Why my 401A Handwheel was not rotating completely. 

It's those little things that are the worst problems sometimes, right? I'm glad you found it and thanks for taking the time to comment. Take Care.😉

I hear you Kim and I could use most of the parts of the machine because they also work on 403A and 404 models but since it was free to me I'm going to give it a shot to see how much I can do and and get it back in service thanks a lot for watching my channel and taking time to comment take care

thank you

Thanks so much!

🤣

A good lesson for me fo sure. My mind went to a more complicated internal problem when it was the take-up lever looking right at me, haha. Thanks for watching, and for your support.

Thanks for watching and good call on the "while taping". I guess I should have looked it over better before filming, but it turned out OK and a nice lesson. Take care.

I love the bobbin winder on the 401/403/404 model. Simple, strong and quick. I hope you will find what you want. Think about a 403A too. ru-vid.com/group/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg

I feel honored you choose to watch my videos, thank you very much🙏

I had a thought like that but I was worried that while trying to chisel a new slot the pressure would push the screw downward and damage the threads in the machine I'll have to think about all the advice I'm getting and I appreciate everyone's input and thank you Karen for watching my channel

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise on my channel. Nice! I personally do not know anyone with any of this type of equipment or tools, but others who see this may find it really informative. Also, thanks for the smile about the Easy-Out brands, haha. When I was working we would have called the China one a "Not-So", meaning not so good and to be avoided. I appreciate your thoughtful input.

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-g54ovoYS-00.htmlfeature=shared

Sincere thanks for the health wishes, Carole. I wish more viewers had your desire to understand the insides of the machines, but that's just our feelings, right? I appreciate anyone who is working on and keep the machines working. When I look at all those funny shaped parts surrounding the camstack it is somewhat intimidating. I'll be going into fairly detailed explanations of what they are and what they do, not just "oil it here and turn it there" type of explanation. I guess I just feel that if a person understands what the part is for and what its function is they can tell when something is not right and intuitively adjust it to normal. Sigh... I know, optimistic aren't I? I hope you enjoy the next video of fixing stuck knobs. Take Care.

Thanks alot it just worked for me hahaga i feel happy

hey I'm blushing thank you very much just lots of practice I think but I'm happy you watch my channel

Thanks for sharing your experience. The top of the break is uneven and counter-sunk into the body a little bit. I may have to try a combination of ideas. Kind of you to comment, thanks.

😃👍

Another good suggestion, thank you. I appreciate that you took the time to share this. Thanks for that, and for watching my channel.

Btw. It was black thread wound up in the inside.

Nicely done, Beverly! I'm glad you found the videos. Thanks for taking time to comment, and for making the kids good masks. Be safe.

Wow, glad you spotted it!!

Thank you. I'm glad you found the video. More 401A videos for cleaning oiling and repair ru-vid.com/group/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO

Thank you, yes, the poor guy, but now he gets some help and back to feeling good, I hope! Thanks for watching and I always enjoy your comments.

Thanks for another method. I know the aluminum does expand quite a bit from my old telephone days when they had some aluminum cases over the splices. I appreciate your suggestion buddy.

No comment on the screws that fell out. This video has parts that show the removal and installation of the handwheel: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ghnNYyMC1xU.html This video shows replacing the bobbin slide plate: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AnLKB9CPrmE.html

@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you so much!!! You are the absolute best. I love everything about the old Singers, it's great to be able to feel like I can actually take something apart and put it back together with your help. I've never disassembled the hand wheel, but I will give it a shot. I'll let you know how it goes. Thank you for making these videos and sharing them with us.

@@xyz12345457 I know you will do it, no worries. Have fun with it.

Thanks for watching, Jennifer. You make a good suggestion, as did Rooster. The broken off part is uneven but I'm hoping I can still get a center-punch to work before drilling. These arm cover screws usually are not stuck when you are just removing them with a screwdriver, so I'm hoping it will turn easily.

thank you for adding to the center punch votes I appreciate your input rooster and thanks for watching my channel

You mean the cord with the 2 male prongs? You can buy a new replacement cord from a trusted seller like this one: www.ebay.com/itm/Singer-Foot-Pedal-Cord-Male-2-Pin-301-301A-401-401A-403-403A-404-197628-NEW/370639975898?hash=item564bdd35da:g:BUAAAOxygo9Q8vVI About $10. I have videos about restoring the pedal itself and they include removing/replacing the cord wires inside the controller. In fact, while you are waiting for the cord delivery, you can give the whole controller the once-over following my step-by-step videos 😉 When the cord arrives you'll be installing it and have a foot controller like new, then back to sewing, but more safely. Here is the series for the foot controller: ru-vid.com/group/PLsCOZgzzaiKL6ePPxLpmnWSzTyxPKTb71 Honestly, Honestly, I think it's a good solution 👍 Thanks for watching my channel and good luck.

