Pfaff 30 and Pfaff 130 sewing machine tensioner - disassemble and assemble

This video explains about the tensioner of the Pfaff 30 and Pfaff 130. It show you how to disassemble and assemble the tensioner and its operation with thread tension and check spring (take-up spring).
List of contents
0:00 Intro
0:34 Basic functions
1:39 Dismantle tensioner
3:23 Remove post
6:11 Assemble tensioner
6:42 Check spring stroke and installation
10:10 Fastening of post
12:10 End
I could not find much information about this tensioner on internet, so I decided to make this video. This Pfaff tensioner got some more parts and details compared to a Singer tensioner.
Please "like" this video, if you find this information useful. You will probably find other tips for your sewing machine on my KZbin channel. Leave a question and a comment as you like.

[@user-vn5bn2og1j]

بفف (30) القمة والقاعدة الراقية في عألم المكنة المتمكنة قديما وحديثا

[@halatkin2935]

May I add my thanks for this video. It was immensely helpful!

[@sewingmachinesindetail]

Thanks for the reply.

[@peytuhr]

Thank you for making this - I can now take apart the tensioners on my Pfaff 130 and 30 without worry.

[@sewingmachinesindetail]

I am glad that the video helped you.🙂

[@prometheansewingmachines]

Thank you so much! You are a huge help to me )

[@TrishMeyer99]

Thank you so much for making this video - I took the assembly apart weeks ago and did not take enough photos! My 130 has a different pin system though: There is a big pin (the size of a thread spool) that goes into a hole in the machine, and the little pin does not have a flat spot on it (so it can fall out unless the front parts are installed). Now it's time for a manual test sew... :)

[@sewingmachinesindetail]

Thank you for your comment. I have to admit, that I assumed that the Pfaff 130 tensioner was equal to the Pfaff 30 tensioner (that I have), because I could see that they looked very similar on photos. Perhaps some changes were made during the years of production as well. I think these Pfaff tensioners got significantly higher quality than the tensioner used on the Singer 201, that I got, but it is also a more advanced design with more parts. I hope, that you can make the tensioner work fine again. From sewing machines forums, I know that many users have problems with thread tension. Therefore I made more videos about that and how to measure thread tension.

[@TrishMeyer99]

@@sewingmachinesindetail Happy to report that the tension unit worked great and once I serviced the motor, she is sewing beautifully. Definitely a keeper! Today I'm working on a second one with the "coffee grinder" but it all seems to be moving okay at least.

[@TrishMeyer99]

And for anyone reading who has the big pin/little pin setup, be careful not to put the little pin in where it can fall out and be lost. I put on the back plate, assembled the rest of it, inserted the big pin, and then inserted the little pin from the back. Gently slide the assembly onto the machine when it's upright so the little pin does not fall out. It seems to stay in there once the pieces are in front of it.

[@saulabraham7886]

thank very much for this video, just want to know how to install padel and motor with this model, what type of motor need, can you help me

[@sewingmachinesindetail]

Perhaps I can help you a bit of the way. Do the machine already got a motor? What is the mains voltage, in your country? What kind of fabrics do you want to sew?

[@joannclark6562]

Thank you!!

[@sewingmachinesindetail]

You're welcome!

[@michelesimpson4817]

This was very helpful as my check spring wasn’t in correct placement. I thank you very much for the information. Unfortunately when I was ready to get the screw for the bracket that holds the check spring, out of the magnet dish I had carefully placed it in, it was no wear to be found. I fear it got flicked out when I took one of the other things out. I searched and swept and looked everywhere and used magnets, even on my brooms and dust mop, but it is so tiny and my craft room has 6 sewing stations and is full of many different things. After hours of looking I fear I will not find it. Do you know where I can find a correct replacement?

[@sewingmachinesindetail]

I am sorry, that you lost this screw. I cannot help you much. You can get another tensioner when you google them, but the price including shipment is typically about $40. If you live in Germany or a country nearby, you can get another Pfaff 30 cheaper than that. There is some forums on sewing machines, and you may ask there. There is a FB-group on Vintage Pfaff sewing machines. Furthermore two German forums: www.naehmaschinentechnik-forum.de/ and www.hobbyschneiderin.de/

[@mchaves7663]

Hi, I have just bought my pfaff 30 after months looking for one here in Australia. Just a question for you, is there any locking mechanism that locks the hand wheel? It doesn't turn for some reason. I don't want to force it and break it. Thank you for your video.

[@sewingmachinesindetail]

I do not know of any locking mechanism. If a machine have been standing still for 20+ years or have been in some humid environment, it is normal that they can get stuck. You will find other videos here on youtube on how to unlock such a machine. You will start to inspect the machine and take out the shuttle hook and oil all oil positions with sewing machine oil or kerosene. This is one of the videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3-qfq1_apeEfa8

[@johnbutrico3656]

Can you tell me why the longest stitchon my pfaff 30 is very short. Is there any adjustment to make?

[@sewingmachinesindetail]

It could be, that the feed dogs are too low, so they do not engage well to fabric. It can be adjusted, but they cannot get higher than the needle plate will allow.

[@user-dp1py6zr3v]

Como enebrarla la Pfaff 30

[@sewingmachinesindetail]

This video show how to thread the Pfaff 30. No language is used to explain that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGrYnYpta7Wsr8k

[@rouba3asisi329]

Can you explain how to embroider with this machine?

[@sewingmachinesindetail]

I do not make embroidery, but I know a bit about the requirements. It is a very easy running machine. The harp size at bed right of needle is 174 mm, so it is about 1 inch less than a Singer 66 or Singer 201. The tensioners work very well. You can lower feed dogs.

[@hanahadi300]

انا لدي pffaf 50 ايهما اقدم ال 30 ام ال 50

[@sewingmachinesindetail]

I cannot guide you regarding Pfaff 50.

[@user-dp1py6zr3v]

En español