Mastering Mistake Fixes on Old Manual Typewriters

Old manual typewriters, while charming in their simplicity, were often fraught with the challenge of fixing mistakes. These errors, common during typing sessions, required a variety of methods and considerable patience to address effectively. We'll explore some of the most popular techniques used by typists to correct their mistakes.

Correction Methods for Manual Typewriters

Early typists, faced with human error, had a few reliable methods to address their mistakes. Let's dive into each method to understand how they were implemented and their effectiveness.

Correction Tape

One of the most common and straightforward means of correcting mistakes was the use of correction tape. This thin, transparent tape could be placed over incorrect text, allowing the typist to type over the correction without affecting the surrounding letters. Ideal for minor errors, this method provided a quick fix with minimal disruption.

Correction Fluid and Erasing Shield

Correction fluid, also known as 'liquid paper', and the Erasing Shield were other popular methods. These typically involved applying a fluid over the erroneous text or using a thin metal or plastic sheet to protect the text while making corrections. Both methods offered a more robust solution compared to correction tape, allowing for more significant corrections and ensuring neatness on the page.

Backspacing

For minor inaccuracies, typing back a single character to retype it was often sufficient. However, this method was limited to small errors and couldn't be used to correct entire paragraphs. Backspacing was a quick and easy way to address small mistakes without requiring a complete rewrite of the text.

Re-typing the Page

For more extensive errors, such as entire paragraphs, re-typing the page was often the only viable option. This method, while time-consuming, ensured that the typist could produce a clean, error-free document. It was the go-to solution when the text needed substantial revision or correction.

Typing Over and Different Ribbons

In some cases, when a mistake was more prominent, the typist would type the correct text directly over the error, using a different color ribbon to make the correction stand out. This allowed for quick and easy spotting of corrections, although the different color could detract from the original text.

The Role of Perfectionists and Erasing Techniques

Perfectionists often preferred to retype the entire page to ensure that no errors remained. Others, however, tried to use special erasing devices to remove mistakes. These devices aimed to correct errors without the need for a complete rewrite. Over time, with the advent of film ribbons, making corrections became much more seamless and less perceptible to the naked eye, satisfying the desires of typists who valued neatness and accuracy highly.

Advanced Correction Techniques

Besides the standard methods, a few advanced techniques emerged. For example, a special chemically prepared foil tape was developed. By placing it between the ink tape and the paper, typists could backtrack to the error position and type a previously mistaken character, which the correction tape would absorb. After this, the typist could easily make the correction, achieving a cleaner result.

Alternatively, a white correction paste and brush combination allowed typists to cover the mistake and then type the correct letter. Many typewriters even had a built-in white correction tape for even easier corrections. These advancements made the correction process more efficient and less visually disruptive.

Through these methods, typists of old were able to maintain the integrity and appearance of their typed documents despite the occasional error. The knowledge and skill required to perform these corrections effectively remain a testament to the dedication and patience of 20th-century typists.