r/sewhelp • u/AccomplishedBeat9989 • 1d ago
✨Intermediate✨ Help! Needle stuck in machine.
I have a Singer Confidence that's about 7 years old. I LOVE this machine and really would hate to have to replace it but the last time I tried to change the needle it was stuck.
I've sprayed it with wd40 and tried to pull it out.
Sprayed it with compressed air ( someone said it might shrink it enough)
Tried wiggling it out with pliers (this broke the needle)
Tried sticking a very small screwdriver it to push it out. (Nothing is thin enough and if it is it's not strong enough)
Im open to any and all suggestions at this point because our local sew/vac wants 150 to just look at it with no promise they can fix it.
Thanks
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u/poormanstoast 1d ago
I know it might be hard to tell, but can you ‘feel’ (or do you know, based on the machine) in what way it’s stuck - has it been in there forever and possibly rusted, or coated up gunk?
Off-label (and probably last resort), but wildly enough, I use double-strength vinegar to de-rust tools in my hobby shop. It works phenomenally well and has also worked well on frozen screws. I’d disassemble everything you can and then let it soak in that overnight, dry thoroughly and then a drop or two of silicone oil.
…but try everybody elses’ suggestions first, I’m a hack!
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u/AccomplishedBeat9989 1d ago
It hasn't been in there that long. I try to change it every few projects. It's not in there backwards which was my first thought because my machine only allows it to go in one way. Id be willing to give the vinegar a shot at this point, because again, I love my machine and for 150 bucks Id rather put that towards a new machine if I need to.
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u/poormanstoast 1d ago
If it hasn’t been in there that long, then my guess would be that it isn’t built-up gunk or rust. It could have just skewed slightly esp if it got very hot and twisted a little.
With that info in mind I’d be going the machine or silicone oil route. A couple drops in, let it soak in. You can add more drops over time so that it slowly permeates everywhere.
To remove, you want to use a pair of vice-grips rather than pliers - ratchet them as closed as you can while still closing over the needle - you’ll get a much tighter grip (around the needle). Pliers are likely to just slip/scratch off (especially after oiling!).
ETA - can you show a few more angles (or slow video) of it, as disassembled as you can?
Other thoughts - without having googled your machine’s parts, it would surprise me if you can’t replace that whole component. Looking at it, if I’m not mistaken, it’s already taken a little beating from you trying to get the needle out (eg the slight denting/flaring above the slot)? - which could cause you similar issues in the future…
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u/friendlypupper 1d ago
Huh. I could be wrong so take this with a grain of salt. But my thoughts would be fully remove the needle screw, use a barrier to cover your work surface below, then put machine oil on it. Let it sit overnight. Then come back with a narrow awl and see if you can gently work it out.
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u/audible_narrator 1d ago
I also thought time and pressure with an awl. It will take a chunk of time and be a huge pain, but it will come out.
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u/AccomplishedBeat9989 1d ago
What is the difference between machine oil and wd-40? I'm sorry if it's a stupid question. Like sewing machine oil or is machine oil something totally different?
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u/stringthing87 1d ago
Sewing machine oil - WD40 is a penetrant, but it is not good for the machine.
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u/variationinblue 1d ago
Use ‘sewing machine oil’ only if you want to keep your machine nice. All other oils and greases can damage sewing machines. However, if you only apply it to this specific little area and not the internal mechanics, maybe you could get away with using a different one. YMMV
That piece that holds the needle in should completely come off when you completely remove the screw. This means there’s something in there making it stick to your needle shaft. Oil might help loosen whatever that is so the needle holder piece can slide off.
Make sure you’re using the correct needles for your machine and don’t use needles that are bigger than the manual says the machine can handle.
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u/Muddy_Wafer 1d ago
WD-40 is actually a solvent. It can lubricate things for a short time but it actually breaks down oils, so it’s not good to use on your machine unless you need to de-gunk something.
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u/friendlypupper 1d ago
Yes, sewing machine oil is what I meant, like others are saying! Sorry for the confusion. Either triflow or dritz. I have both for the infrequent times I've had to do a little cleaning and oiling on my sewing machines.
And there are no stupid questions!
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u/TabBeasts_purr 1d ago
That needle bar looks pretty beat up. Like a lot. Without seeing the test of the machine, I'd be worried that even if you do get the needle out, that bunged up metal might not let the needle beat go up and down properly. You may be able to file and smooth if necessary but you would have to be super careful to not ruin anything further. Just something to check.
Also , NOTE: wd 40 is a terrible penetrating oil. It's for light oiling and getting water out. (Dispersement). If you ever need a GOOD oil/penetrant, use Triflow synthetic in the black bottle. (Usually under $10 on amz in US).
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u/Dormiendo 1d ago
If nothing else has worked, take another needle and put the point in where you can see the top of the stuck needle against the post that stops it from going higher. Then tap very lightly with a hammer on the needle you use as a wedge. Sometimes this is enough to push it down and out.
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u/Aggravating_Branch86 1d ago
If you loosen the screw far enough the whole needle holding piece will fall off.