Andy - you are a genius ! Thank you for your detailed explanations and your patient demeanor. It is very clear that you have done this many many times and the fact that you took the time to make these videos is simply awesome ! My Singer 404 was jammed and I was hoping that I could find something on RUclips to help me and I discovered gold when I found yours ! Thank you ! Thank you !
Isn't RUclips great? I'm really glad if the video helped you out. That is why I post them. Paying it forward. I don't monetize, just watch the video. Imagine doing this back before RUclips. If did not know "a guy" then you were out of luck. Hope you stop by again and thanks for commenting.
Thank you so much for making this video series! It has helped me tremendously to understand how all the part are put back together... especially that bobbin case bracket :) You are a very thorough and patient teacher.
You are welcome! Yes, that darn bobbin case bracket. Really tricky, but now you know and it makes sense. Thanks to you for taking the time to comment. Welcome to Andy Tube.
Fantastic! I removed the bobbin case positioning bracket when cleaning my newfound 404 and haven't been able to get it back into position. This video was exactly what I needed. Can't thank you enough!
"my newfound 404" Good on you! My favorite straight stitch machine. I like it so much I did a 50 video playlist of a step-by-step restoration of it. Lots of good information that may come in handy for you. ruclips.net/video/6RgiOegFx-I/видео.html It is a beautiful machine and I hope you enjoy it.Thank you for watching Andy Tube.
Andy you f***ing KING! That spring holding the *ahem* Bobbin Case Positioning Bracket was driving me mad (because I didnt know it was there). Thank you!!
We don't know what we don't know, and that can be frustrating. I was thrilled when I figured out that spring and happy that you know about it now. Thanks for keeping the machine in service.
Thank you very much! I was puzzled how bobbin case bracket was supposed to install (it was loose from the beginning) but with your excellent video it was immediately clear. After two evenings work my dumpster save 401G is now in fully working order, after freeing the mechanism and cleaning/lubricating it thoroughly. Such a wonderful piece of mechanical engineering, feels great to bring it back to life.
I'm the one thanking you because you literally saved the life of that machine. Nicely done! That is exactly why I make my videos and I'm happy knowing they helped you with your rescue. It was kind of you to let me know. Take Care.
Thank you so much for explaining (with a photo of the holding spring!) how to install the bracket holder. I got a 404 for my daughter and the bracket holder was loose. I couldn't see what was the matter, but with your video, I fixed it right away!! Thank you!!!
I'm glad you found the video, Martha. The 404 is my favorite straight stitch Singer machine. That is why I did the 50+ video series about restoring one. I hope your daughter enjoys hers, and if she ever has a problem, maybe one of my videos would help her out. ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKIB4kvIHCfHYuyLMUp5A4UI Thanks so much for commenting.
Thanks Andy! I’ve been struggling with my bobbin positioning bracket on my 628. Your video is the only resource I could find that easily explained what was wrong (not getting it under the spring) and how to resolve it. You’re the best!
Thank you for appreciating my work, Mayra. When I told a friend I'd made this video he laughed and said "no one will watch or understand that stuff". 4,556 views and still going, haha. I love sending him a link to it each time a kind viewer like you takes the time to comment. I'm happy you found my video and resolved the problem. Take car.
@@andytubesewing1953 Not only was it helpful, it helped me fix a machine I was getting ready to trash. AND i fixed it on the first time I tried since I knew how to attempt the "procedure". My only suggestion would be to add in the notes machines this could be helpful for. I only knew this video would be relevant to my 628 because somebody in a vintage sewing group on FB told me to give it a look. Otherwise I would not have thought to look at a 400 series video. Thanks and keep the great videos coming! :)
Thanks for your interest in my videos and in working on your machine. It's very interesting, right? Soon you will know about every part and can keep it running for another 50 years. I appreciate you watching my channel. Take care.
Awesome video! Feed dog screws, ugh! I got really confused when you showed the slide plate bracket spring as I couldn't remember how it came off, then you tilted the machine up and I remembered as soon as that screw at the top appeared. Perfect angle to see it tighten too, you can see it move right into position. I made a note: if you lay the machine on its side and push up on the throat plate clamp arm and the throat plate drops off, it's perfectly aligned (and super clean.)
Thanks. You are very observant to realize that part about tilting the machine and the needle plate sliding off. I should put that in my videos someday. "How to test if the positioning bracket is adjusted correctly!" Many vintage Singer machines with a front drop-in bobbin have a spring system like this for the side plate. Sometimes the screw is up in the bobbin area but uses the same principal. Nice comment.
