Repair & Service
Is your Oliver not typing properly? Not to worry! Oliver typewriters are among the easiest typewriters to service, and I encourage you to try fixing your machine yourself. Even if you have no prior experience, you can get yours typing again with a little effort and some basic knowledge. I am pleased to share some repair videos by Bryan Haddix from The Vintage Type, where he documents his repairing journeys. With his guidance, you’ll be well on your way to bringing your Oliver back to life!
Ribbons, Ribbon Mechanisms
Installing a New Ribbon
A few tips that may be useful when installing a new ribbon on an Oliver.
Holes in your Ribbon?
Here is an adjustment that may help.
Ribbon Advance Not Working?
Some things to look for if your Oliver Typewriter is not advancing the ribbon as it should.
Ribbon Vibrator Adjustment
If your spacebar and/or ribbon vibrator are out of adjustment, this video may help.
Ribbon Vibrator Removal
Remove the ribbon vibrator without removing the carriage rail assembly.
Draw Cords, Drum Springs, Escapements
Draw Cord Attachment
Attach the draw cord to an Oliver No. 3
Spring Drum Repair
Reconnect the end of the spring that often breaks in the spring drum.
Escapement Replacement
Replace the escapement mechanism of an Oliver No. 9.
Escapement Adjustment
Adjust the escapement of an Oliver No. 9
Carriages
Carriages Overview
Identify interchangeable parts and differences in the Oliver models.
Variable Release Repair
This a quick and easy operation to get the variable release working on your Oliver.
Carriage Removal, Knob and Lever Functions
Learn how to remove your Oliver carriage and operate various knobs and levers.
Line Spacing Repair
Replace and oil the spring for the line spacing mechanism.
Carriage Assembly (Oliver No. 3)
Assemble an Oliver No. 3 carriage.
Carriage Disassembly, Cleaning, and Reassembly (Oliver No. 9) [Part I]
Disassemble, clean, and Reassemble an Oliver No. 9 carriage.
Carriage Disassembly, Cleaning, and Reassembly (Oliver No. 9) [Part II]
Disassemble, clean, and Reassemble an Oliver No. 9 carriage.
Typebars
Typebar Replacement [Part I]
Replace a typebar on an Oliver No. 5.
Typebar Replacement [Part II]
Replace a typebar on an Oliver No. 5.
Straighten Bent Typebars
Straighten bent typebars on an Oliver No. 9.
Adjust Type Alignment
Adjust type alignment on an Oliver No. 9.
Adjust Uppercase Letters and Figures
Adjust the alignment of uppercase letters and figures on an Oliver No. 9.
Disassembly, Reassembly
Disassembly (Oliver No. 5)
Disassemble an Oliver No. 5.
Disassembly (Oliver No. 6) [Part I]
Disassemble an Oliver No. 6.
Disassembly (Oliver No. 6) [Part II]
Disassemble an Oliver No. 6.
Reassembly (Oliver No. 3)
Reassemble an Oliver No. 3.
Carriage Reassembly (Oliver No. 3)
Reassemble an Oliver No. 3 carriage.
Carriage Disassembly, Cleaning, and Reassembly (Oliver No. 9) [Part I]
Disassemble, clean, and Reassemble an Oliver No. 9 carriage.
Carriage Disassembly, Cleaning, and Reassembly (Oliver No. 9) [Part II]
Disassemble, clean, and Reassemble an Oliver No. 9 carriage.
Adjustments (Shift, Tab, Backspacer)
Adjust Underside Parts
Adjust parts on the underside of the Oliver No. 9.
Adjust Uppercase Letters and Figures
Adjust the alignment of uppercase letters and figures on an Oliver No. 9.
Fix CAP and FIG Keys not Returning
Fix CAP and FIG keys not returning on an Oliver No. 9.
Tabulator Adjustment
Fix a slow-moving carriage when pressing the tab key on an Oliver No. 9.
Backspacer Adjustment
Fix the backspacer on an Oliver No. 9.