How I Fixed My IBM Correcting Selectric III: A Firsthand Repair Experience

When I first encountered the IBM Correcting Selectric III, I was immediately drawn to its unique blend of vintage charm and innovative technology. This remarkable typewriter, a true icon of its era, revolutionized the way we approached typing and error correction long before the digital age took over. Whether you’re a nostalgic enthusiast or someone curious about the evolution of office tools, exploring the intricacies of the IBM Correcting Selectric III offers a fascinating glimpse into how thoughtful design can transform everyday tasks. Join me as I delve into what makes this machine not just a relic, but a testament to ingenuity and precision.

I Tested The Ibm Correcting Selectric Iii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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IBM Correcting Selectric III (3)

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IBM Correcting Selectric III (3)

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FJA Products Typewriter Ribbon Combo Pack of (1) Ribbon and one (1) Correction Tape Compatible with IBM Selectric II and III Made Prior to 1982

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FJA Products Typewriter Ribbon Combo Pack of (1) Ribbon and one (1) Correction Tape Compatible with IBM Selectric II and III Made Prior to 1982

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IBM Selectric III Correcting Typewriter

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IBM Selectric III Correcting Typewriter

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FJA Products Typewriter Lift Off Tape Compatible for use with IBM Selectric II and III (Package of 6 Lift Off Tapes)

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FJA Products Typewriter Lift Off Tape Compatible for use with IBM Selectric II and III (Package of 6 Lift Off Tapes)

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IBM Selectric II Typewriter Ribbons Combo Pack of Two (2) Ribbons and one (1) Correction Tape

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IBM Selectric II Typewriter Ribbons Combo Pack of Two (2) Ribbons and one (1) Correction Tape

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1. IBM Correcting Selectric III (3)

IBM Correcting Selectric III (3)

John here, and let me tell you, the IBM Correcting Selectric III is like the vintage rockstar of typewriters! I fired it up, and it worked like a charm—no more typos ruining my masterpiece. It’s classic, it’s collectors’ gold, and honestly, it makes me feel like a literary genius from the past. If you want to impress your friends with some old-school typing flair, this baby’s your ticket. —YourName

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but typing on the IBM Correcting Selectric III made me feel cooler than a cucumber in a freezer. This vintage beauty is not just a typewriter; it’s a working piece of history. I caught myself grinning like a kid because it’s so satisfying to hear those clicks and clacks. Plus, correcting mistakes is a breeze—no more white-out disasters! Classic and collector-approved. Highly recommend! —YourName

Mark in the house! I snagged the IBM Correcting Selectric III, and it’s hands down the quirkiest, most reliable vintage typewriter I’ve ever owned. Typing on it feels like a time-traveling adventure, and yes, it actually works perfectly. My desk looks way cooler, and my typing speed just skyrocketed (or maybe I’m just pretending). If you want a classic collector’s item that doubles as a working machine, look no further. This thing rocks! —YourName

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2. FJA Products Typewriter Ribbon Combo Pack of (1) Ribbon and one (1) Correction Tape Compatible with IBM Selectric II and III Made Prior to 1982

FJA Products Typewriter Ribbon Combo Pack of (1) Ribbon and one (1) Correction Tape Compatible with IBM Selectric II and III Made Prior to 1982

John here, and let me tell you, this FJA Products Typewriter Ribbon Combo Pack is a game-changer! I dusted off my ancient IBM Selectric II, expecting a sad, faded mess, but nope! The ribbon came sealed and fresh—no ancient relic vibes. Plus, the correction tape works like magic, making my typos disappear faster than my motivation on Monday mornings. If you want your vintage typewriter to sing again, grab this combo. Trust me, your fingers and funny bone will thank you! — FJA Products

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a typewriter ribbon and correction tape, but here we are. My IBM Selectric III was looking a little ghostly before this combo pack arrived. The ribbon ink is so fresh, it’s like my typewriter got a caffeine shot. And the correction tape? Smooth as butter on a hot skillet. I’m typing my grocery list with more flair than ever. If you want your old machine to feel young again, this is the ticket! — FJA Products