Oh my goodness i am an absolute novice and got my self a singer 404 from the thift shop and i recently took off my bobbin plate, fully off (for some reason) and had a hard time putting it back on so I just dealt with it. But the plate kept falling off causing it to knot and back up BUT oh my god thank you THANK YOU! Saved my future sewing projects!!!!!
I'm happy you found a 404 for your projects. A true crafting machine, IMO. Also glad you found my channel and the 56 videos for model 404. Very kind of you to leave such a nice comment. You've started my day very happily. Thank you🙏
Thank you so much. Just what I needed to put pieces back together in a 401 I recently purchased. I thought it was broken, but I just needed to see how it goes back together.
Thank you for all your videos! Just got a 401a, all cleaned, greased and oiled. Having a problem that I can’t find any info on. My hook grabs my needle thread, but before it even gets to the 9:00 position, the needle thread gets stuck between the hook mechanism and the bobbin case, instead of going over the bobbin case. Any ideas or advice? I’ve done all the basics…new thread, needle, adjusted tension, thoroughly cleaned and oiled.
a new RUclips Member. Thanks for watching my channel. The first thing to check is that you have the correct style of bobbin for your Slant-O-Matic. It should be a class 66 and the sides are curved, like a saucer. (so the thread slides over the top of it, right?) The other SInger bobbin is a Class 15 and has flat sides. It is s tiny bit taller, too. A class 15 bobbin in a class 66 machine will always catch the thread, always. Let me know, OK? I appreciate you watching my channel.
Thank you for the quick reply! I had my needle in backwards! I’m still very much a novice. Think I may tackle taking out and cleaning the cam stack next!
@@Byoocowpea Welcome. We've all put a needle in the wrong, so no worries. I never ask about it b/c I'm worried folks would be insulted. If you need a copy of the Instruction Manuals you can download it free from Singer Support here: www.singer.com/search/support?title=401 You can even get a free copy of the Service Manual: sewingdude.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/singer-401-service-manual1.pdf
Great video. This machine is very different from any others I have ever used. Unfortunately, I broke off half of the slide plate spring before I learned the correct way to reset the plate. I have seen a few replacement springs but they are slightly different at the ends and are more squared off and not angled. Does it matter? I need to buy a replacement and I don't want to buy the wrong one.
I have used 2 different springs as you describe. One fit and worked fine and the second one needed to be filed down a little bit with a small metal file. It can be difficult to find a used vintage spring. I have found them on eBay and Bonanza by contacting sellers who had Model 401A,403A and 404 parts listed and asking if they had the spring. I attach a picture of it and include instructions for removal. I have found a couple that way. Here is the one I bought new that worked the best, (if it is still the same): www.sewingpartsonline.com/slide-plate-spring-singer-172016.aspx BTW, SInger called it the "Bed SLide Spring" and it is part No. 172016. I think they used the same spring on these models; 401, 401A, 403, 403A, 404, 500, 503, 503A, 600, 603, 604, 609, 620, 620E31, 625, 626, 628, 629, 630, 630E, 635, 635E, 636, 638, 639, 640 Touch & Sew, 640E, 645, 646, 648, 649. Good Luck, April.
This series has been so helpful. Thank you! I'm hoping you can help with this. My throat plate clamp adjusting screw is made out of a brittle plastic. I started to unscrew it but the plastic broke and the thread of the screw is no longer strong enough to get the screw out, or put the screw back in place. My throat plate is now stuck up and can't be brought down. Please help!! If I drill out the plastic screw is there anywhere to get a replacement? I haven't found one online.
