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In article <1311@sri-unix.ARPA>, salem@sri-unix.ARPA (Bruce B. Salem) writes:
> 	I have used WD40 on an MX-80 ribbon with desirable effect. When the
> ribbon gets light, just pry up the tabs that hold the plastic box together.
> You will see the ribbon snaked up inside. Now, spray WD40 inside over the
> ribbon, about 4 short bursts from the spray can without the applicator tube
> will do. Let the ribbon set for a few hours. If you spray more oil you will
> have to let it set longer. I have tried this and it moves the ink around on
> the ribbon so it prints dark. I have seen no ill effects on my printer.

	I have no doubt that your method works empirically; however, it is
important to use caution in applying lubricants and solvents to a printer.
This reason is that some printers use rubber and/or plastic rollers to
guide and/or propel the ribbon.
	Many types of rubber and plastic are attacked by the aliphatic
hydrocarbons present in WD40 and similar substances.  A specific example
is the rubber pinch-rollers which propel the ribbon on the older Centronics
printers (like the Models 702 and 703).  The ribbon inks and ink binders
themselves attack these rollers and cause them to deteriorate.
	The reason why I used isopropyl alcohol as my "home remedy" is that
it is safe on virtually all plastic and rubber material.

<>  Larry Lippman @ Recognition Research Corp., Clarence, New York
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