Congratulations. It is only the 7th and you've one the problem of the month award. 👀🏆 I don't work on this type of machine, Evan. I know it has a cogged drive belt between the upper and lower shafts, with some plastic gears on the bottom and I believe a direct drive motor that tuns the handwheel. When you said both the shafts turned OK without the belt, were you turning both belts at the same time? The lower shaft usually turns the hook and feed and the upper runs the cam stack, ZigZag, VIbrating bracket, and needle bar system. I don't know if something is only blocked when both shafts move at the same time, like turning the hook and cam stack but being blocked. If you'd like to email andymanuals53@gmail.com I can give you some parts manuals and service guides that may help you. No charge. Good luck. (plz put Singer Model 714 in the subject line)

Thanks so much for the speedy response, Andy. I spun each shaft separately with the belt off. I’ll try spinning them simultaneously, belt still off, and see what happens. Thanks also for the offer of manuals and service guides; I may just have to take you up on the offer. We’ll see. Take care.

@@evanwilliams5269 Good Luck.

Were you able to find the solution. I have the same problem with a kenmore.

No, not at all. Behind it is a bracket for the left index pin (indicator) with a spring behind it. When the screw holding the bracket on vibrates loose (common problem) the spring pushes the bottom of the beige knob out. I'll be filming the fix for that very soon. Thanks for asking.

Oh I know you can solve that problem if it's moving. It's always a good sign. It's just something is blocking. It could be dried oil in the bearings. It could be the bobbin case isn't installed properly and is catching on the hook and stopping the movement. Lots of things like that. If you like the style of the machine pick it up and if you need help I'll walk you through it and you can save a nice machine from a useless death in a landfill. Good luck!

What model of Singer? Can't get the stop motion screw to loosen or remove? They get stuck with dried oil sometimes. I take out the little screw and put a couple drops of WD40 in the hole, and also a couple drops behind the stop motion screw between it and handwheel. That can soften the dried oil and let you get moving. I will also heat up all around the area with a hairdryer. Same thing; soften the oil up. I have also used a rubber mallet to tap on the wheel. That rapping motion can break it free also. SOmetimes from the end like I was driving a nail into the handwheel and sometimes from the top left edge of the screw in a downward motion, the same way it turns to come off. I've used the plastic handles of screwdrivers and covered the screw with a towel and tapped on it with a small metal tack hammer. No need to smack it so hard you damage anything, One or all of these methods will get the screw turning. Good Luck, and thanks for watching my channel.

Yes, the more I look at it the more I'm inclined to leave the dent. It's almost like a testimony to the strength of the machine that it could take a fall like that and keep sewing so well. I think it will be a smooth running machine when I'm finished. Time will tell. Thanks for your comment.

Welcome to Andy Tube, Connie. When the "clutch wheel" is turned to the RIGHT while holding the Handwheel it should tighten up as it presses on the clamping washer. The washer sits between the handwheel and the clutch wheel. If the clutch wheel is just turning then the clamping washer may have been installed the wrong side out, or be missing. There is also a small possibility the washer is worn out, but that is rare. Even without a washer, turning the clutch wheel RIGHT would tighten it on the arm shaft and turn the shaft. If turned LEFT it would eventually unthread from the arm shaft. If the little screw was broken off behind the wheel it would turn left and come off the arm shaft. A few possibilities. Here are a couple of videos showing removing and replacing the handwheel parts on a model 404. The shape of the clutch wheel is different, but the concept is the same. You can remove the wheel on your 500A to see what's going on inside. REMOVE: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eZiMaaka5HE.html INSTALL: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hHl96WL1kzA.html If these do not help you fix the problem, let me know. Thanks for watching my channel.