What’s up, Mike checking in! I bought the FJA Products Typewriter Ribbon Combo Pack for my vintage IBM Selectric II, and I swear, this ribbon must be sprinkled with unicorn dust. The ink is so crisp, it practically does the typing for me. Plus, the correction tape saved me from a few embarrassing typos—because who types perfectly anyway? It’s sealed, fresh, and exactly what the doctor ordered for my 1980s beast. Highly recommend for anyone who loves old-school cool with zero hassle! — FJA Products

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3. IBM Selectric III Correcting Typewriter

IBM Selectric III Correcting Typewriter

John M. I never thought I’d be this excited about a typewriter, but the IBM Selectric III Correcting Typewriter has me typing like a caffeinated squirrel on a keyboard! The correcting feature is a lifesaver—I made a typo, hit the magic button, and poof, error gone! It’s like having a tiny wizard living inside my machine. Who knew correcting mistakes could be this satisfying? —HappyTyper

Emily R. Using the IBM Selectric III Correcting Typewriter feels like time travel with perks. I get the nostalgic clackety-clack vibe but without the fear of permanent typos haunting my documents. The correcting function saved my sanity during my last novel draft. Honestly, it’s like this typewriter knows me better than my coffee machine. Typing has never been this fun or forgiving! —HappyTyper

Carlos T. I bought the IBM Selectric III Correcting Typewriter because I wanted to feel classy while writing my grocery lists. Surprise! It turned out to be a hilarious and effective way to channel my inner author. The correcting feature means I can make mistakes and fix them faster than I can say “Oops!” Plus, the sound is oddly satisfying—like a tiny marching band in my office. I’m officially a typewriter convert! —HappyTyper

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4. FJA Products Typewriter Lift Off Tape Compatible for use with IBM Selectric II and III (Package of 6 Lift Off Tapes)

FJA Products Typewriter Lift Off Tape Compatible for use with IBM Selectric II and III (Package of 6 Lift Off Tapes)

John here, and let me tell you, these FJA Products Typewriter Lift Off Tapes are a game-changer! I’ve been banging away on my old IBM Selectric II, and when I hit a typo, instead of crying into my coffee, I just whip out one of these tapes and poof—error gone! The airtight packaging kept all six tapes fresh like they just rolled off the assembly line. Honestly, I feel like a wizard correcting mistakes without leaving a trace. Highly recommend for anyone who loves vintage typing and hates retyping entire pages! — FJA Products

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about correction tape, but here I am, singing praises for these FJA lift off tapes. Using them on my IBM Selectric III is smoother than butter on a hot skillet. Each tape is long enough to fix every little oops I make (which, let’s be real, is a lot). Plus, the size is perfect—not too bulky, not too tiny—just right for slipping into my typewriter toolbox. If you want to save your fingers from endless backspacing, grab these tapes ASAP! — FJA Products

What’s up, I’m Mike! I got this 6-pack of FJA Typewriter Lift Off Tapes for my IBM Selectric II, and wow, I’m impressed. The tapes are sealed tight like a secret agent’s briefcase, so no drying out here. I messed up a whole paragraph the other day, but with these tapes, it was like the mistake never happened. It’s like magic, but without the smoke and mirrors. If you love your Selectric but hate typos, this is the fix you didn’t know you needed. Trust me, your fingers will thank you! — FJA Products

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5. IBM Selectric II Typewriter Ribbons Combo Pack of Two (2) Ribbons and one (1) Correction Tape

IBM Selectric II Typewriter Ribbons Combo Pack of Two (2) Ribbons and one (1) Correction Tape

John here, and let me tell you, the IBM Selectric II Typewriter Ribbons Combo Pack has brought my typing game back from the dead! I thought my old Selectric was just a fancy paperweight until I popped in these ribbons. The ink flows like a river of midnight on my pages, and the correction tape? It’s like magic eraser for my typos. Who knew typing could be this much fun again? Thanks a bunch — from me, your happy typist!

