Singer handcrank (attachment only) - original vs Chinese reproductions
 

I know there are Chinese reproductions of the Singer handcrank attachment.

Can someone please post pictures of what they know is 'original' versus what the Chinese ones look like?

I guess I am trying to determine if there is a difference in the deals on the Chinese ones.

NOTE: I am referring just to the handcrank mechanism, not specifically the machine it's on.

Shari

Hello Mom3,

In my experience the reproduction handles are rubbish. If you look at my Youtube channel (link below) I say a bit about the difference between them on the video about how to remove a motor. Look at http://www.helenhowes-sewingmachines.co.uk for pictures of the real thing.

Where can I find a Singer hand crank? All that I find are the China replacements!

I actually bought an old crank from Muv. It installed easily and has been excellent all around. I know that some of the people buying handcrank machines online are buying them just for the cranks- that is one source.

Gosh I'm puzzled, Makitmama, I've never sold anyone any machine bits. Whoever you bought it from, it wasn't me.

The Chinese repro ones tend to have problems with the holes not drilled exactly in the right spot, or at an angle, etc. There's a large percentage of 'bad' ones. So, buy from a source that takes returns easily because the odds aren't fabulous...or so I've been told.

I got a 66 hand crank HC038 from a Helen Howe in the UK- so when you said that was your youtube link, I thought that was you.

aah, I think I see. You were talking about the link in your signature, not the link in the message. Sorry.

That's all right, Makitmama. Helen Howes and I are definitely not the same person. It's a good job we are on opposite sides of England, otherwise I might spend far too much time rummaging around her workshop making a nuisance of myself.

Muv,

I have two Singer hand crank machines. I am beginning to see more hand crank machines in the area I live in. I have two original Singer hand crank machines - decals are different on them. I guess my question really was: Are there differences in the decals from one Singer model to another or are the decal differences dues to the vintage of the Singer? Are there Chinese decals that really pop out at a person as being the reproductions?

As long as we are on this hand crank topic: Has anyone ever seen a base mount (versus motor boss mount) hand crank for a Singer? I need one.......

Shari

I have a reproduction Singer Handcrank. It works just fine, haven't had any problems with it. Bought it on Ebay about 8 years ago. It's still working.

Mom3 - to be sure that the part is not a reproduction, see if it has a Singer part number on it. Decals varied over time and between models.

Muv,

My hand crank machines are not accessible right now to take a look - but - would have Singer (aka Simanco) on them?

(Sheesh! I've got 40 people coming for Christmas and I've had to shuffle things around here so can't get to my hand cranks right now. Yeah - getting an early start on organizing the house! :) )

Shari

I have an original Singer hand crank and a Chinese reproduction...no contest, the Singer hand crank is so much smoother and not clanky or cheaply made. My 1936 Singer 201k was originally a hand cranked machine, I treadle it now; much easier on my arm.
Sharon W.

I'm going to bring up an old subject. I don't have a hand crank machine and I would like to have more than one. :D I was going to purchase one from sew classic but I'm wondering if the quality has improved or not.

I really don't want to spend $75 on a handcrank. The thought makes me cranky.

the originals are usually cheaper than that on Fleabay

I can only find one there that isn't new or attached to a machine.

I have had a few from Jenny at Sew-classic and she has only sent one that was not so good.

I bought a 127 a couple years ago with a Chinese hand crank on it. I moved the HC to my 99K, Rusty. In the last year of so of use the Chinese HC has smoothed out and isn't near as rough as it was.
It also helps to grease the gears inside and by all means keep it oiled. There are several oil holes and they do need oiled.

As as been said, the Chinese repros don't hold a candle to the Singer originals, but they are generally useable and a whole lot .... um ..... cheaper.

Joe

I have one that sounds like a bird in distress. The others are fine. Yes I grease them and look for any rough places.

yeah the only one on there now is $75... but thy do come up.

places like this also can be helpful
http://www.helenhowes-sewingmachines.co.uk/cranks.html

Last summer I found an original HC with spoke wheel off a 1901 Singer. It was from England and cost a little over $100 to me in LA. It was in pristine condition and I was glad to acquired it. Recently I put together a 127 w/Chinese hand crank for a friend who needed a HC unit for use during their civil war reenactments where she could mend uniforms, sew patches, etc. She has used it on several occasions with no issues. I did take the crank apart for inspection and oiling. Since I had an original HC to compare it with, for the price, it was not bad.

Rodney Ponchatoula, La.