Post by @Kymberly@old.mermaid.town

@Kymberly@old.mermaid.town

2026-04-09 11:53 UTC

The Ashford knitters loom has broken on its fifth project - that little plastic clippy nubble on the back beam brake is a part that is *designed to break* It is also the main problem I have with weaving on this and the table loom as my arthritic hands can’t easily force those levers/clip over those metal pins. Have to wait for a replacement if I can get one at all - the Ashford table loom brake is a different direction and size so I can’t even cannibalise my own looms for a repair. Anyone have a temporary fix idea? Or a permanent upgrade? Can I remove the project for safekeeping (leaving the heddle and back wooden stick in place perhaps) to retie on that stick to the back beam when a replacement arrives? #weaving #AshfordLooms @weaving

Replies (8)

@Kymberly@old.mermaid.town 2026-04-13 18:53

@weaving@fedigroups.social Happy to say Ashford are sending me a replacement pawl (that broken handle thing on the back beam). They had had a batch where the tongue in the middle was molded too long and wouldn’t snap past the metal pin- they reckon this was one of those and will replace them when asked. So … maybe the solution to make both looms easier would be to file the tongues down on the other pawls? Something to think about after I finish this scarf. #Weaving #AshfordLooms

Open ##2953001
@web_goddess@aus.social 2026-04-09 11:59

Oh no! I don’t have a solution, but thank you for sharing. I borrowed one of these looms for a month and used it on a couple projects, and I wondered about those plastic bits. Good to know.

Open ##2953003
@futzle@old.mermaid.town 2026-04-09 12:01

@Kymberly@old.mermaid.town Agree, it’s daft to make something like that out of plastic. I wonder if you can get it printed in metal? It doesn’t need every curve; I presume it’s essentially an escapement with the teeth on the wheel.

Open ##2953006
@Steveg58@aus.social 2026-04-09 12:07

@Kymberly@old.mermaid.town @weaving@fedigroups.social I would be tempted to put it in lock position, drill a hole and insert a pin (maybe 2-3mm?). Then just pull the pin to unlock the tension knob.

Open ##2953008
@triffen@beige.party 2026-04-09 12:46

@Kymberly@old.mermaid.town I expected something so breakable to be already available as a model, but I haven't found any so far. One listing on Etsy says it's for both table and rigid heddle, but maybe it's different between rigid heddle and knitters as loom models by Ashford? I wish they'd given them names like most manufacturers do. I'd be tempted to use a hole with a pin solution suggested above since you don't like the original anyway.

Open ##2953011
@nika64@social.vivaldi.net 2026-04-09 13:01

@Kymberly@old.mermaid.town @weaving@fedigroups.social 3D-printing?

Open ##2953013
@maru@sunny.garden 2026-04-09 13:27

@Kymberly@old.mermaid.town @weaving@fedigroups.social I’d say write to Ashford! I think they should send you a replacement without charge.

Open ##2953019
@lisamakesstuff@mastodon.art 2026-04-09 13:43

@Kymberly@old.mermaid.town @weaving@fedigroups.social I hate it when essential parts break. I hope you're able to get it repaired quickly and easily!

Open ##2953020