OldSewinGear
  • Blog
    • Blog Index
    • Site Map
  • Singer
    • Slant Needle >
      • 301
      • 401 / 403 / 404
      • 500 / 503
      • 601 / 603 /604
    • Class 15 Machines
    • Class 66 Machines
    • Featherweight
    • Swing Needle
    • Toy Machines
    • Accessories >
      • Buttonholer
      • Discs & Cams
  • Others
    • Pfaff
    • Elna
    • Necchi
    • Japan Class 15
  • Resources
    • FAQ
    • Links
    • Cheat Sheets
    • Shipping & Packaging
  • Contact
    • About Us

Lever Alone...the wandering stitch-length selector

2/2/2014

9 Comments

 
So you're sewing along on your 401A, minding your own business, and then out of the corner of your eye you notice something strange...

The stitch length selector is moving upwards.  



All by itself.  


And your stitches are getting shorter and shorter, and shorter... 

Uh-oh, your sewing machine is POSSESSED!

Actually, no.  There is a simple explanation and a simple fix.  

Simply put, there's a nut inside the end of the machine beneath the hand-wheel and if it isn't tight enough then the stitch-length lever will "wander" as you sew.  This is especially true if you're sewing heavy duty fabrics.  The additional load on the machine causes the lever to wander.  
The very early 401A's are particularly prone to this complaint.  In fact, this issue prompted Singer to make a design modification early in the production run. It's a little thing but instantly noticeable when you look at an early model and a later model side by side:  
Picture
401A - Serial Number 652703
Picture
401A - Serial Number 706946
The stitch-length selector plate on the earlier machine is completely flat at the bottom, while the later machine has a notch at the longest stitch length.  This indentation allows you to "lock" in the stitch lever at the longest stitch length.  Which means that the lever cannot move when set at the longest stitch.  Great for sewing heavy fabrics.  

So what if you have one of the machines with the flat plate?  Or what if your lever wanders when set at a shorter stitch length?   What can you do about it?

The adjustment is simple, but first the hand-wheel must be removed.  You'll need a medium-size flat screwdriver and 9/16" socket wrench or large screwdriver:  
Use the medium-size screwdriver to remove the small screw in the center of the hand-wheel.  

Next remove the chrome center section of the hand-wheel by unscrewing it in a counter-clockwise motion until it comes off.  

Slide the washer off of the center post.  Then grasp the hand-wheel in both hands and pull toward you.  Look for the recessed hexagonal nut directly beneath the hand-wheel location.  

Tighten the nut using the large screwdriver or socket wrench. (The socket wrench provides more leverage and makes for an easier adjustment, but take care not to apply too much force as you can break the head off the nut.)  Usually 1/8th of a turn to the right (clockwise) is sufficient to tighten the lever action, but it may take as much as 1/4 of a turn.  Raise and lower the stitch-length lever to be sure.  You should feel an increase in resistance in the lever as the nut is tightened.  

Reverse the steps to replace the hand-wheel.  

There, you're done!   

Amazing how a simple adjustment can so greatly impact the operation of your machine!

Happy Sewing!
Barbara


OldSewinGear...dedicated to helping you get the most out of your old sewing gear.  

9 Comments

    News, Reviews, 
    & How-To's

    See "Article Index" for list of past articles by title. 

    See "Frequently Asked Questions" for quick answers to common questions.  

    Check out "Cheat Sheets" to download printable reference sheets.

    See "Resources" for links to useful websites and forums. 

    Contact Us

    Questions, comments
    ​or suggestions? 
    Contact us!  

    Categories

    All
    15-125
    15 91
    192 Spartan
    201
    221 Featherweight
    301
    328
    401
    403
    411
    500
    503
    600
    603
    626
    99
    Adjustment/repair
    Appraisal & Pricing
    Attachments
    Bobbin
    Centennial
    Checklist
    Dating
    Greist
    Historical Info
    How To
    Japanese
    Miscellaneous
    Model Comparisons
    Reviews
    Shipping
    Singer
    Slant Needle
    Tips & Tricks
    Toyota
    Toys
    Treadle
    Video


    Archives

    June 2020
    April 2020
    August 2019
    March 2018
    October 2015
    August 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    August 2014
    June 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    June 2012


    About Us

    OldSewinGear is the collaborative effort of retired repairman Gary and daughter Barbara.  We love old sewing gear and enjoy sharing what we've learned in our vintage sewing machine adventures.  We are located in Roseburg, Oregon. 


    RSS Feed

© 2019 OldSewinGear
  • Blog
    • Blog Index
    • Site Map
  • Singer
    • Slant Needle >
      • 301
      • 401 / 403 / 404
      • 500 / 503
      • 601 / 603 /604
    • Class 15 Machines
    • Class 66 Machines
    • Featherweight
    • Swing Needle
    • Toy Machines
    • Accessories >
      • Buttonholer
      • Discs & Cams
  • Others
    • Pfaff
    • Elna
    • Necchi
    • Japan Class 15
  • Resources
    • FAQ
    • Links
    • Cheat Sheets
    • Shipping & Packaging
  • Contact
    • About Us