[GreenKeys] Reactivating ink in Teletype Ribbons

[KC0NNC at aol.com]

Re: reactivating dry ink in TTY ribbons...

I had passed along another WD-40 problem solution to the round table several 
weeks if not months ago...

i simply use  and / or store all of my ribbons (old and new) in a zip lock 
refrigerator food storage bag,  (gallon size)  I used to use WD-40 [which works 
pretty well, but gets sludgy as mentioned]

But now I use Marvel Mystery oil and it does not have STP in it. (remember 
the STP oil enhancer we used to buy to become an additive in the straight weight 
motor oil of the 30's 40's and 50's?)  I have concluded that this is perhaps 
what they use in WD-40, as the aromatic solvents in the product do seem to 
evaporate and leave a sludge like glue.

I have converted to keeping a sponge full of the marvel mystery oil within 
the bag full of new and old ribbons, and it keeps all of them (including new 
factory wrapped ribbons) in usable shape.  In fact ( regarding the used and 
previously dry ribbons) -almost factory new- .

The challenge seems to be that the hammers do take a toll on the ribbon 
fabric and when it (the fabric) begins to deteriorate, it does not matter how much 
ink is left in the ribbon.

I have more problems with the end of ribbon and reversal rivets falling out 
with age and time.  I finally fixed that problem by removing the hollow 
aluminum rivets before they fell off, and folding the ribbon back on itself for a 
quarter of an inch of multiple overlap, and using a small TOT brand stapler to 
hold the folded portion in place.

I used to place a knot in the ribbon, but had tape flop over problems.  Which 
really weren't problems just nuisance issues.

There are perhaps a lot of operators out there that think guys like us should 
be able to buy new ribbons and throw the old ones away after several uses.  I 
have found that these ribbons are available at Viking Office products but 
they are up to 4.25 each, and I am a cheap skate.

the ones that are spec'ed for the OKI 80 series fit on the model 15's and 
19's, and reperf's.  I believe the 32's and 33's as well.

Regarding the 40 series equipment (I don't use that much), at my 60 yrs of 
age, I have forgotten what they use.  It is possible that they use the same 
ribbons.  I know the print chains on my 40 equipment were getting crispy and I 
felt it was better not to kill the carriers to a point of breaking, so I retired 
them  to donate to a museum some where down the line.  (boy are these machines 
heavy for one guy to pick up off the floor;  and the case does not help, as 
it just sits there, and there are no handles.)

Anyway... I hope this info has helped....  Simply put, the volatiles in the 
Marvel Mystery oil, penetrate the ribbons automatically when kept stored in a 
plastic zip lock bag.  or Metal coffee can, or glass jar with their respective 
lids.

A  very quick (overnight) fix is to apply about 10 drops of the red Mystery 
oil directly to the tightly wound ribbon while wound on it's metal spool.  
Leave it overnight in a small sealed sandwich plastic bag at the next day you have 
a nearly new ribbon to re-install.  Never throw a metal spool away, you can 
always take a DEC LA-34 ribbon, and reload the smaller TTY spool with the new 
DEC series ribbons, and have ribbon enough for several TTY spools.

Joe's lanolin hand cleaner will take off the ink stains from your hands after 
messing around with these messy items.  Orange hand cleaner the mechanics use 
has citrus extract in it and it burns your skin until you use soap and water 
to re-wash your hands...

The Joe's hand cleaning product  (available at auto  mechanic wholesale 
supply houses) and pep boys, auto zone etc... does not burn your skin when left on, 
and you do not need water just as long as you have some paper towels.

oh  I forgot to mention, I have never owned a re-inker, I just place 10 drops 
or so of the ink on the ribbon while wound up tightly, as mentioned above... 
and the ribbon re-distributes the ink as if you would it thru a re-inker... it 
just takes a few days in the storage sealed plastic storage bag.

73's   hope this helped




Harvey E. Smith
2020 Baculite Mesa Road
Pueblo, CO., 81001-2456
fka WA0BBG
nka KC0NNC

73's

RYRY/ZZZZ