Spazmelda wrote:

I'm thinking of using fishing line to replace.  Does it matter what type, size, strength?

I use 80 lb fishing line which is ridiculous overkill - I have about 399 yards left if you need some.  Pros:  It's very strong, doesn't stretch and it's easy to make knots in. Cons: it's a cheesy white and green striped, but fortunately you don't see draw strings too much on a typewriter:
https://myoldtypewriter.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/img_3099.jpg?w=1000&h=

Other people use string - Rob Bowker at Typewriter Heaven uses linen thread:
http://typewriterheaven.blogspot.com/2014/08/restringing-corona-3.html

If you need pictures of my Corona Four and the drawstring set up, let me know.

 

Spazmelda wrote:

I was considering linen thread, only because I happen to have some for book making.  I wax it for the books, and it turns out pretty strong.  I think fishing line is the way to go though for durability.

If you'd like some of my fishing line, let me know and I can mail some to you.  As I said, I have hundreds of yards of it.

Spazmelda wrote:

Did you replace the drawband on your Corona 4? Any tips? I haven't looked at the drum yet in detail.  Do you just tie a knot in the fishing line and wedge it into a slot on the drum?

I didn't replace the draw string on my Corona 4, I just reattached it.  It had gotten loose and tangled under the carriage, so I wound the mainspring using the ratchet pawl (I don't know if this is kosher):



I hooked the end of the draw string temporarily on the end of the carriage, fetched the end of the draw string with a bamboo skewer and fishing line:



And then reattached it to the draw string mounting screw at the other end of the carriage.

When I've replaced draw strings, I usually just make a large knot at the end and insert it into the slot in the mainspring drum.  They seem to hold fine.

Great - got your address - will send some fishing line out a little later today.

Mary