Mrs. SewNSew

I just got the largest tire I could at Sew Classic. It looks like the right size for my Pfaff 11 but I am having a beast of a time getting it on! Does anyone know if they can be safely stretched temporarily? I am thinking maybe a soak in warm water or light heat from a hair dryer? I would just go ahead and try it but I am worried I will mutilate it or tear it in my attempts. Maybe I should just cut it and re-glue with something once I have it on?

Rodney

Try boiling it. It works on other plastics and rubbers.
Rodney

Mrs. SewNSew

I tried hot water (not boiled) but that didn't do much at all. Then I stretched it over a screwdriver handle by pushing it onto the side that was tapered. I used a hair dryer to warm it and left it on to stretch for a few minutes. Then I quickly took it off the screwdriver and rolled it onto the winder wheel. Phew! It's on!

DonnaMiller

Good for you, mother of invention.

ArchaicArcane

I've had to fight a few German machines to get them to accept bobbin winder tires too. The tires do stretch some as they go on, as you found but it can be pretty tense during. Especially if you've ever had a bobbin winder come apart in your hands in the past!

Farmhousesewer

Don't try to force it. Try to roll it on.