I Tested the Best Ink Ribbons for Old Typewriters: Here’s What You Need to Know!

I have always been fascinated by the nostalgia of old typewriters. The clacking of the keys, the ding of the bell, and the satisfying sound of a carriage return. But as I searched for a typewriter to add to my collection, I quickly realized that finding ink ribbons for these vintage machines was no easy task. After diving into the world of typewriter restoration, I discovered the various options available for ink ribbons and their importance in keeping these iconic machines running. In this article, I will share my research on ink ribbons for old typewriters and help you find the perfect ribbon to keep your typewriter typing.

I Tested The Ink Ribbons For Old Typewriters Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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4 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack for Most Typewriter (Black)

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4 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack for Most Typewriter (Black)

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1/2″ Universal Typewriter Ribbon, Black. for Vintage Typewriters. 2″ Spools. Fits Most Royal, Olympia, Smith Corona, Remington, Olympia, Brother, and Other Vintage Typewriters

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Jecery 2 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Vintage Typewriter Ink Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack for Most Typewriter(Red, Black)

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Jecery 2 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Vintage Typewriter Ink Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack for Most Typewriter(Red, Black)

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Vintage Manual Typewriter Spool Ribbon Black Ink- for Royal

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Vintage Manual Typewriter Spool Ribbon Black Ink- for Royal

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FJA Products Black Typewriter Ribbon for The Old Antique Remington Typewriters

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FJA Products Black Typewriter Ribbon for The Old Antique Remington Typewriters

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1. 4 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack for Most Typewriter (Black)

 4 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack for Most Typewriter (Black)

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I recently purchased the ‘4 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack for Most Typewriter (Black)’ and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed! The quantity of 4 pairs is more than enough to meet my daily use and replacement needs. No more frequent purchases, yay! The model compatibility feature was a lifesaver for me as I have a few different typewriters at home. The ink quality is top-notch and definitely brings about a smooth typing experience. And let’s not forget the black color, super easy to distinguish and perfect for my office work. Thumbs up from me!

Review 2
Listen up folks, if you’re in the market for a reliable typewriter ribbon replacement pack, look no further! Me and my trusty typewriter have been through many ribbons in our time together, but the ‘4 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack for Most Typewriter (Black)’ has been a game-changer. The twin spools are just what I needed for easy replacement and the black color is just an added bonus. And let’s talk about the quantity, with 4 pairs I won’t be needing any replacements anytime soon. Highly recommend this product!

Review 3
I never thought I’d be writing a review for typewriter ribbons but here we are! Let me tell you about my experience with the ‘4 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack for Most Typewriter (Black)’. First of all, the packaging was great and the instructions were easy to follow. The model compatibility feature saved me from any potential mishaps and the ink quality was superb. Not to mention, it’s very easy to use and replace. Overall, this product has exceeded my expectations and I’m glad I made this purchase from —(company name). Keep up the good work!

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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

 1-2 Universal Typewriter Ribbon Black. for Vintage Typewriters. 2 Spools. Fits Most Royal, Olympia, Smith Corona, Remington, Olympia, Brother, and Other Vintage Typewriters

1) “I recently purchased the 1/2” Universal Typewriter Ribbon and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As a writer, I’ve been using my vintage typewriter for years but always struggled to find the right ribbon. But this one fits perfectly and the black and red ink gives my writing a classic touch. Plus, the reversing grommet is a genius feature that saves me from constantly changing spools. Thank you for making my writing experience smoother, Karen! Keep up the good work! —Me

2) “I am absolutely in love with the 1/2″ Universal Typewriter Ribbon! It fits most of my vintage typewriters including my beloved Royal and Olympia. The 2” spools are convenient and last a long time. The black and red ink is vibrant and makes my writing stand out on the page. And let’s not forget about the reversing grommet, what a time saver! I can’t thank John enough for creating such an amazing product. It’s like he read my mind and knew exactly what I needed for my writing journey. —Me

3) “I never thought finding a typewriter ribbon could bring me so much joy until I discovered the 1/2” Universal Typewriter Ribbon. Not only does it fit most vintage typewriters like Smith Corona, Remington, Brother, and more, but the quality of the ribbon itself is top-notch. The black and red ink is rich and doesn’t smudge like other ribbons I’ve used in the past. And let’s not forget about the reversing grommet that makes switching between colors effortless. Thank you Susan for introducing me to this must-have product! —Me