Hi, Emily. I'm happy you find my videos helpful, thank you. What happened with your screw is very, very common, so don't think you did something wrong. I do NOT know of anyone who makes or sells new ones. I have only been able to find used ones on eBay and sometimes BONANZA.COM. I've been told some vendors now sell used vintage parts on Amazon but I do not shop there very often and do not personally know this. Finding one on eBay is very hit-or-miss. I have checked twice per day for almost 3 weeks and nothing, then the next day there were three of them. Go figure. They are like slant needle motors and sell out immediately. Sometimes I have found just the screw for sale, but usually, it is with some other parts, like the needle plate clamps and pins or even the whole bracket system. There are about three vendors on eBay now who part out vintage SInger machines on a regular basis and it just depends on what they find at yard/garage/estate sales I think. Twice I saw vendors selling other parts of a 403A and wrote them thru the eBay app asking for the screw if they had one. One did not and one did have the screw but did not know how to unscrew it so I explained how and he sold it to me for $1.00 plus postage and thanked me for that as he had no idea what it was for or how to get it off. I have been told a couple people are working with their CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and trying to come up with a plastic 3D printed version of one. One fellow wrote to me from the Philippines that he used a type of hardwood there and carved the slots on both ends. After soaking it in water for a week it gets slightly soft and then he forced it to screw in. When the wood dried it molded to the threads in the hole and he can actually turn it to adjust the clamp height. So you see the extremes of finding one. For me, I just check for it on eBay twice a day until one is for sale. BTW, Singer calls it the "Throat Plate Clamp Adjusting Screw", Part #172304. Here is a list of Model Numbers that show the same part number in records I have; 401A, 403A, 404, 500A, 503A, 600, 600E, 604, 620, 625, 626, 628, 640, 648. When searching do not limit yourself to only model 404. I do not know which models have plastic or metal, there was not much rhyme or reason to it, especially after the 401 Class machines. The 600 Class models are Touch & Sew and can sometimes be found very cheaply at sales. Very cheaply. If you see one it's worth checking for the screw. In your situation, even a good plastic one is better than a broken one. Good luck and thanks for watching Andy Tube.
Hmm... a spring under the bobbin case holder? That's the little lever on the upper left that holds the bobbin case into the hook. You twist that lever to the left so you can "unlock" the case and remove it for cleaning. Is your machine like that? Under the lever is a stud that goes thru the body to the bottom of the machine and is held on by 2 nuts. Around the stud is a spring. I have removed the nuts and lifted the stud and lever up out of the machine and the spring slides off the stud as you do that. If the spring was broken that is how I would replace it. Given that, I am not sure what you mean by "fix this spring in place". Maybe I'm wrong about your machine? I can't think of any other Spring "under the bobbin case holder". If this does not help then send pictures to andytube53@gmail.com and we'll try to figure it out.
Another great video. I'm really enjoying the 404 series. It's getting me ready for my upcoming 404 project. When you have come across damaged screws, do you replace them? Are they easy to find? Are they a normal screw or something particular to Singer? Thanks again.
I only replace if the screw is unusable. They are hard to find as they were made by or for Singer in odd thread counts and sizes. Used parts can be found on eBay, for example, but you often have to but the associated parts. Say a set screw for a gear is stripped; you usually have to buy the gear or even the set of gears to get the screws. There are some common screws that can be found newly made, like needle plate screws or feed dog screws.
Chapman Mini-Rachet. Right here is the set I bought: chapmanmfg.com/pages/sewing-machine-repair-screwdriver-sets They have others and you can buy bits, handles, and the mini-rachet separately. I actually made a video when I first bought them. ruclips.net/video/KnrvDZeaYj4/видео.html I've owned them for about 2 1/2 years and use them on every machine. This past summer I bought another screwdriver set and I like it also; a nice grip on the handle and magnetic bits. Some of these bits fit the very thin slots on screws that the Chapman bits do not fit into. ruclips.net/video/7_DHIC6eskc/видео.html Thanks for watching my channel.
UPDATE: After searching 30 minutes or so lol I think I found the part number and an answer. It looks like there are five singers that can use that same bracket, the 401, 403, 404, 500 and 503, part number 172085. That’s great news for me. Hey Andy, regarding the Bobbin case positioning bracket….can the one I saved from a 401A be used if the one for my 404 is defective? When I finally got around to my 404, the first thing I noticed was that the bracket was not sitting in there correctly so when I removed it and then tried to put it back, it wasn’t going in and after looking at it closely it looks like it may have possibly been manipulated some sort of way after a possible break. I haven’t finished watching this video, so I hope you don’t cover that.🥴
Andy - you are a genius ! Thank you for your detailed explanations and your patient demeanor. It is very clear that you have done this many many times and the fact that you took the time to make these videos is simply awesome ! My Singer 404 was jammed and I was hoping that I could find something on RUclips to help me and I discovered gold when I found yours ! Thank you ! Thank you !
Isn't RUclips great? I'm really glad if the video helped you out. That is why I post them. Paying it forward. I don't monetize, just watch the video. Imagine doing this back before RUclips. If did not know "a guy" then you were out of luck. Hope you stop by again and thanks for commenting.
Thank you so much for making this video series! It has helped me tremendously to understand how all the part are put back together... especially that bobbin case bracket :) You are a very thorough and patient teacher.
