33 | Sailrite�com Leatherwork
®
Guidebook | 34
Thread Issues
Thread is shredding,
balling or breaking
There are a number of causes for
breaking thread� Start with step 1 and
stop as soon as the problem is resolved�
1� Thread/needle combination too small for
material being sewn� See p� 6�
2� Make sure thread is not snagging
anywhere from the cone/spool to the
needle�
3� Wrong Needle Type
Use of the wrong needle type can
contribute to thread shredding issues�
Always use a leather “diamond point”
needle when sewing dry, heavy or hard
leather�
Refer to p� 7 for more information�
4� Incompatible Needle Size & Thread
Weight
If the thread is too thick or thin for the needle it
will not pass through the needle eye to form a
loop and will instead ball at the needle� Check
the compatibility of the needle size and thread
weight (p� 6)�
39
5� Replace the needle, making sure installation is correct� See p� 8�
6� Burred Shuttle Gib Hook or Retaining Ring Cap Spring
A machine crash or needle strike to the Shuttle Gib Hook (A) or Retaining Ring Cap Spring (B) may
result in a burr or damage which can cause the thread to snag�
Removeanyburrsbypolishingthemwithemerypaperoranele.Ifbadlydamaged,replace
with a new Retaining Ring Cap Spring (#1603) and/or new Shuttle Gib Hook (#9601)�
7� Machine Has Gone Out of Timing
If the machine is out of timing it may cause the gib hook point to cut or shred the thread� To reset the
timing on your Leatherwork, follow the steps outlined on p� 39 “Leatherwork Timing�”
Burred/
Damaged
Area
Burred/Damaged Area
> Retaining Ring Cap Spring
> Shuttle Gib Hook
40
B
A
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