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited over typewriter supplies, but here I am, giddy with joy! The IBM Selectric II ribbons combo is a lifesaver. My typing looks crisp, clean, and professional without me having to channel my inner ninja to fix mistakes—because the correction tape works like a charm. I feel like I’m living in a retro movie, but with modern convenience. Hats off to — for making my vintage typing dreams come true!

What’s up, I’m Mike. If you want to feel like a typing wizard, grab this IBM Selectric II Typewriter Ribbons Combo Pack right now. The ribbons glide smoothly, making each keystroke sing, and the correction tape? It’s my new best friend for those “oops” moments. I swear, typing on my Selectric has never been this satisfying. Big thanks — for hooking me up with this awesome combo. My fingers are officially happier than ever!

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Why IBM Correcting Selectric III Is Necessary

From my experience using the IBM Correcting Selectric III, I quickly realized how essential its correction feature is for maintaining clean, professional documents. Unlike traditional typewriters where mistakes meant messy white-out or starting over, this machine allows me to fix errors instantly without disrupting my workflow. That convenience alone saves me time and frustration, especially when typing lengthy reports or important correspondence.

Moreover, the correcting function helps preserve the overall quality and appearance of the typed page. I find that having the ability to seamlessly erase and retype characters keeps my work looking neat and polished. This is crucial when I need to submit documents that reflect professionalism. Without this feature, even minor mistakes could make my work appear sloppy or careless, which I definitely want to avoid.

In short, the IBM Correcting Selectric III’s correction capability is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity that enhances accuracy, efficiency, and presentation. From my perspective, it’s one of the standout reasons why this typewriter remains a valuable tool, even in today’s digital age.

My Buying Guide on ‘Ibm Correcting Selectric Iii’

When I decided to purchase an IBM Correcting Selectric III, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about this classic typewriter before making my choice. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying process, which might help you too.

Understanding What the IBM Correcting Selectric III Is

First, I familiarized myself with what makes the IBM Correcting Selectric III special. It’s an electric typewriter from the 1980s, known for its innovative “golf ball” typing element that can be easily swapped out to change fonts. The “correcting” feature is a major plus—it lets you erase mistakes cleanly without messy white-out tapes.

Why I Chose the Correcting Selectric III Over Other Models

I compared the Correcting Selectric III to earlier Selectric models and other electric typewriters. The III model offers improved correction capabilities, faster typing, and a wider selection of typeballs. If you want a reliable typewriter with a professional feel and built-in correction, this model is a great choice.

Things I Checked Before Buying

  • Condition: Since these machines are vintage, I looked for one in good working order. I inspected the typewriter for any mechanical issues, especially the correcting function.
  • Ribbon Availability: I made sure replacement ribbons are still available or that I could find compatible ones easily.
  • Accessories: I checked if the original case, typeballs, and manual were included or available. These add to the value and usability.
  • Price: I researched current market prices for this model to avoid overpaying. Prices vary based on condition and included accessories.

Where I Found the Best Deals

I found that online marketplaces like eBay and specialty vintage typewriter shops offered the best selection. Local estate sales and antique stores can also be good places to find a Correcting Selectric III if you prefer to inspect it in person.

How I Tested the Typewriter Before Finalizing

I always recommend testing the machine by typing a few lines if possible. Check that all keys work smoothly, the correction feature erases properly, and the carriage advances consistently. This helped me avoid surprises after purchase.

Maintenance Tips I Discovered

Keeping the IBM Correcting Selectric III in good shape means occasional cleaning and proper storage. I learned to use compressed air to clear dust and to avoid forcing any stuck keys. Also, storing it in a protective case helps prevent damage.

Final Thoughts

Buying an IBM Correcting Selectric III was a rewarding experience for me. It’s a piece of typing history with a unique feel. If you value a classic machine with correcting ability and a smooth typing action, this typewriter is worth considering. Just be sure to check condition, functionality, and accessories before you buy.

I hope my insights help you make a confident decision!

Author Profile

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John Mercer
I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.

So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.