You are welcome! Yes, that darn bobbin case bracket. Really tricky, but now you know and it makes sense. Thanks to you for taking the time to comment. Welcome to Andy Tube.
Fantastic! I removed the bobbin case positioning bracket when cleaning my newfound 404 and haven't been able to get it back into position. This video was exactly what I needed. Can't thank you enough!
"my newfound 404" Good on you! My favorite straight stitch machine. I like it so much I did a 50 video playlist of a step-by-step restoration of it. Lots of good information that may come in handy for you.
ruclips.net/video/6RgiOegFx-I/видео.html
It is a beautiful machine and I hope you enjoy it.Thank you for watching Andy Tube.
I plan on watching the entire series! So good of you to take the time to do these videos.
Thanks! If it help people save the machines it's worth every minute. Good Luck.
Thanks Andy, your videos are very well done and most helpful. You are a treasure
That's great! Always nice to hear they help someone with their machine. Kind of you to comment. Take Care.
Andy you f***ing KING! That spring holding the *ahem* Bobbin Case Positioning Bracket was driving me mad (because I didnt know it was there). Thank you!!
We don't know what we don't know, and that can be frustrating. I was thrilled when I figured out that spring and happy that you know about it now. Thanks for keeping the machine in service.
Thank you very much! I was puzzled how bobbin case bracket was supposed to install (it was loose from the beginning) but with your excellent video it was immediately clear. After two evenings work my dumpster save 401G is now in fully working order, after freeing the mechanism and cleaning/lubricating it thoroughly. Such a wonderful piece of mechanical engineering, feels great to bring it back to life.
I'm the one thanking you because you literally saved the life of that machine. Nicely done! That is exactly why I make my videos and I'm happy knowing they helped you with your rescue. It was kind of you to let me know. Take Care.
I wasn't sure how to install the parts so thank u 🙂
Welcome, and glad you found the video.
Thank you so much for explaining (with a photo of the holding spring!) how to install the bracket holder. I got a 404 for my daughter and the bracket holder was loose. I couldn't see what was the matter, but with your video, I fixed it right away!! Thank you!!!
I'm glad you found the video, Martha. The 404 is my favorite straight stitch Singer machine. That is why I did the 50+ video series about restoring one. I hope your daughter enjoys hers, and if she ever has a problem, maybe one of my videos would help her out. ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKIB4kvIHCfHYuyLMUp5A4UI
Thanks so much for commenting.
Thanks Andy! I’ve been struggling with my bobbin positioning bracket on my 628. Your video is the only resource I could find that easily explained what was wrong (not getting it under the spring) and how to resolve it. You’re the best!
Thank you for appreciating my work, Mayra. When I told a friend I'd made this video he laughed and said "no one will watch or understand that stuff". 4,556 views and still going, haha. I love sending him a link to it each time a kind viewer like you takes the time to comment. I'm happy you found my video and resolved the problem. Take car.
@@andytubesewing1953 Not only was it helpful, it helped me fix a machine I was getting ready to trash. AND i fixed it on the first time I tried since I knew how to attempt the "procedure".
My only suggestion would be to add in the notes machines this could be helpful for. I only knew this video would be relevant to my 628 because somebody in a vintage sewing group on FB told me to give it a look. Otherwise I would not have thought to look at a 400 series video. Thanks and keep the great videos coming! :)
@@maryaozer Thank you for the suggestion ✨
Thank you so much for this video!
I'm glad it was helpful, Annette. Thanks for visiting my channel.
Another excellent video! I've never had my machine so far apart.
Thanks for your interest in my videos and in working on your machine. It's very interesting, right? Soon you will know about every part and can keep it running for another 50 years. I appreciate you watching my channel. Take care.
Awesome video! Feed dog screws, ugh! I got really confused when you showed the slide plate bracket spring as I couldn't remember how it came off, then you tilted the machine up and I remembered as soon as that screw at the top appeared. Perfect angle to see it tighten too, you can see it move right into position. I made a note: if you lay the machine on its side and push up on the throat plate clamp arm and the throat plate drops off, it's perfectly aligned (and super clean.)
Thanks. You are very observant to realize that part about tilting the machine and the needle plate sliding off. I should put that in my videos someday. "How to test if the positioning bracket is adjusted correctly!"
Many vintage Singer machines with a front drop-in bobbin have a spring system like this for the side plate. Sometimes the screw is up in the bobbin area but uses the same principal. Nice comment.
