Sewing Machine Needle Tool

Use this tool to insert and remove a sewing machine needle.

Features

• Holds a needle aligned for insertion
• Allows you to raise the needle to fully seated position
• Works with all universal domestic standardized needles
• Works with all sizes 60/8 through 130/21
• Custom design the handle

Using the Tool

• Insert the needle point down into the holder so that the shank fits down into the upper “D” shaped cutout. The flat side of the needle shank should fit a few millimeters down into the flat part of the holder.
• With the needle fully seated in the holder, align the needle/holder with the machine’s needle hole and push it up until it can go no further.
• Then tighten the set screw.
• Slide the holder down past the tip of the needle to remove it.

Tip: When removing a needle, slide the tool onto the needle before loosening the set screw. This will prevent the needle from dropping down into the machine’s mechanism.

Using the Program

You may select the clearance that will be used when creating the needle holes. This will allow for different printer capabilities. Note: all of the needle dimensions are internal as the shape of the needle is standardized.

You may freely design the size and shape of the handle. The bend angle can be zero (for no bend) up to 90 degrees, depending on your taste.

Note: Don’t make the handle height too tall or you will not be able to remove the tool after the insertion is complete.

Printing

You may use any material. Print with no support. I used a wall thickness of 3mm; not because I wanted a thick handle, but because it allowed me to print without brim. Layer height should be .15 or less as the tolerances a very small.

If you have too much “elephant foot” you may need to ream out the lower hole – a 1.5mm drill bit works nicely.

Using OpenSCAD and the Customizer

If you are new to using OpenSCAD and changing parameters, I’ve included my tutorial that may help.