[GreenKeys] Ribbon reversing studs/rivets

[Richard Knoppow]

      If the original ribbons have eyelets to reverse the knots will 
work but there are some typewriters that have spring loaded studs that 
hinge down to work the reversing gear. When the spools are fully loaded 
the reverser is held in its flat position by the ribbon, when enough 
ribbon has spooled off it comes off the stud and lets it fold down, 
which then works the reverser. I have forgotten which make of typewriter 
uses these. Underwood machines use reversing eyelets.
     In general metal spools are hard to find, they might have a benefit 
for a Teletype machine because they are rugged but, in general for 
typewriters, they make no difference.
    There is another type of reverser that has the end of the ribbon 
hooked, by folding it, at each end. When these come to the end of the 
ribbon they increase the tension and operate the reversing mechanism. I 
think sme Olympic machines are like this.
     Most ribbon suppliers can get you the right kind.
     If you buy ribbon in bulk and need eyelets you will have to obtain 
the eyelets and some means for installing them.
     There are many variations of ribbon spools on typewriters, some 
quite hard to find. My memory is that Teletype uses standard Underwood 
type spools but someone else should confirm this.

On 1/26/2025 7:18 AM, John Lawson wrote:
> An expedient I have used (although it’s messy) is to tie a thick knot 
> near each end of the ribbon – which means spooling it back and forth 
> manually: use latex gloves maybe…
> 
> All of the commercial Underwood ribbons I’ve bought in the last several 
> years have had them, however….
> 
>     Cheers
> 
> John KB6SCO
> 
> Carson City
> 


-- 
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
SKCC 19998