Oh my goodness i am an absolute novice and got my self a singer 404 from the thift shop and i recently took off my bobbin plate, fully off (for some reason) and had a hard time putting it back on so I just dealt with it. But the plate kept falling off causing it to knot and back up BUT oh my god thank you THANK YOU! Saved my future sewing projects!!!!!
I'm happy you found a 404 for your projects. A true crafting machine, IMO. Also glad you found my channel and the 56 videos for model 404. Very kind of you to leave such a nice comment. You've started my day very happily. Thank you🙏
I have a Singer 500a, this video helped me replace the bobbin case. Thank you!
Thank you so much. Just what I needed to put pieces back together in a 401 I recently purchased. I thought it was broken, but I just needed to see how it goes back together.
Very welcome, and glad you found this video. Congratulations on your "new" 401A.
Thank you for all your videos! Just got a 401a, all cleaned, greased and oiled. Having a problem that I can’t find any info on. My hook grabs my needle thread, but before it even gets to the 9:00 position, the needle thread gets stuck between the hook mechanism and the bobbin case, instead of going over the bobbin case. Any ideas or advice? I’ve done all the basics…new thread, needle, adjusted tension, thoroughly cleaned and oiled.
a new RUclips Member. Thanks for watching my channel. The first thing to check is that you have the correct style of bobbin for your Slant-O-Matic. It should be a class 66 and the sides are curved, like a saucer. (so the thread slides over the top of it, right?) The other SInger bobbin is a Class 15 and has flat sides. It is s tiny bit taller, too. A class 15 bobbin in a class 66 machine will always catch the thread, always. Let me know, OK? I appreciate you watching my channel.
Thank you for the quick reply! I had my needle in backwards! I’m still very much a novice. Think I may tackle taking out and cleaning the cam stack next!
@@Byoocowpea Welcome. We've all put a needle in the wrong, so no worries. I never ask about it b/c I'm worried folks would be insulted. If you need a copy of the Instruction Manuals you can download it free from Singer Support here: www.singer.com/search/support?title=401 You can even get a free copy of the Service Manual: sewingdude.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/singer-401-service-manual1.pdf
You are a great teacher thank you
thank you for the kind words and I'm glad that you like my channel
I still thank you heaps for helping me replace the slide plate scoring hook
Glad you found the video!
Great video. This machine is very different from any others I have ever used. Unfortunately, I broke off half of the slide plate spring before I learned the correct way to reset the plate. I have seen a few replacement springs but they are slightly different at the ends and are more squared off and not angled. Does it matter? I need to buy a replacement and I don't want to buy the wrong one.
I have used 2 different springs as you describe. One fit and worked fine and the second one needed to be filed down a little bit with a small metal file. It can be difficult to find a used vintage spring. I have found them on eBay and Bonanza by contacting sellers who had Model 401A,403A and 404 parts listed and asking if they had the spring. I attach a picture of it and include instructions for removal. I have found a couple that way. Here is the one I bought new that worked the best, (if it is still the same): www.sewingpartsonline.com/slide-plate-spring-singer-172016.aspx
BTW, SInger called it the "Bed SLide Spring" and it is part No. 172016. I think they used the same spring on these models; 401, 401A, 403, 403A, 404, 500, 503, 503A, 600, 603, 604, 609, 620, 620E31, 625, 626, 628, 629, 630, 630E, 635, 635E, 636, 638, 639, 640 Touch & Sew, 640E, 645, 646, 648, 649.
Good Luck, April.
This series has been so helpful. Thank you! I'm hoping you can help with this. My throat plate clamp adjusting screw is made out of a brittle plastic. I started to unscrew it but the plastic broke and the thread of the screw is no longer strong enough to get the screw out, or put the screw back in place. My throat plate is now stuck up and can't be brought down. Please help!! If I drill out the plastic screw is there anywhere to get a replacement? I haven't found one online.
Hi, Emily. I'm happy you find my videos helpful, thank you. What happened with your screw is very, very common, so don't think you did something wrong. I do NOT know of anyone who makes or sells new ones. I have only been able to find used ones on eBay and sometimes BONANZA.COM.