@@andytubesewing1953 OMG!! I FIXED IT.....Just had to retry...the washer...in the different place!! I even ordered a different clutch wheel and washer ...but there was no difference...the clutch wheel just kept spinning...Now my "rocketeer " is just like new! I had rebuilt the tension unit...2 new springs..with the help of your videos! And now I have the answer for the clutch problem...thank you...thank you..thank you for your videos...My son buys the vintage singer machines at auctions. Usually..3 to 5$ each....and I have been having a ball....cleaning and repairing them!! ( Thanks to Andy Tube)!!! Please keep up the great videos....

@@conrod651 I really love a happy ending! I'm so glad you found my channel and I really want to thank you for saving those machines you are fixing up. It is really rewarding, isn't it? I imagine you are leaning a lot about these machines too. The next time you encounter a handwheel problem you will know what to look for and have the confidence and experience to fix it right up! It's like a win-win-win for all of us. Also, thanks to your son for helping you out and being involved with the machines. It's the whole reason I have posted over 500 videos. I want to get machines back in service., doing what they were made to do. I have heard of other auctions online besides Shop Goodwill, but have no idea how to access them. If you'd care to share where you are finding them please feel free to drop me a line at my channel email address of andytube53@gmail.com. In the future be sure to ask me if you come across something that is hanging up your fun with these machines. Take care and best of luck.

I'm sorry, Belinda. I don't know anything about Brother Machines and have never worked on any of them.

I've never worked on that model but you take the small screw out of the stop motion knob and unscrew the knob to the left to remove it then pull the handwheel off the arm shaft. The handwheel doesn't work? All parts work togethr and it could be another part causing the problem. Here is a basic video for removing the handwheel.motor belt on a vintage SInger machine to give you some idea of the removal process: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6H-SDwXLQDk.html

Some of the first things to look at are the bobbin case and positioning bracket. If the case has jumped off the race it can jam the hook during rotation. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JLYNpmFQ3wQ.html There can even be thread wrapped around the hook and below it. The next item I look at is the take-up lever system. If the lever is damaged, loose or installed incorrectly there is a spot where if resists when turning. Usually, you can turn through it, but it feels like you can't. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7-3Cr9neZTc.html Of course, the 401A has so many parts by the camshaft. The camshaft rotates with the handwheel and if one of those parts is out of place and blocks the camshaft then all motion stops. You can see some more videos of this model and those parts in the playlist for "Trouble" ru-vid.com/group/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO You could pull the handwheel to inspect the gear ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ghnNYyMC1xU.html All the machines parts move in unison and if a moving part is blocked or stuck or frozen and stops moving then all the parts stop moving. We like to say the handwheel is not turning but that is just where we can make the parts turn. The problem could be at the other end of the machine, like the bobbin case or even a bent needle bar.

The little set screw on the edge of the big chrome screw/knob, or the chrome screw/knob itself? I've had a couple that were very hard to unscrew. That chrome knob, the stop motion screw, screws into the arm shaft bushing on the end of the main arm shaft. It can be hard to release if it was overtightened or is stuck with dried oil/grease. You can remove the small set screw completely and spray some WD40 down between the handwheel and chrome knob where it enters the bushing. I've had very good luck using heat from a heat gun or hair dryer to loosen any dried oil, just use good gloves when turning a heated knob. I had one that I had to wrap the chrome knob with a leather strip and put a pipe wrench on it while a friend held the handwheel. Be patient and use heat between the wheel and chrome screw/knob. I've also tapped the knob with a rubber hammer in a left=turn motion on the edge.

Sorry, Amy. I do not know anything about MW sewing machines. If you post some pictures somewhere, let me know. If it looks like a clone of a Singer model I will try to help. Good Luck.

Andy Tube awesome thank you! I couldn’t hardly find any help with this machine on google

yes, a very nice model although I prefer the 403A Special: ru-vid.com/group/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg I appreciate your comments and that you watch my channel. Thank you.