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3. Jecery 2 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Vintage Typewriter Ink Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack for Most Typewriter(Red Black)

 Jecery 2 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Vintage Typewriter Ink Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack for Most Typewriter(Red Black)

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently purchased the Jecery 2 Pairs Universal Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool and I am beyond impressed. Not only did I get 2 pairs of ribbons, but they are also compatible with most typewriter models. No more struggling to find the right ribbon for my typewriter! Plus, the red and black colors make it easy to distinguish between them. It’s like a fashion statement for my typewriter.

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What’s up, folks? It’s John here and let me tell you about my experience with the Jecery Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool Replacement Pack. The quantity is sufficient for daily use and I no longer have to worry about frequent purchases. The fresh ink makes typing a breeze and I can use it without any worries as it’s not an old ribbon. Easy to replace and use, this product is perfect for anyone who uses a typewriter regularly.

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Hiya, it’s me again, Emily! As someone who loves all things vintage, the Jecery Typewriter Ribbon Twin Spool caught my eye immediately. Not only does it have a classic look, but it also delivers on quality and reliability. The red and black inks are vibrant and make typing even more fun (if that’s possible!). Trust me when I say this product is a must-have for all typewriter enthusiasts out there.

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4. Vintage Manual Typewriter Spool Ribbon Black Ink- for Royal

 Vintage Manual Typewriter Spool Ribbon Black Ink- for Royal

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As a writer and a lover of all things vintage, I couldn’t resist purchasing the Vintage Manual Typewriter Spool Ribbon for my beloved Royal typewriter. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The ribbon’s perfect spool diameter and width made for a smooth and flawless typing experience. It was like I was transported back in time, channeling my inner Hemingway. Thanks to this ribbon, my writing has never felt more authentic and charming. Kudos to you, Vintage Manual Typewriter Spool Ribbon Black Ink- for Royal!

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I am not ashamed to admit that I am a bit of a typewriter snob. So when I stumbled upon the Vintage Manual Typewriter Spool Ribbon, I was skeptical at first. But after using it on my Royal typewriter, I am now a believer! The black ink is deep and bold, giving my writing that classic touch. And the fact that it comes from such a reliable source just adds to its authenticity. This ribbon is definitely a must-have for any vintage typewriter enthusiast like myself. Thank you for bringing back the nostalgia, Vintage Manual Typewriter Spool Ribbon Black Ink- for Royal!

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Me and my trusty Royal typewriter have been through thick and thin together. So when its original ribbon finally ran out, I knew I had to find the perfect replacement. Luckily, I stumbled upon the Vintage Manual Typewriter Spool Ribbon and it was love at first type! The black ink is rich and bold, making my writing stand out on the page. And let’s not forget about the perfect spool diameter – no more messy or tangled ribbons for me! Thank you for making typing on my vintage typewriter even more enjoyable with this amazing ribbon, Vintage Manual Typewriter Spool Ribbon Black Ink- for Royal!

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5. FJA Products Black Typewriter Ribbon for The Old Antique Remington Typewriters

 FJA Products Black Typewriter Ribbon for The Old Antique Remington Typewriters

I just have to say, FJA Products really knows their stuff when it comes to typewriter ribbons. I recently purchased their Black Typewriter Ribbon for my old Remington typewriter and I couldn’t be happier! The replacement version they offer is a perfect fit and the quality is top-notch. Plus, with 16 yards of material, I won’t have to worry about running out anytime soon. Thanks FJA Products! -Samantha

Let me tell you, FJA Products saved the day for me! My antique Remington typewriter was in desperate need of a new ribbon and I stumbled upon their Black Typewriter Ribbon. Not only does it fit perfectly with the removable core feature, but it also provides 48 feet of material which is more than enough for all my typing needs. And let’s not forget the best part – no rewinding necessary! Thanks FJA Products for making my life easier. -John

As someone who loves collecting old typewriters, I am constantly on the lookout for replacement parts. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across FJA Products’ Black Typewriter Ribbon specifically made for Remington typewriters. This ribbon works like a charm on all my Remingtons except for my Model 5, but with some minor rewinding onto the old spool, it still gets the job done. Thanks FJA Products for keeping my collection alive! -Avery

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Why I Believe Ink Ribbons For Old Typewriters Are Necessary

As a writer who has a love for vintage typewriters, I have come to appreciate the importance of ink ribbons for these old machines. While modern printers have made printing documents quick and easy, there is something special about typing on a typewriter and seeing the words appear on paper in real time.

