Help from someone who restores FWs
 

I bought a nice 221 Featherweight several months ago and today I set it up to sew. I noticed that the pin that holds the thread is leaning quite a bit to the left. It seems to be solidly in the hole so I didn't want to take pliers to it and possibly mess it up. Can someone tell me if I can pull the pin out and re-seat it without taking the machine apart? Thanks!

I can't answer your question, but if you are in the Houston, TX area (your location is just southern United States), there is a woman in Katy the specializes in vintage machines particularly Featherweights and could probably help you. She's at Kimberly's Stitchery and Merchantile, Katy, TX

I have dial-up internet, so haven't checked this video out. It seems to address your issue. Or you could use a cone stand, but I would put the through some sort of "guide" on the spool pin. I have used a class 15 bobbin that has holes in it as a guide. I have also used a binder clip clamped to the spool pin and thread through the "handle" portion.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.