Singer 301 question
 

Hi all

I have a Singer 301 that I have just started to use, I had to wind a bobbin and I cannot loosen, what the manual refers to as the "knurled screw", is there something special I should know? Or did someone perhaps take it apart to clean it and not put it back together quite right?

any and all help is greatly appreciate!

Thanks

It might just be jammed tight by someone strong arming it. Maybe try a jar opener or a glove so you can get a better grip. If that doesn't work a large pair of pliers and some leather to protect the knob should do it. The other possibility is it's already turned but not disengaging the machine. If that's the case back out the little screw in the knob, turn the knob counter clockwise until it comes off and take the wheel off. Clean and oil everything and re-assemble.
I hope this helps,
Rodney

Two of my favorite kitchen and sewing room helpers are:
1. strap-wrench for changing oil filters - great for opening large jar lids and holding sewing machine hand wheels, etc
2. rubbery waffle weave circles similar to the shelf lining for RVs. I find them at the Dollar Store, usually a batch of them on a cardboard for $1. Some people use them for potholders.

I haven't had a hand wheel yet that I couldn't get loose but I'm sure I will eventually. For opening jars I use a fat rubber band like the ones that come on produce at the grocery store. Wrap it around the lid for grip and the lid won't give you any problem. Works every time.

Cari

Put a little oil in there if you can get it onto the threads some how it might help loosen it up. Then when you do get it off clean the threads real good.

Try using a hair dryer on it to loosen the crud probably inside. Once you get it loose. Take off the knob and clean it, and then use Tri-flow oil on the threads. I have had many vintage singers with this problem.

I recently did take the hand wheel off my new to me 301 and it was caked with dried up gunk that took a long time and several products and picks to get it all off. It was hard to get off, and I could see why. But with everyone's help and encouragement (thanks everyone!) I kept at it and put it back on the right way with some Tri Flow and gave it some time and use and now it is more quiet and hums along. But, it was a challenge to get the wheel off at first. I am still very much of a novice but it is so satisfying to get something apart, cleaned and back together where it works!!