How to hand cycle the IBM Selectric

6,654

110 0

Published 2017-11-14

Back on the IBM Selectric 3, its been a few years! Still need to replace the rotate tape. In this video, i talk about the procedure to manually Cycle the machine in order to replace the tape. This procedure can also be used to diagnose some issues.

Rotate tape for a 15 in carriage Selectric is on order.

For more info, see this video from Phoenix Typewriter, he really know his stuff! :
• IBM Selectric Typewriter Rotate Band ...

Link to where you can buy a Hand Cycle crank if you have money to burn:
www.ebay.ca/itm/Hand-Cycle-Crank-Tool-for-IBM-Sele…

More great info about IBM Selectric typewriters including manuals and how to:
groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/golfballtypewritershop…

All Comments (16)

@phoenixtypewriter2136 5 years ago

WTG Andre with that improvised hand cycle tool . . . . Also thanks for the shout out !! I have stripped the threads in the typewriter shaft trying to crank a stiff machine, but with your made from brass more than likely the tool would strip 1st. You're sure getting to know those Selectrics, after 40 years I still find new things to tackle on occasion. He ya know, I'm big of a fan of your fellows Canadians, RUSH, and I mean superfan, my car & 1 1/2 rooms in my home are dedicated to Rush memorabilia.
@betterbody2468 3 years ago

I know this is a 3 yr old post, but the brass rod worked fantastic!
@miconis123 2 years ago

I worked on these for years and can smell this video lol
@eltontubes 1 year ago

Thank you for making such precious downloads available to us. I will use it with gratitude.
@MikkoRantalainen 1 year ago

Whatever you jam into the hole to rotate the axle manually, make sure that the metal you use is softer than the original metal in the thread. That way you don't destroy the thread.
@badulai4329 3 years ago

Soo... I got a tape and a handcycle tool for free. I watched some videos and I hope I can manage to replace it
@GraemeRobinson 6 years ago

Thanks for posting Andre - I'm face with the same need to manually crank and no tool. I will try something similar.
@joefitzy 4 years ago

In the absence of this crank tool, you can also rotate the main drive gear by hand from underneath the typewriter.
@GR8FLMD3AD 1 year ago

Thank you!
@Chernobypi67 4 years ago

🤔🤔🤔 wonderful machine
@SA-iw4ci 3 years ago

You never want to jam anything into the hole....on Selectrics at least.🤣
@seandong3847 2 years ago

I just got a IBM Correcting Selectric, however unfortunately rotate tape broke after I forcefully put it back to track/reel (it works for a while until i press "TAB" button). Not sure where to get a tape and it'll challenging to replace it. Any idea if I can use a nylon string to replace it?
@black86544 2 years ago

is it possible to make it type from Right to left ?
@doctorgenerosity 4 years ago

Hi Andre. Just in case you see this message, I bought an S1 from eBay in excellent condition but the motor will not start up with power. Seller says it worked before shipping and I believe him. Something must have been knocked lose in transit. Any ideas? Thank you!
@yossynagahama3587 4 years ago

My IBM Selectric (196C) is having reverse moving problem. The carriage moves from left side to right side(end) when hit return key . Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you