VIKING OVERHAUL SERIES #5: Get Stuck Knobs, Levers, & Dials Moving Again Without Breaking Them

[@sjsalut]

I found a 21 E at a rummage sale. The stitch length knob has obviously been forced at some point, and is stuck on a tiny stitch length. I followed your instructions, but only the outer cover of the knob is now moving. It looks to me like the internals are not quite seated right inside the disk. Would you have any advice?

[@eilefjohangard217]

Thank you for very helpful videos! Do you have a video on the stich pattern mechanism and how to adjust the stich pattern follower? I would like to see the movements of this follower.

[@eilefjohangard217]

I tried the trick with the heat gun (carefully). It worked! It also helped loosen up the piston in the bottom of the machine, which had prevented the feed dog from dropping. Now I just have to centre the needle 😊

[@reetareeta6556]

Thank you for a great video. Very knowledgeable. Please may I ask which type of oil you were referring to, to unfreeze the knobs. I need to unfreeze drop feed knob. I have used Tri flow superior lubricant oil and hair dryer but no shift. Thank you in advance.

[@rachelkarslake7787]

Thank you. This is very helpful. It's nice that you take your time amd explain the process so well. I have a Pfaff 130 that is currently stuck. The zigzag selector won't move at all. I have read about using liquid wrench and a blow torch, but I was terrified to do it. Using a hair dryer seems better.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Rachel. Well, Liquid wrench or even sewing machine oil and heat can work. I don't like Liquid wrench use indoors because of the fumes though I have used it outside in nice weather. I would NEVER use a blow torch given how easily you could damage parts with it. I'm also hessitent on using heat guns as I think they are too powerful to control. A hair dryer and patience has proven a good remedy when I have been facing stuck parts like you describe. FYI, everything I advise on unsticking metal components behind knobs first before trying to get knobs/levers moving is EXTRA true on those Pfaffs. Their plastic is more brittle than most and many folks have damaged them when trying to loosen. I have done it but its important to be extra patient. And the other issue is that Pfaff spare parts are a lot more scarce than Singers for example.

[@rachelkarslake7787]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thank you, again. We used sewing machine oil and a blow dryer, and it worked. I am pretty excited because the 130 will now be my primary electric machine.

[@laurademarrais3248]

Do you have a source for the cams that are supposed to go with this model?

[@FedorAntony]

Thank you for this! On your advice, I used a hairdryer on the inner push-button mechanism and that got it free! Although it becomes sluggish (almost seized) again as it cools down. I guess the next step is oil it, or should it be cleaned?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Heat, cleaner, and oil with multiple attempts (patient attempts), should eventually get yours going again.

[@jojom.4462]

I have the same model Husqvarna Automatic 21A. My issue is the fork that attaches to put it in reverse isn't attached an I can't get it back in because the square area isn't moving in a 45 degree angle. I have been oiling it but not sure how to get that piece to move. I did try a blow dryer briefly but nothing, I have been working on this on and off for awhile over several months.

[@franatort]

I been repairing this machine watching your videos and some manuals i found online. I have a problem, when the stitch lenght dial is in 0, the the feed dogs still move forward and i cant get really small stitches in decorative stitch patterns.

[@paulineromer3195]

Hi there. I'm a new happy owner of an old Husqvarna 21E , everything works except that I can't get the stick length "button" to work. So the machine is only able to make like mini mini tiny stitch length. Any good ideas on how to fix this?? Cheers from Pauline from Copenhagen

[@mitchiemishaan733]

How did you unstick the reverse knob? Mine is pushed in

[@giftumesiobi9367]

My balance wheel is stiff please what can I do about it?..Husqvarna 21E model

[@boxgirl51]

Anyone know anything about the Viking automatic type 21 model 705 ? Thanks so much in advance.

[@chrisnielsen641]

Hi, I'm hoping you'll answer this question. I have a Type 21 with the low range changed by inserting and removing the knob, not the pushbutton version. After setting it to the low range, it does slow the speed and there is some gear noise as the reducer engages gears. My question is when in low range it's impossible to manually turn the hand wheel. I'm assuming it's the gear pack but it does make needle positioning impossible, which is a shame. I've checked the belts and they don't seem overly snug. In normal range I can turn the hand wheel though it's not a light finger / thumb effort. Am I missing something or does the gear pack need some adjusting or oiling that I've missed? Thanks. Really helpful videos.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello Chris. I would need to place my hands on the machine to know for sure, but its possible that yours is still functioning fine. If your stitches are in great form, then this "should" indicate that your machine if working fine. If you notice any unusual sounds or smells coming from it, I would stop using it immediately and have it looked at. It has been a while since I last overhauled my 21 series, but yours might be one of those that does not easily turn when it the stronger "Torque" mode. But its hard to know for sure.

[@chrisnielsen641]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage It does sew well with the original motor and I suspect it is a 'feature' not a problem and would only be used in special circumstances, not everyday.

[@bobbinsandkalechips]

Can I do this on a knob that only partially moves? My stitch length selector rotates from 5 to 2, but won’t budge past 2 to 0. Thx

[@reginaromsey]

Back plate so you can access the innards! What a great idea if it doesn’t have a removeable top.

[@supertav]

I have the same machine and the reverse button stuck when I pushed it in...please help.

[@AnonyMooseGoose.]

You probably fixed this already, but have you tried to push the button in and up because in and down is the reverse hold function.

[@dianeshouse19]

Where are you? How can I get in touch with you?

[@elainemurphy381]

Thank you for helping me with my mothers 21A. I think the reverse button is gone as it will not spring back into place but the video was very helpful for getting the buttons moving correctly.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hmmm. Yes, it is possible that the button has failed, but you might also try and check to see if it might be stuck. Old oil acts like sticky glue. It would be worth a try for sure just in case.

[@kishkov]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Hey thank you so much for this video. I just added one of these to my collection and my reverse button also does not spring back. Also nothing happens in the inside of the machine when I rotate the knob. Your video was great to see how it is supposed to move when in working order. Do you have any idea how that reverse button fails? mine is just really sitting there loosely, I can pull it out and push it back in all I want but it's just loose. It would be great to be able to fix it :)