sylkamode Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 I have purchases APQS needles 3.5 at the MQS last week. Normally I am using 4.0, but I liked the smaller ones, for finer work. After breaking two, I found out that the screw which tightens the needle was coming loose all the time, which made the needle fall, and break, even when moving slow, after 2 or 3 inches, the needle was falling out, the screw was loosened. I compared the shanks of the needles 3.5 with the 4.0, and it seems that the shanks of 3.5 are smaller than the 4.0, which explains why the needle wouldn't be held by the screw - the screw just cannot go any further, but it seems not far down enough to hold the shank of the 3.5. Which of you has the same problem, and what can I do about it, because in the future I would like to try the 3.0 and even the 2.5 for much smaller quilting too. Hope you can help me! Sylvia Kaptein Sylka-Mode The Netherlands, Europe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 Sylvia - I think someone must have sold you the wrong size needles. I use size 16 or 3.5 needles all the time, and the shank is the same as the size 18 or 4.0 needles. I used to get my needles at Columbia River Quilting supply and Dan would always make sure I got the right ones for my machine. I don't know if they will keep the business open now that Dan has passed. Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myrna Ficken Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 I use 3.5's all the time with no problem. Maybe try to put the screw in the other side of the needle bar. Myrna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stagecl Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 I, too, use 3.5 needles all the time with no problem. I have never had one fall out. I have even used 3.0 needles successfully. Did you double check the label on the package? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy Stuart - APQS Service Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 Make sure you are using a longer-handled screwdriver when installing your needle - you will get more torque on the screw, thus tightening it more than you would with a short-handled screwdriver. You could try screwing the needlebar screw all the way in to clean out the threads of the screw hole....also, using the other side of the needlebar could help if the threads are stripped in the side you are currently using. If you have any problems, please let me know!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 I was gonna say exactly what Amy said above about using a longer screwdriver to really crank that screw down nice and tight. I was having the same exact problem you were having, Sylvia, with the needle falling out. I was using a little screw driver. I figured out the problem after the 2nd or 3rd needle coming loose. Now I don't have problems with that needle falling out because I use the longer screwdriver now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sylkamode Posted June 14, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2007 OK, thank you ladies, I will try a larger screw driver, and try to put the screw on the other side. I will let you know how things work! Sylvia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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