Originally Posted by
bkay
Try contacting
Terry at TandT repair. He's the most knowledgeable person I know about Touch and Sew machines. He's in American Samoa, so there is a significant time difference.
bkay
He was able to help! If anyone is reading this, highly recommend reaching out as he was very helpful, but this is what he told me:
Essentially, instead of a set screw for some models of the touch and sew, there is a rivet that is technically called a “roll pin”
You can find these frequently in engines, guns, and other machines parts. Makes sense for an old machine I suppose, sturdy parts (except for those pesky plastic gears!!)
You need a 3/32” roll pin punch, which is a pin that has a small half-ball or nipple that helps center the punch into the pin, and pushes it through the other side. I reluctantly bought one, but it was $5. Worth getting.
Now the gear is replaced, BUT I still am having trouble with sloppy gears. The new gear seems too tall and has a kind of crunchy movement with the main drive gear? I can’t figure out why, it almost seems too tall. No washer to be removed to make room.
Additionally, the main motor attaches to a gear on the manual spindle (can’t remember the name) and this seems sloppy as well. Causes the motor to work extra hard and I’m worried I’m going to fry the thing! Any further help on this?