Colette Posted March 19, 2016 Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 Hi, does anyone have suggestions? I've always had trouble with the set screw not threading sufficiently in the needle bar so the needle isn't held tight. And now it doesn't work at all. I've fiddled with everything, tried multiple set screws, and different needles, but there aren't any screw threads catching in the needle bar. Ideas? Does the needle bar set screw hole need to be retapped? Is it possible to do this? My DH has access to full machine shop, so I suppose I need to understand how to remove the needle bar. Is there something else I should try first? Thanks for ideas! Colette Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cagey Posted March 19, 2016 Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 You do not need to remove the needle bar. Just get a #4-40 screw from the hardware store. The screw it into the hole opposite of the hole you are presently using. Screw it the bolt al the way through to the other side. This will clean up the threads on the side you have been using. Then you need to replace the needle bar screw you have been using. More than likely its threads are buggered up, and that is your problem. You can get the screw at the local hardware store, but you have to cut it down on its length or it will hit your ruler as it will extend out beyond the hopping foot. Here is a discussion of same issue from a few weeks ago; http://forum.apqs.com/index.php?/topic/39837-needle-screw/?hl=%2Bneedle+%2Bscrew+%2Bsize Good luck fixing your problem. Cagey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RunningThreads Posted March 19, 2016 Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 There is a hole on the right side of the needle bar as well. The screws are 4-40 as Cagey says. The needle bar can be rotated see the instructions for setting the needle bar height. Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbams Posted March 19, 2016 Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 Have you tried using the other hole for your needle set screw? That would tell you if it is the screw or the hole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colette Posted March 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 Cagey, thanks so much, I'm back in action! I screwed the set screw all the way through to the other side, then used a brand new screw sanded down a bit to remove stub irregularities, and finally was able to get enough bite to secure the needle. The original needle bar set screw threads were smooshed, which has happened on a number of screws, so I'll see if situation improves with the now rethreaded needle bar threads. Thanks for link to the forum discussion, I'll go back and review. Nigel, good to know about rotation. Thanks all! Colette Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RunningThreads Posted March 19, 2016 Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 Thanks for letting us know you are back in business. Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimerickson Posted March 20, 2016 Report Share Posted March 20, 2016 Colette: I think you can avoid a similar situation in the future by switching from a slotted screw with a head, to an Allan screw. Ray at Quilt Tech has them on his website. Much easier to use. You can even leave the Allen wrench in the screw after you remove the old needle and then tighten it for the new one (obviously you take it out before you start sewing again). No more fumbling to find the slot, or buggering the screw head. No need to ever remove the screw completely. Definitely an improvement. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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