I've been told some vendors now sell used vintage parts on Amazon but I do not shop there very often and do not personally know this. Finding one on eBay is very hit-or-miss. I have checked twice per day for almost 3 weeks and nothing, then the next day there were three of them. Go figure. They are like slant needle motors and sell out immediately. Sometimes I have found just the screw for sale, but usually, it is with some other parts, like the needle plate clamps and pins or even the whole bracket system. There are about three vendors on eBay now who part out vintage SInger machines on a regular basis and it just depends on what they find at yard/garage/estate sales I think. Twice I saw vendors selling other parts of a 403A and wrote them thru the eBay app asking for the screw if they had one. One did not and one did have the screw but did not know how to unscrew it so I explained how and he sold it to me for $1.00 plus postage and thanked me for that as he had no idea what it was for or how to get it off. I have been told a couple people are working with their CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and trying to come up with a plastic 3D printed version of one. One fellow wrote to me from the Philippines that he used a type of hardwood there and carved the slots on both ends. After soaking it in water for a week it gets slightly soft and then he forced it to screw in. When the wood dried it molded to the threads in the hole and he can actually turn it to adjust the clamp height. So you see the extremes of finding one. For me, I just check for it on eBay twice a day until one is for sale. BTW, Singer calls it the "Throat Plate Clamp Adjusting Screw", Part #172304. Here is a list of Model Numbers that show the same part number in records I have; 401A, 403A, 404, 500A, 503A, 600, 600E, 604, 620, 625, 626, 628, 640, 648. When searching do not limit yourself to only model 404. I do not know which models have plastic or metal, there was not much rhyme or reason to it, especially after the 401 Class machines. The 600 Class models are Touch & Sew and can sometimes be found very cheaply at sales. Very cheaply. If you see one it's worth checking for the screw. In your situation, even a good plastic one is better than a broken one. Good luck and thanks for watching Andy Tube.
Saved me again. Thank you.
you are welcome Dave and thanks for saving your vintage machine
hi i have a singer fashion mate 257 model. there's a spring under
the bobine case holder and i want to know how to fix this spring in place?
Hmm... a spring under the bobbin case holder? That's the little lever on the upper left that holds the bobbin case into the hook. You twist that lever to the left so you can "unlock" the case and remove it for cleaning. Is your machine like that? Under the lever is a stud that goes thru the body to the bottom of the machine and is held on by 2 nuts. Around the stud is a spring. I have removed the nuts and lifted the stud and lever up out of the machine and the spring slides off the stud as you do that. If the spring was broken that is how I would replace it. Given that, I am not sure what you mean by "fix this spring in place". Maybe I'm wrong about your machine? I can't think of any other Spring "under the bobbin case holder". If this does not help then send pictures to andytube53@gmail.com and we'll try to figure it out.
Another great video. I'm really enjoying the 404 series. It's getting me ready for my upcoming 404 project. When you have come across damaged screws, do you replace them? Are they easy to find? Are they a normal screw or something particular to Singer? Thanks again.
I only replace if the screw is unusable. They are hard to find as they were made by or for Singer in odd thread counts and sizes. Used parts can be found on eBay, for example, but you often have to but the associated parts. Say a set screw for a gear is stripped; you usually have to buy the gear or even the set of gears to get the screws. There are some common screws that can be found newly made, like needle plate screws or feed dog screws.
Ha!!!! It only took me two hours to replace that bracket. The rest of the machine i had been doing compete maintenance for almost 38 years!!
Took me much longer the first time I pulled it out by mistake. 😀 Glad you worked it out.
where did you get that awesome little ratchet???
Chapman Mini-Rachet. Right here is the set I bought: chapmanmfg.com/pages/sewing-machine-repair-screwdriver-sets
They have others and you can buy bits, handles, and the mini-rachet separately. I actually made a video when I first bought them.
ruclips.net/video/KnrvDZeaYj4/видео.html I've owned them for about 2 1/2 years and use them on every machine. This past summer I bought another screwdriver set and I like it also; a nice grip on the handle and magnetic bits. Some of these bits fit the very thin slots on screws that the Chapman bits do not fit into. ruclips.net/video/7_DHIC6eskc/видео.html
Thanks for watching my channel.
UPDATE: After searching 30 minutes or so lol I think I found the part number and an answer. It looks like there are five singers that can use that same bracket, the 401, 403, 404, 500 and 503, part number 172085. That’s great news for me.
Hey Andy, regarding the Bobbin case positioning bracket….can the one I saved from a 401A be used if the one for my 404 is defective? When I finally got around to my 404, the first thing I noticed was that the bracket was not sitting in there correctly so when I removed it and then tried to put it back, it wasn’t going in and after looking at it closely it looks like it may have possibly been manipulated some sort of way after a possible break. I haven’t finished watching this video, so I hope you don’t cover that.🥴
Parts manuals seem to show the same parts. Check your email.