GrandmaLKB Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 I was quilting away today doing just fine when my needle fell out and jammed in the machine. I got my needle nose pliers out and worked and worked until it came out - bent, but not broken, so no pieces stuck in there. Then I held my breath wondering if it was all messed up, but I put in a new needle, rethreaded, etc. and gingerly started quilting. NO problem at all...........no funny noises, no wonky stitches. WHEW ! I was sweating bullets for a while. Now, I will try to remember to check that little screw more often. I was just thinking before that happened that I would change needles as soon as I finished that quilt. I had about 6" left to go when it happened. I think I will find a place on my machine to hang that little screwdriver as a reminder to check the set screw more often. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewhappy Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 I am so happy it was all OK! I can feel panic you must have felt!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Linda glad it all worked out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Originally posted by VIVIANMABLE..........I think I will find a place on my machine to hang that little screwdriver as a reminder to check the set screw more often. DON'T use the "little" screw drivers to tighten your needles down on the screw. The little screw drivers don't give enough torque on the screw. use a long handled screwdriver. This will ensure your needle is tightened down tight and will not fall out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primitive1 Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Shana gives good advice and I am glad that all worked out ok, I was thinking uh ohhhh - timing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenH Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Linda, glad to hear everything is ok, I know I would panic!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connieb Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Wow, I think, no I know, I would have felt panic too. Glad it worked out for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shar Schmutz Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Linda, I've done the very same thing! I was lucky as well with no problems, a big sigh and away I went again, I now try to check WAY more often, don't know why needles work loose but they do or at least mine seem to, maybe I just don't tighten them enough. Happy stitching! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoseCity Quilter Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Good reminder! Glad your Millie is OK! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Isn't "Millie" a tough cookie!!! Glad it worked out. Shana great reminder.:cool::cool::cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandmaLKB Posted June 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 I've been cautious about over tightening that screw, as on my HQ16, I stripped the inside of the hole when I tightened too tight. I don't think that was ALL my fault and believe the "post" was faulty or ??? I had followed their instructions on the video to the letter. After I had to have all that part replaced, I never had any more trouble and my machine has since gone on to a new home and she has had no trouble either. Anyway, I will check more often now. I have a small screwdriver about 6" long that I can get a good grip on. I need to look for one with a longer handle and a thin enough blade to fit that screw. Thanks for that tip Shana. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
char pietruk Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 I have had the same problem. I have been using a small screwdriver so I'll take Shana's and switch screwdrivers. ' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinneaMarie Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 That was scary!!!! So glad it all worked out!! And glad you did not have to re-time!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Originally posted by VIVIANMABLE .......I need to look for one with a longer handle and a thin enough blade to fit that screw.... The metal part of the screwdriver that I use is about 4" long with a normal size handle that is about 3" long. The tip is narrow so I can fit it into the screw slot. PS: It's a good idea to have a couple spare screws on hand... just in case you drop the tiny screw and can't find it on the floor, or you strip the screw. I have a couple spares in my drawer of goodies. I've not done either of these (yet) but... just in case!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandmaLKB Posted June 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Originally posted by quiltmonkey Originally posted by VIVIANMABLE .......I need to look for one with a longer handle and a thin enough blade to fit that screw.... The metal part of the screwdriver that I use is about 4" long with a normal size handle that is about 3" long. The tip is narrow so I can fit it into the screw slot. PS: It's a good idea to have a couple spare screws on hand... just in case you drop the tiny screw and can't find it on the floor, or you strip the screw. I have a couple spares in my drawer of goodies. I've not done either of these (yet) but... just in case!! I found a regular size screwdriver in my "tool drawer" with a thin enough blade to fit the little screw. I do have a couple of spare screws, too. Maybe I need to put in a new one and see if it stays tighter longer. Can't hurt ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimerickson Posted June 7, 2011 Report Share Posted June 7, 2011 I replaced the slotted needle clamp screw with an allen screw. I keep the allen key stuck to the machine's handle bar bracket all the time. The allen screw is smaller (less chance of thread catching on it), and the screw will hold the key while you're taking the old needle out, and putting the new one in. You can also get more torque with the key than a small screw driver. The screw head is also less subject to damage. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primitive1 Posted June 7, 2011 Report Share Posted June 7, 2011 Where do you find those extra screws? Are they from Apqs or can you find them in a hardware store? I didn't know you could use an allen screw....hmmmm.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mswings Posted June 7, 2011 Report Share Posted June 7, 2011 I've done this as well.... I will get a bigger screwdriver! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandmaLKB Posted June 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2011 I got my extra screws, pigtails, fuses, etc. from The Quilting Connection http://stores.longarmconnection.com/StoreFront.bok Jim, I am very interested in that allen screw and smaller head that won't catch the thread so easily. Where do we find those and do you know the size ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimerickson Posted June 7, 2011 Report Share Posted June 7, 2011 I bought my allen head needle clamp screw from Ray at Quilt Tech. I don't remember if he has them on his web catalog or not. If not, just give him a call and tell him what you want. He's got lots of stuff for several different type of longarms. Jim (his site is: quilttech.com) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimerickson Posted June 7, 2011 Report Share Posted June 7, 2011 PS: If you buy one, make sure you have an allen key that fits. I think it's a 1/16" - if you don't have one, I think Ray has them too. I already had on in my tools. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandmaLKB Posted June 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2011 Thanks Jim...........I just sent an order. Appreciate the information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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