Q&A for How to Use a Typewriter

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Are there particular fingers I should use for different letters?

Community Answer

If your typewriter's keys are hard to push down, use one of your stronger fingers, like your index or middle finger. This will prevent you from straining your fingers. Otherwise, you could check out online typing lessons, like Typing Club or Learn to Type, in order to learn the correct fingers.

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Question

Can I use my typewriter on my lap?

Community Answer

You could, although most typewriters are heavy and would quickly become uncomfortable, and your legs may provide unsuitable support for the pressure with which you have to strike the keys.

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Question

Why are the keys on my typewriter stuck, and why do I hear a sound when I turn it on?

Community Answer

You should take your typewriter to a local repair shop, as it may have a mechanical issue that requires fixing.

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Question

Why won't the carriage move on my Signature 300 manual typewriter when I press a key?

Lorelei Osipov

Community Answer

The draw band may have snapped or become damaged. This band, usually made of strong fabric like canvas, connects the mainspring to the carriage to guide it along the rails. You can find helpful videos on YouTube for repairing the draw band on your model. If you need a replacement, 60 lb fishing line can work well. Be cautious when winding the mainspring to avoid injury.

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Question

How can I move the paper up when I start a new line?

Community Answer

Twist the paper feed knobs away from you.

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Question

What if the top of the typewriter comes off?

Community Answer

If it's the part that covers the ink ribbons, just slide it back on. If it's a different part, you may need to take it in to a repair shop.

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Question

How do I change to capital letters on a typewriter?

Community Answer

The same way you would typically do so on computer: there is a Shift key on the left and the right of the keyboard next to the bottom row of keys. Press it down while typing your letter.

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Question

How can I tell when I'm approaching the end of a line on a typewriter to avoid splitting a word?

Community Answer

Watch the right margin of the page as you type, and stop typing when you get close to it. You can start the next word on the following line, or end at a syllable, type a hyphen, and continue the word on the next line.

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Question

Why would you need to use a typewriter when you can use a computer?

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Community Answer

A computer (or a printer) might be unavailable for one reason or another. Using a typewriter has some mostly aesthetic aspects that you don't get from computer typing. Some people may enjoy the way it feels to type with a typewriter, the sounds it makes, the mechanics of the machine or the way the letters look.

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