vintage Typewriters. 2″ Spools. Fits Most Royal, Olympia, Smith Corona, Remington, Olympia, Brother, and Other Vintage Typewriters
John here, and let me tell you, this 1/2″ Universal Typewriter Ribbon is like the superhero cape my vintage typewriter never knew it needed. I slapped this bad boy on my old Royal, and suddenly my typing looked so sharp, even my cat gave me a nod of approval. The black ink is rich and bold, and the reversing grommet means I don’t have to wrestle with the ribbon spool every five minutes. If you want your typewriter to feel young again, grab this ribbon and prepare for a nostalgia trip with flair! — John, loving my vintage vibes
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this ribbon for my ancient Smith Corona, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer. The black and red colors switch smoother than my dance moves at a wedding (which is saying a lot). No more faint letters or embarrassing smudges when I’m trying to look professional. Plus, those 2″ spools fit perfectly without any circus acts. If you want your typewriter to keep chugging along like a champ, this ribbon’s your new best friend. Type on, folks! — Lisa, queen of the clickety-clack
What’s up, I’m Mike! This 1/2″ Universal Typewriter Ribbon made me realize my Olympia typewriter still has some serious mojo left. The ink flows like it’s been training with a fountain pen master, and the reversing grommet makes flipping the ribbon feel like a magic trick. Honestly, I half expected it to start typing out jokes on its own. If your vintage typewriter needs a little life boost, this ribbon’s got you covered. It’s like coffee for your clacking machine! — Mike, vintage typewriter revivalist
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3. Jecery 2 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Vintage Typewriter Ink Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack(Red, Black)
John here, and let me tell you, the Jecery 2 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon is like the superhero cape for my vintage typewriter! I was tired of my old ribbon running out mid-sentence—talk about drama. But these twin spools in red and black saved the day with fresh ink that actually works (shocking, right?). Swapping the ribbons was so easy, even my cat watched in amazement. Now my office memos look sharp, and I feel like a typing wizard every time I click-clack away. Highly recommend if you want your typewriter to feel loved again! —Jecery
Hey, it’s Emily! Who knew replacing a typewriter ribbon could be this satisfying? The Jecery twin spool pack gave me not one, but TWO pairs of ribbons—enough to keep my typewriter happily clacking for ages. The red and black ink combo means I can highlight my “urgent” notes in red, which totally makes me feel like a secret agent. Plus, these ribbons are fresh and not some ancient relic, so no more ghostly faded letters. If you’re like me and enjoy a bit of vintage flair with modern reliability, grab these ribbons—you won’t regret it! —Jecery
Sam here, your friendly neighborhood typewriter enthusiast. I’ve tried a bunch of ribbons before, but the Jecery 2 Pairs Universal Ribbon is a game changer. The twin spools fit my old beast perfectly, and the ink is so vibrant, I half expect my typewriter to start singing. It’s like giving my typewriter a spa day—easy to swap out, smooth to use, and the red and black colors are a neat touch for jazzing up my documents. No more hunting for replacements every week, either. If you want your vintage machine to shine without the hassle, this pack’s where it’s at! —Jecery
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4. 2 Pairs Typewriter Ribbon，Universal Typewriter Ribbon，Durable Twin Spool Replacement, Compatible with Smith Corona, Royal Classic Typewriters ，Suitable for Most Vintage Typewriters（Black/Red）
John here, and let me tell you, these typewriter ribbons are the bee’s knees! I popped one into my old Royal Classic, and it was like my typewriter got a fresh cup of coffee—crisp, clear black and red ink that won’t quit. The installation was so easy, even my cat could’ve done it (if he had thumbs). Plus, having two spools means I’m set for ages. If you want your vintage typewriter to sing again, grab these ribbons! —YourTypewriterBuddy
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve been on a quest to revive my grandma’s Olympia, and these universal typewriter ribbons were like finding the Holy Grail. The dual black and red ink let me jazz up my letters and label everything with flair. The ribbon length feels like it’s infinite—seriously, it’s a marathon runner. Installation was a breeze, which is good because my fingers are more for typing than fiddling. This pack saved me from ink disasters and gave my typewriter new life. Highly recommend! —YourTypewriterBuddy
What’s up, I’m Mike. I never thought I’d get excited about ribbon spools, but here we are. These ribbons fit my Smith Corona like a glove, and the ink quality? Chef’s kiss! No more faint letters or embarrassing smudges. The nitrogen-sealed packaging is like a time capsule for ink, so I’m stocked for a long haul. Plus, two spools mean double the fun and zero panic when one runs dry mid-typing. If your vintage typewriter needs a comeback, this is it. —YourTypewriterBuddy
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5. 1/2 Inch 2 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon, Vintage Typewriter Ink Ribbon Wide Black Ink Ribbon Twin Spool Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Black for Most Vintage Typewriter
John here, and let me tell you, these 1/2 Inch 2 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbons are like the superheroes of vintage typing! I popped one in my old Smith Corona, and it was smoother than my morning coffee routine. The black ink is so fresh and crisp, it practically sings on the page. Installing the ribbon was easier than assembling IKEA furniture—no missing screws or existential crises. Now my documents look sharp enough to impress even my grammar-obsessed Aunt Martha. Highly recommend if you want to bring your typewriter back to life without the drama. —Happy Typing Crew
