Great tool for timing - Cerliani/Koban hooks in Handi Quilter and similar longarms
Adjusting hook/needle timing is necessary when the needle does not pick up the bobbin thread or there is poor stitch quality - incorrect timing almost always is due to an “event” - a collision between the needle and a hard object - scissors left on the quilt, a pin inside the quilt, a button or sequin, an open seam trapping the foot, or in rare cases a very thick seam or other irregularity in the quilt sandwich.
Many longarms use hooks manufactured by the Koban company in Japan or the Cerliani company in Italy, These hooks typically have two fasteners that clamp them to the hook shaft - either flathead screws in older hooks or 2mm hex (Allen) screws in the newer versions. Some but not all of the longarms using these hooks include the Handi Quilter family - Moxie, Sweet Sixteen, Simply Sixteen, Capri, Avante, Amara, Fusion, Forte and Infinity; Janome QMP 16 and QMP 18, Baby Lock Coronet, Gallant, and Regalia, and Grace Q’Nique’s.
Longarms will have an access port in the side of the Frame, but in some cases the port does not directly line up with the screw making it tough for a straight-edge hex tool to fit. The tool kits that are assembled for longarm techs have a ball-end hex L-wrench for this purpose (the ball end allows it to be inserted at an angle) but the included tool is small and difficult to hold.
After trying several different versions I have found a useful and inexpensive time-saver: an Eklind 2mm T-Handle hex tool, available on Amazon and elsewhere for less than $10 USD.
Below is a closeup of the ball end on the tool:
If you are a longarm tech or a longarm owner that performs timing adjustments and are interested in purchasing this tool, it can be found here on Amazon.
Quilt on!
Do you have questions on this topic or a suggestion for another one you are interested in?