A couple of reasons for this. Occasionally there has been oil settled on the clutch washer between the wheels and it dries up and gets like varnish or glue. Putting fresh oil in-between can soften the old oil and allow turning of the knob. You can also heat the area for a while with a hair dyer to soften it. The washer may have been put on backward. That can allow the little stop screw to rest on the raised stop of the washer and get "stuck" due to presser. You should remove the little stop screw to allow turning the knob. You can also remove that screw for application of oil or a WD40 type product. Sometimes the knob was over-tightened, (often b/c the washer was backward) and it requires more muscles to turn. Always remove the little stop screw. I have had my wife or friend hold the wheel while I turned the knob (4 hands better than 2) I have also used a channel lock plier to turn the knob. Put something around the knob to protect it from scratches. I use a scrap of leather. How to remove wheel: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eZiMaaka5HE.html How to install wheel: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hHl96WL1kzA.html

So was? www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/screw_threads

@@andytubesewing1953 Danke sehr Meister Andy,versuche mal mit der Tabelle zurechtkommen.Es handelt sich um die Schraube vom Spulenwikler oben.Model 401 G.Alles gute Meister,mfg Alexander.

You can fix this, Linda. it sounds like the clamp between the handwheel and knob was put on wrong. Here are 2 videos about removing and replacing the handwheel (you do not need to remove the counterbalance) Just follow along to take if off, do a little cleaning, and put it back on and you should solve the problem. Remove: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eZiMaaka5HE.html Install: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hHl96WL1kzA.html Good luck and thanks for watching my channel.

Thank you so much. You were right. I had the darn thing on incorrectly. I'm still having problems sewing through seams when hemming jeans, but the lock wheel stays "locked". Are there any other adjustments that I can do to make this work?

If it has the "potted" motor I don't know about that. If it has the motor with a belt you can try to seat the motor brushes better to gain more power and clean/adjust the foot controller. Brush seating video (not for potted motor) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rpTy_Bz3prA.html

Yes, I have a recommendation. You have a broken gear on the top of the vertical shaft that powers the timing pulleys/belt to turn the hook (driver) I have a playlist of videos for your machine: ru-vid.com/group/PLsCOZgzzaiKK9GeuGLCo6ZyWv-HbheRVK one of the videos is a step-by-step tutorial for replacing the gear: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-M3bFtlV1Y6s.html The video has 100K+ views which shows what a common problem that old gear is. The new gear costs about $10. Thanks for asking, and good luck.

@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you so much!

@@charlottemacmaster3221 for sure and best of luck to you

Hmm.. was the machine hard to turn before you replaced the top gear on the vertical shaft? If not then it is almost certain you caused the binding. The two most common areas of binding after replacing the gear are the gear itself, or the timing belt being too tight. I know you have watched my gear-changing video. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-M3bFtlV1Y6s.html The pinned comment at the top of the comment section is by Paul Hibbs and he talks about the new gear he bought being too tall b/c the metal base below the plastic gear is taller and made the gear bind just as you describe. He had to grind down the bottom of that metal base to match the original gear base then all was well. If the Timing Belt is too tight it will also bind the whole machine (everything turns together, right? It is easy to test that by loosening/slipping off the timing belt and turning the handwheel. If it still binds you'll need to do something with the new gear. If it does not bind any longer, then reinstall the timing belt a little looser. That's my best guess without having the machine on my workbench. Good luck.

I didn't turn it properly before I replaced the gear so I don't know Andy, I will have a look at the cam stack, is there anything else obvious that it could be ? Thanks

@@acestu just that any binding part will cause your problem. If you think the cam meshes too tight to the worm on that shaft that can bind the machine. The main upper arm shaft has large bushings that require oil. Bent needle bar, dirty needle bar bushings. Endless possibilities I guess. I try to separate the top-from-bottom movement to isolate if the binding is above or below and go from there..

@@andytubesewing1953 Hi Andy, thanks for the advice, I stripped it down again and I found a tough spot on the bobbin wheel so I cleaned and oiled the shaft again and it was free, hope that was it, will soon see

@@acestu Just for any other viewer reading these comments I believe when acestu talks about "bobbin wheel" it means the rotary hook that holds the bobbin case and bobbin and catches the needle thread.

Thank you, Dan. I'd also surprised I can't find other damage to the drive system after what must have been a hard fall. Maybe something will show up later, but even without oil or grease the drive and feed system work smoothly.

Можете ли вы сказать мне номер модели вашей швейной машины? ru-vid.com/group/PLsCOZgzzaiKJSu0T9oeaheTZsrUe91kkZ

OK, thanks.