GRRRRR... What would you do?

To make a long story short......

I got a Singer Serger about 4-5 years ago as a Christmas gift from my parents. It's a basic, no frills serger. I has worked ok for all this time, but then I noticed last weekend when I was serging fabrics to prewash that there is now a little piece missing (the first thread guide). Called a bunch of local repair shops and they either want $$ for me to even have them look at it, or have told me that's a part they can't order and to contact the mfgr. So, I tried calling Singer last week. Spent over an hour on hold only to have been disconnected because they're customer service lines are only open until 4 pm CT. Apparently, even if you're on hold, they shut the lines down and you're just disconnected out of the blue. Not a happy camper! Decided to try and send them an email to their customer service address. Got the standard "we've received your request and you should hear back within 48 hours" response. Well... didn't hear anything back until yesterday. The email I received from them basically told me I'm out of luck as that is not a replaceable part (which I knew, but had hoped they could maybe still help me out) and to contact one of my local Singer dealers to purchase a new machine!!! UGH!!! So, got nowhere with them.

The piece I'm missing is causing major tension problems with my machine. My dad (the engineer) took a look at it, we tried a few things, but still can't get it to work properly. We've literally tried just about everything, but nothing seems to work. I can make it work if I hold onto the thread before it goes into the machine to give it some tension, but it makes the sewing that much more difficult trying to do it one handed.

My dilemma is that, especially after the crummy response I got from Singer, Hubby wants me to just go ahead and buy a new one. I did a bunch of research and all I really need is a standard one... not one of the fru-fru fancy ones. Found one that has great reviews on Amazon (a Brother), but I feel guilty about buying it. It's not like my current one doesn't work at all... just takes some finagling to get it work right. It's $200... and Hubby is pressuring me to buy it.... but I keep talking myself out of it. His thinking is.... buy a new one, put the old one up on Craig's List and get what I can get for it... someone may buy it for parts.

What would you do???

Can you find the replacement part name and then look on craiglist or ebay for that part?

I had a serger years ago that I decided to upgrade, took it to a shop that sells new and got a couple of bucks off the new one (maybe $20 or so). That might be an option, especially if the shop also does repairs.

Having to finagel with the thingy would make me leave the dang thing on the shelf in the storage room. What good is it then? Hmmm

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Originally Posted by FabStripper

Can you find the replacement part name and then look on craiglist or ebay for that part?

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There is no "name" or part number for it. It's just that little metal clip that is on the back that you thread thru before threading thru the tension dials. I've searched high and low, and even tried some make-shift options (taping a paperclip to the back for example), and nothing seems to work.

Attachment 97814

I'm just so frustrated ... :(

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Originally Posted by KathyCrofoot

I had a serger years ago that I decided to upgrade, took it to a shop that sells new and got a couple of bucks off the new one (maybe $20 or so). That might be an option, especially if the shop also does repairs.

Having to finagel with the thingy would make me leave the dang thing on the shelf in the storage room. What good is it then? Hmmm

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There is a Brother dealer about 25 minutes from me. They don't sell the one that I'm looking at because it's a "low end" model, but they would gladly sell me the $500 model. They also said they would give me a trade in on my Singer, but the value of the trade would depend on which machine I bought. Basically, they're trying to get me to buy the $500 - $1300 model. Figures. Lol

Here is an link..........no sure if it will help but worth checking....... :)

Sewing Parts Online: Search

25 or so years ago I bought a baseline 3 thread serger bernette made by Bernina. It is all metal and worked well we had to patch up a few things here and there like dowels to replace spool holders and a dowel for a pin in the door where the loopers are., I love this machine and it served me well. But I was getting annoyed with changing thread from black to white..( all I really use ) unless making a dressy outfit or something special. Hubby said buy a new one. I looked and hated the price and fact they were all plastic and so much more then I needed. So off I went to Ebay, found the exact one I owned and bid on it and won. Thinking we would use mine for parts. This one game and is in mint condition so I now have one threaded with black one with white and am VERY happy. Maybe you could find yours same one on Ebay and get it for parts. Sorry long story.

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Originally Posted by pcbatiks

Here is an link..........no sure if it will help but worth checking....... :)

Sewing Parts Online: Search

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Thanks for the link! That was honestly the first place I looked. This isn't a true "part" for the machine and according to Singer, isn't one that can be ordered. It's just this little metal piece on the back, but I guess they don't consider it something worthy of selling or making replaceable.

If your looking for inexpensive and basic I'd try Hancock fabrics, JoAnn fabrics or Walmart. I know I just saw sergers on sale at Hancock fabric this past weekend but I didn't look at the brand.

