How to Remove Keys from an Old Typewriter

Written By
Deborah Cohn
Deborah Cohn
Published: Mar 26, 2009
Updated: Feb 23, 2021
1 minute read

Whether you are removing keys from your typewriter to replace or clean them or you want to use the keys for craft projects or jewelry-making, it's an easy process. All you need is couple of basic household tools and a little care.

Things You'll Need:

Things You Will Need

  • Pliers
  • Claw Hammer
  • Small Piece Of Cloth
  • Stuff a piece of cloth under the key.

    Position the hammer's claw under the key, and pry up to pop off the key.

    Use pliers if the hammer method doesn’t work. Clasp the pliers around the sides of the key and gently wriggle it off.

    If neither of these methods work or if they damage the keys, you can purchase a tool made just for this purpose (see Resources).

    Resources

    Deborah Cohn

    Deborah has been creating and managing web content for over ten years. She has a BA in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College and an MFA in screenwriting from The American Film Institute. Her writing has appeared in the Netbook web…

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