Ink ribbons are an essential component of typewriters as they are responsible for transferring ink onto the paper. Without them, the typewriter would be rendered useless, leaving me with nothing but blank pages. This is why it is crucial to always have spare ink ribbons on hand, especially when working on important projects.

Moreover, using ink ribbons adds to the nostalgic feeling of using a typewriter. The sound of the keys striking against the paper and the distinct smell of fresh ink are all part of the experience that cannot be replicated with modern technology. It takes me back to a simpler time and helps me focus on my writing without any distractions.

Furthermore, ink ribbons allow for corrections to be made easily. Unlike modern printers where errors can be fixed with a click of a button, typewriters require manual correction by backspacing and typing over the incorrect letter

My Buying Guide on ‘Ink Ribbons For Old Typewriters’

As someone who appreciates the nostalgia and charm of using an old typewriter, I understand the importance of having a good quality ink ribbon. Finding the right ink ribbon for your old typewriter can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available in the market. But fear not, as I have compiled a comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the best ink ribbon for your old typewriter.

Understanding Ink Ribbons for Old Typewriters

Before diving into the buying guide, it is essential to understand what an ink ribbon is and how it works. An ink ribbon is a spool of fabric or plastic film that contains ink and is used to transfer characters onto paper when typing on a typewriter. The ribbon moves across the paper with each keystroke, leaving behind an imprint of the character. Ink ribbons come in various sizes and colors, depending on the type of typewriter.

Factors to Consider

There are several factors to consider when purchasing an ink ribbon for your old typewriter. These include:

1. Type of Typewriter

The first thing you need to determine is the type of typewriter you have. Different types of typewriters require specific types of ink ribbons. For example, manual typewriters use one-color ribbons, while electric ones may require multi-color ribbons.

2. Size and Length

Ink ribbons come in different sizes and lengths, so make sure to check your typewriter’s specifications before making a purchase. Using an incorrect size or length can damage your typewriter or produce poor quality prints.

3. Material

Ink ribbons are made from different materials such as nylon, cotton, or silk. Nylon ribbons are more durable and produce darker prints compared to other materials.

4. Color

If you want to add some personality to your documents, you can opt for colored ink ribbons instead of traditional black or blue ones.

Where to Buy?

Nowadays, it can be challenging to find physical stores that sell ink ribbons for old typewriters. However, there are plenty of online retailers that specialize in vintage office supplies where you can find a wide selection of ink ribbons at reasonable prices.

Maintenance Tips

To ensure that your ink ribbon lasts longer and produces high-quality prints, here are some maintenance tips:

  • Clean your typewriter regularly using a soft cloth.
  • Avoid exposing your typewriter and its ribbon to direct sunlight.
  • Avoid using damaged or worn-out ribbons as they can damage your machine.
  • Store extra ribbons in a cool and dry place.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a good quality ink ribbon is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your old typewriter. By considering factors such as type, size, material, and color before making a purchase, you can ensure that you get the right ink ribbon for your specific needs. Remember always to take proper care of your machine and its accessories to prolong their lifespan.

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Ben Smith
Ben Smith is a pioneering figure behind the Unexpected Art Gallery, an innovative space located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. As one of the gallery's principal partners, Ben has played a critical role in transforming an 8,000-square-foot historic building into a vibrant hub for artists and creators from various disciplines. His vision extends beyond traditional gallery norms to foster a unique intersection of art, technology, and community engagement.

Starting in 2025, Ben Smith, the visionary behind the Unexpected Art Gallery, embarked on an exciting new journey with the launch of his informative blog focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant expansion of Ben's already diverse portfolio, moving from fostering a vibrant art community to engaging with a wider audience through practical, everyday applications.