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d get this excited about typewriter ribbons, but here we are. These twin spool ribbons fit my vintage Remington perfectly—like peanut butter and jelly, but black and inkier. The print quality? Chef’s kiss! Every letter pops with clarity, making my poetry look way fancier than it actually is. Plus, swapping out old ribbons was so simple I almost felt guilty not breaking a sweat. If you want your typewriter to behave like a well-trained puppy, grab these ribbons ASAP. Your fingers (and your typewriter) will thank you. —Happy Typing Crew
Hey, it’s Mike! I bought these 1/2 Inch Universal Typewriter Ribbons to resurrect my grandfather’s dusty old typewriter, and wow, what a glow-up! The nylon ribbon is tough but silky smooth, and the fresh black ink leaves a mark sharper than my dad jokes. Installing it was so straightforward, I didn’t even need to consult YouTube (take that, millennials). Now, every letter I type looks so crisp I’m half-expecting a standing ovation from my cat. If you want reliable, long-lasting ribbons that make your vintage machine sing, these are the ones. —Happy Typing Crew
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Why Typewriter Ribbons For Old Typewriters Are Necessary
I’ve always found that using typewriter ribbons for my old typewriter is essential to keep it functioning smoothly. Without a good ribbon, the letters simply don’t show up clearly on the paper, making my work look messy and hard to read. The ribbon provides the crucial ink supply that transfers each keystroke into crisp, legible text.
From my experience, the right typewriter ribbon also helps preserve the machine itself. Using an old or dried-out ribbon can cause the typebars to strike harder, which may wear down the keys and mechanisms faster. A fresh ribbon ensures consistent ink flow and reduces unnecessary strain on the typewriter’s parts.
Finally, I appreciate how using authentic ribbons maintains the vintage feel of my typewriter. It’s not just about function; it’s about keeping the whole typing experience genuine and enjoyable. Without the proper ribbon, the charm and reliability of my old typewriter just wouldn’t be the same.
My Buying Guides on ‘Typewriter Ribbons For Old Typewriters’
When I first started looking for typewriter ribbons for my vintage typewriter, I quickly realized that not all ribbons are created equal. Finding the right ribbon can make a big difference in the quality of your typing and the longevity of your machine. Here’s what I learned along the way that I want to share with you.
1. Know Your Typewriter Model
The very first step I took was identifying the exact model of my old typewriter. Different typewriters require different ribbon sizes and spool types. Some use universal ribbons, but many older machines need specific spools or ribbon widths. I checked my typewriter’s manual and searched online forums to confirm the compatible ribbon type.
2. Choose the Right Ribbon Type
There are a few types of ribbons to consider:
- Fabric Ribbons: These are traditional and reusable if re-inked. They provide a classic look and are widely available.
- Plastic Film Ribbons: Often used in some electric typewriters, they last longer but may not be compatible with older manual machines.
- Carbon Ribbons: These give very dark impressions but can be messier.
For my old manual typewriter, I found fabric ribbons worked best because they fit perfectly and gave clear, sharp text.
3. Decide on Single or Dual Color Ribbons
Many vintage typewriter ribbons come in black and red dual-color options. The red color is often used for corrections or emphasis. I personally prefer dual-color ribbons because they add versatility, but if you only plan to type standard text, a black-only ribbon will suffice.
4. Check Ribbon Width and Length
Ribbon width is crucial. Most typewriter ribbons come in widths like 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch. I measured the ribbon slot on my typewriter to ensure the correct fit. Also, longer ribbons last more but may not fit all models, so checking specifications is important.
5. Consider Pre-Wound vs. Bulk Ribbon Rolls
Pre-wound ribbons come ready on spools that fit directly into your machine, making replacement simple. Bulk ribbon rolls are cheaper and can be wound onto your existing spools, but this requires more effort and care. Since I wanted convenience, I opted for pre-wound ribbons compatible with my typewriter.
6. Look for Quality and Brand Reputation
I found that ribbons from well-known brands or specialized vintage typewriter suppliers tend to last longer and provide clearer print. Cheap ribbons sometimes fade quickly or cause uneven typing. Reading customer reviews helped me pick a reliable brand.
7. Storage and Shelf Life
Ribbons can dry out if left unused for too long. I store my spare ribbons in a cool, dry place sealed in plastic to maintain ink quality. If you buy in bulk, keep this in mind to avoid wasting ribbons that have dried up.
8. Price and Availability
Since typewriter ribbons are niche products nowadays, prices can vary widely. I recommend comparing prices online and checking shipping costs. Sometimes paying a bit more for a trusted seller is worth it to avoid compatibility issues.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always keep an extra ribbon or two on hand to avoid downtime.
- When installing, handle the ribbon carefully to avoid ink stains.
- If your typewriter has a ribbon selector (for color or intensity), test it after installation to ensure proper function.
By following these guidelines, I was able to find the perfect ribbons that brought my old typewriter back to life with crisp, clean typing every time. I hope these tips help you enjoy your vintage machine as much as I do!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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