Editing to add, can you bend a paper clip to get the clip shape and replace it that way? I have never used a serger so if the suggestion is off the wall, please ignore :)

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Originally Posted by Iris Girl

25 or so years ago I bought a baseline 3 thread serger bernette made by Bernina. It is all metal and worked well we had to patch up a few things here and there like dowels to replace spool holders and a dowel for a pin in the door where the loopers are., I love this machine and it served me well. But I was getting annoyed with changing thread from black to white..( all I really use ) unless making a dressy outfit or something special. Hubby said buy a new one. I looked and hated the price and fact they were all plastic and so much more then I needed. So off I went to Ebay, found the exact one I owned and bid on it and won. Thinking we would use mine for parts. This one game and is in mint condition so I now have one threaded with black one with white and am VERY happy. Maybe you could find yours same one on Ebay and get it for parts. Sorry long story.

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Checked eBay too.... they're all actually selling for MORE than what it's on sale for at JoAnn's right now. Lol. It's really not a high-end one that would be worth spending $100 to buy a used one and replace that one piece... it is on sale at JoAnns right now for $199, and other sites (like Amazon) for $180. :(

I just picked one up from craigs list for $35. I also wanted one for black and one for white. keep an eye on craigs list and watch for OBO. Most price them pretty high, but there always comes one along at a reasonable price.

Or you could place a "wanted" ad in Craig's list.
This part sounds like something that could be "McGyver-ed" with a fish hook and some chewing gum, if some clever person would think on it a bit. Tell that engineer dad of yours he needs to think outside the box. Maybe you could offer him a batch of brownies if he will take it on.
(and whining helps, lol)

Paper clip and superglue!

Have the little Brother 1034D serger and love it. Have had mine for almost nine years and no problems. If you can't fix your Singer you won't regret buying this machine.Simple to thread and a work horse to boot. Hope this helps.

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Originally Posted by Sandra L. Mazer

Have the little Brother 1034D serger and love it. Have had mine for almost nine years and no problems. If you can't fix your Singer you won't regret buying this machine.Simple to thread and a work horse to boot. Hope this helps.

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That's exactly the one I'm looking at!!! :D It's a really good price on Amazon right now too!

I'm going to go home tonight and try and monkey around with it again. I tried the paperclip idea (didn't superglue it though, just duct tape), but it didn't work. If I can't get it to work properly, I may let Hubby buy me the new one. Lol.

I would give the super glue a try before buying a new machine

I suggest buying the Brother because, well, I am in that sort of mood tonight. If it's a pain to use, just move on. LOL Plus I also have the Brother 1034D serger and it is a great basic serger.

However, if you decide to try to fix the one you have, use epoxy instead of super glue. You can find it in the hardware section of WallyWorld, next to the super glue. It isn't pretty but it holds better than super glue. BUT it does stink so use it in a well ventilated area. I just fixed something with epoxy and placed it in the bathroom, turned on the vent, shut the door and left it there for a while. It's below zero here, so opening the windows isn't something I really want to do.

First of all, you have a wonderful hubby to be so considerate (my hubby is the same way) - otherwise if you have access to anyone that is a welder/fabricator/machinist - they can do fantastic things -otherwise I would just go ahead and purchase the new one. Good luck.

What model? Can you take a close up photo of the part?

Short story... He says you can buy a new one. Go for it! :icon_bigsmile:. But don't get rid of your machine just yet. See if we can find a replacement at garage or estate sale or create a part from something else. Post some pics, and maybe we an throw out some ideas for substitution!

I would skip all this aggravation and just buy a new one. The old one does not work. It's not worth the hassle. Happy wife, happy life.

Baling wire and duct tape are my go-tos! :) Sounds like you tried that, so I'm out of suggestions. Good luck. :icon_confused:

Do not buy another Singer..... Like Iris Girl said above...I bought a Bernina 334DS 30 years ago and it is still going strong. It is easy to break off the spool holder pins....got one broke on all 3 machines. These are real work horses...I have bought them on ebay...sometimes for less than $200 and sold them to friends that want a good reliable serger. I have 3 that I keep threaded with off-white, khaki, & black thread.

I like the idea of trying the super glue first, because that is not much trouble. If that doesn't work, let your hubs buy you a new one :)

I have a basic Brother serger and love it...when I use it. I believe it's a 1034D.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and tips!!!

My dad wants to give it a whirl again on Saturday and see if he can't get something to work. If not, I'll be buying the Brother and getting rid of the Singer (either on Craig's List or eBay). Hubby wants me to just go ahead and order the new one now (because we all know how Amazon's prices fluctuate rapidly) so I can get the good price... but I'm hesitant. It's a pain in the butt to return if we can get mine to work, so before I do it... I want to exhaust all options first.

:D

We bought parts for my old Singer off Ebay and parts for Featherweight and Janome from Sewing Parts on line. Saved the day.

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Originally Posted by KnitWitRosie

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and tips!!!

My dad wants to give it a whirl again on Saturday and see if he can't get something to work. If not, I'll be buying the Brother and getting rid of the Singer (either on Craig's List or eBay). Hubby wants me to just go ahead and order the new one now (because we all know how Amazon's prices fluctuate rapidly) so I can get the good price... but I'm hesitant. It's a pain in the butt to return if we can get mine to work, so before I do it... I want to exhaust all options first.

