Expert: Carol Forbes - 6/8/2009

Question
Hi,I used to do a lot of machine knitting but due to
circumstance it has not been out of the box for 10 years.  
The carriage is jamming and I am fairly sure it is the
needle retainer that has perished. Any ideas where I can
purchase a new one.

Answer
You can try this shop in Indiana.  http://www.knitknackshop.com/

You can also repair the retainer bar.  Here is a copy of what I gave my students at a recent seminar.



              REPAIRING A RETAINER BAR

SUPPLIES:

3/8" ribbon, non-fray and "slickery". (I get mine from Jo-Anne's or Hancock - usually $0.99 a spool)

1/4" x 3/8" weatherstripping.  The important part (and hard to find) is the 1/4" thickness.  I found high density closed all PVC vinal foam tape on the internet from RCR Dannis Co. Elgin IL 60123  www.wjdennis-rcr.com but try Menards, Lowes, etc.

Aleen's tacky glue (also found at Joanne's and Hancock)

2 bulldog clips or clip type clothes pin


Measure your old retaining bar to make sure the widths are the same. Also use the old retaining bar as a guide for length.



Pull off the old sponge bar and scape clean with a  flat screwdriver or very small chisel.    Clean off as much as you can.  I used De-solvit or goo-be-gone after scaping off as much as I could.


Cut the weatherstripping to the correct length and take off the tape to expose the sticky side.   Put down a thin layer of Aleen's Tacky Glue on the retaining bar and place the weatherstripping - sticky side down - firmly in place.  Let dry overnight.

Cut a piece of ribbon to the correct length.  Using Aleen's Tacky Glue, attach the ribbon to the exposed side of the weatherstripping.  Use a clip clothes pin or a bulldog clip on each end to help hold the ribbon in place.  Let dry overnight.

Hope this helps.

Carol