Needle Dimensions

[Evo160K]

What is the diameter of the shank and the measurement from the top of the shank to the eye on a System 328 LR needle? TIA

[Constabulary]

shank is ~2.0 - 2.5mm. I have (metric) size 110 with ~2.1mm and 180 with ~ 2.2mm and 200 with ~2.5mm diameter. Length from top of shank to top of needle eye is 5.2cm

[Evo160K]

Thank you Constabulary, I appreciate it.

Since leather point system 88 needles only seem to be available in one size, while system 328 LR are available in many sizes, I was thinking the 328 LR could be shortened slightly, but it looks like their shanks are to thick. 2.07 mm is the maximum that will fit.

[Gump]

I found it odd that 328's have different shank sizes, so I checked mine, and they get bigger with the size of the needle. This is weird as all other systems I have checked have the same size shank, regardless of size. I guess that is why my 132 k 6 has a band type needle clamp, so it can use any needle that is the right length. Gump.

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

Not many folks know this information, but I'll share with you here. It's rare for a needle shank to change dia. when the needle size changes, as is the case here.

328 Needle system (AKA 214X1, DDX1, N1225) has two different needle shank sizes;

328 Needle sizes NM110~140 / 18~22 have shank dia. 1.98mm

328 Needle sizes NM160~250 / 23~27 have shank dia. 2.46mm

This is why some manufactures offer two needle clamp sizes for the same machine that use this system needle, hope this helps!

[Wizcrafts]

Not many folks know this information, but I'll share with you here. It's rare for a needle shank to change dia. when the needle size changes, as is the case here.

328 Needle system (AKA 214X1, DDX1, N1225) has two different needle shank sizes;

328 Needle sizes NM110~140 / 18~22 have shank dia. 1.98mm

328 Needle sizes NM160~250 / 23~27 have shank dia. 2.46mm

This is why some manufactures offer two needle clamp sizes for the same machine that use this system needle, hope this helps!

Gregg;

Your revelation about the different shank diameters on type 214/328 needles explains why the GA5 type machines are only offered with a range of needle sizes from 23 through 27. This includes the Cowboy CB2500 and other clones of the Singer 45k. One cannot simply find a smaller needle and pop it in, without first changing the needle bar. Or, find a needle bar with a clamp needle mount, like the old Singers used.

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

Wiz,

Or, use a needle bar with interchangeable needle clamps, as in the Seiko SKZ-6 series, that screw into the needle bar.

Edited November 11, 2014 by Gregg From Keystone Sewing

[Evo160K]

Thank you one and all. Not only is your information helpful, but it's incredibly interesting. There's something extraordinarly fascinating about these industrial machines, not sure how to explain it..

[Gump]

That explains why my needle clamp falls off on my 132 k 6. But one clamp will hold all the sizes I have as it is a band style clamp. Gump.

[Evo160K]

This G-B needle comparison explained a great deal for me.