:D

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Rosie, feel your pain, but you will not regret the Brother 1034D. I LOVE mine.

If my husband was encouraging me to buy something to replace a product that was causing me stress I wouldn't think twice. I'd be out the door and on my way to make a purchase. Advice as to what to do with the one you currently have - maybe just hold onto it until you need to upgrade another machine and trade it then. Try to sell it on Craig's list making sure to add that it needs a new part and what that part is. Check to see if you can make contact with someone on the Singer website. You might have better luck communicating with someone that way rather than trying to talk to someone on the phone. In your inquiry be very specific about the problem and the part that is broken so you get your question answered without too much back and forth. I don't know how much you paid for your serger or how long you've used it but you have to weigh the cost of possibly shipping the machine to Singer and what it may cost you to have it repaired. If it's under warranty there should only be shipping costs but if not you'll have to pay for the repair. It could be costly. If you're just looking at a couple hundred for a new serger that might be a better use of your money.

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Originally Posted by rebeccas-sewing

If my husband was encouraging me to buy something to replace a product that was causing me stress I wouldn't think twice. I'd be out the door and on my way to make a purchase. Can't really give any advice as to what to do with the one you currently have. Maybe just hold onto it until you need to upgrade another machine and trade it then? Try to sell it on Craig's list making sure to add that it needs a new part and what that part is? Have you checked to see if you can make contact with someone on the Singer website? You might have better luck communicating with someone that way rather than trying to talk to someone on the phone. Make sure you are very specific about the part you need so you get your question answered without too much back and forth.

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I tried both phone and email... Got no where. The part isn't sold and Singer (rather rudely I might add) basically told me I'm out of luck and gave me a list of dealers in my area to buy a new machine. If I do but a new one... It defiantly won't be a Singer! Lousy customer service!

I've got the Brother one sitting in my cart online... Waiting to hit the "submit" button. For whatever reason, I just can't seem to do it. Going to give it one more go-round with trying to monkey something into a fix this weekend... But if it's still not working... I guess I may convince myself into hitting that button. Lol

So sorry about your experience; it sounds frustrating and you should be applauded for not wanting to run out and buy a new one and what a great husband for encouraging you to do so!

However, if you enjoy sewing/quilting there is something to be said about cutting your losses. Plus, having the right machine to get the job done effectively and efficiently adds much to your quality of life -- if, as I said, sewing is something you enjoy or must do for income.

Agree with some posts above: sell for parts, trade in for another machine (to a place that also does repairs and can use for parts).

And whatever you do don't forget SOCIAL MEDIA:

Go to the SINGER Facebook page and write a professional but honest, straight-forward quip about your disappointment in your like new machine, the bad customer service, and the fact that such a part could not be replaced. Don't forget to also post the brands you are considering and/or the one you finally decided upon. You will be not only sending a message to Singer, but helping potential customers avoid such future problems.

After you've used your new one for awhile, go to that brand's post and post a review and mention your disappointment with Singer. It will help those shopping for sergers!

By the way -- I have a Baby Lock serger out of work right now. Evidently, my model is the ONE in the company's history that had problems with the motors! I don't know the model off hand, but it was purchased about 20 years ago. So, do ask the manufacturer about problems with machines you are considering.

Best wishes!

My Singer serger is over 27 years old and until 6 months ago I never had an issue with it....then it started. Stitches weren't stitching correctly brought it in for a tune up and was told the timing was off. Got it back and 2 weeks later something else went wrong, completely unrelated to the first issue. The repair shop charges $70 every time to look/fix it without needed parts. I decided it was going to just keep nickle and diming me so I'm on a search for a new one. My dilemma is the new machines compared to my older Singer are so loud. My brother bought his wife that $1400 top of the line Husqvarna one that thing sounds like a train. I'm going to go test drive that Brother 1034D...it's getting good reviews.

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Originally Posted by alik57

My Singer serger is over 27 years old and until 6 months ago I never had an issue with it....then it started. Stitches weren't stitching correctly brought it in for a tune up and was told the timing was off. Got it back and 2 weeks later something else went wrong, completely unrelated to the first issue. The repair shop charges $70 every time to look/fix it without needed parts. I decided it was going to just keep nickle and diming me so I'm on a search for a new one. My dilemma is the new machines compared to my older Singer are so loud. My brother bought his wife that $1400 top of the line Husqvarna one that thing sounds like a train. I'm going to go test drive that Brother 1034D...it's getting good reviews.

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I have the Brother machine and it is also LOUD. But it gets the job done.

The suggestion of a welding shop/fabricator is a good one. I recently had a problem with a broken leg on my x-mas tree stand. The tree is prelit and great, but the stand broke after only a year and I couldn't find a similar one. I duck taped it in 2013, but before I put it this year, I took it to town and asked a furniture store who might be able to repair it. To my surprise, they suggested a muffler shop because "he can fix any thing." He did fix it and wasn't going to even charge, but at my insistence, he took 10. You might try to find someone like that in your area.