Typewriter Talk / Replacing springs

**Posted by robmck** 26-6-2025 22:56:00

From time to time I end up working on a typewriter with a spring missing or broken. I've tried using springs from the hardware store and cutting them to length or forming the ends to suit (e.g. when the spring has long arms for leverage, as in a paper bail spring), all without much success.

Does anyone have success stories or recommendations for dealing with these situations?

**Posted by thetypewriterman** 27-6-2025 03:49:37

As a professional, all my springs come from other typewriters that have been broken up for spares. Something I did do a while back, is buy an old Olivetti mechanical adding machine for a few pounds at a car boot sale. Again, too far gone with rust and possibly having been dropped - but it contained a large number of springs, not to mention lots of metric screws in useful sizes. Compared with buying springs individually, it was quite a bargain !

**Posted by Pete E.** 27-6-2025 18:14:41

Rob, if you have the dimensions for the paper-bail spring you need, let me know them.

I have a horde of springs from sources Tom mentioned in his posting.
.

**Posted by robmck** 02-7-2025 20:42:26

I guess I should have not tried so hard to save every last machine.

Pete: Thanks. I'll send you the specs once I get a chance to pop it open.

**Posted by robmck** 06-7-2025 10:05:11

Here are some photos of my bail spring, attempting to show the hook on the paper bail that the spring rests against and the remainder of the spring (the arm of the spring that goes to the bail broke off). I'd guess that in the resting position, the arms are about 200-240 degrees apart (or 120-160 the other direction).