Keys stick or return slowly
Almost always dried oil and dirt in the segment. A professional cleaning solves it; home oiling usually makes it worse.
Carriage skips or piles letters
An escapement problem, a weak mainspring, or a broken drawband. Stop using the machine and have it inspected.
Print is faint or uneven
Start with a fresh ribbon. If the problem persists, the platen may be hard or the ring-and-cylinder adjustment may be off.
Capitals print higher than lowercase
The shift motion needs adjustment. This is a precise bench job that restores a clean baseline.
The bell does not ring or margins ignore settings
Margin and bell mechanisms often just need cleaning, but bent or missing parts are common on machines that have been moved carelessly.
Electric machine hums but will not type
Typically a slipping belt, seized clutch, or hardened drive rollers. Unplug it and bring it in.
If you recognize your typewriter in this list, we can usually give you a general idea of scope by phone and an exact estimate after a bench inspection. Related service: IBM Selectric Repair.