Sizzix Big Shot Handle Fell Off in Hand

[jcg]

Argh, went to use my Big Shot, and the handle fell off in my hand. It was fine that last time I used, and now it's not.. How does that happen?
It looks like a washer and hex screw... Has this happened to anyone else? Do you think you could buy the replacements at a hardware store, or will Sizzix sell me a replacement kit? I don't want to buy a new one for just the handle coming off... I'm able to still use it... But.. it is awkward. HELP...:(

[fionna51]

Mine came off a couple of times...I just picked up the screw and used the allen wrench that came with my Big Shot to put it back in and tighten it up.

I have the little plastic bag with the allen wrench (and the extra screw too) taped to the bottom of my Big Shot. That way I don't forget where I put it "for safe keeping".

[jcg]

Thanks... I'll put my husband on that job... He put it together, back when... So.. he can figure out what he did with the tool... ;) My problem is I don't know where the screw or washer went.... The last time I used was 1st week of December, and am just getting back to cards after the holidays... It is not on the floor or on my work bench... Another good job for my husband.

[Catrick]

I had the same issue and I contacted Sizzix. They sent me a new screw set and now I keep an eye on it and tighten as needed. I never thought about taping the baggy to the bottom of the machine...

[Metalcharm]

Mine goes loose often ... have never lost the screws though and just give it a quick tighten every now and then.

[jcg]

Thanks... Good idea about contacting Sizzix.

[DianneB1030]

I made about 35 of the SU mini treat bags in a row. That die is one that gives a big thump as you're cutting it. After I had cut quite a few the plastic piece that covers the screw popped off. I tightened the screw and pushed the plastic piece back in. I think the vibration of the thumping of the dies must loosen the screw as you use the bigshot.

[KopyKat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcg

Argh, went to use my Big Shot, and the handle fell off in my hand. It was fine that last time I used, and now it's not.. How does that happen?
It looks like a washer and hex screw... Has this happened to anyone else? Do you think you could buy the replacements at a hardware store, or will Sizzix sell me a replacement kit? I don't want to buy a new one for just the handle coming off... I'm able to still use it... But.. it is awkward. HELP...:(

Did Sizzix reply back to you? did they send you a replacement screw and tool? Or were you able to buy a replacement? Mine came off and it is no where to be found. 

Thank you, 

Holly 

[gregzgurl]

If you don't get a response from Sizzix, you could take the handle to Home Depot or similar and they can help you find the size of hex screw and washer that you need. You may need to take the entire Big Shot, though, if size isn't obvious from the handle. The screws and washers are cheap, and an allen wrench shouldn't be expensive or difficult to find, either.

Also, I learned a new trick this past week (we just moved into a condo and are doing a lot of updates/upgrades). You know those screwdrivers that have the heads you can flip around from Phillips to flat, usually two ends/sizes? The part that the head goes into is designed as a hex wrench (see thumbnail)! Who knew? My handy husband of course! I used it to install the register on the ceiling. You might be able to use it on the hex screw if you can't find the allen wrench.

[KopyKat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregzgurl

If you don't get a response from Sizzix, you could take the handle to Home Depot or similar and they can help you find the size of hex screw and washer that you need. You may need to take the entire Big Shot, though, if size isn't obvious from the handle. The screws and washers are cheap, and an allen wrench shouldn't be expensive or difficult to find, either.

Also, I learned a new trick this past week (we just moved into a condo and are doing a lot of updates/upgrades). You know those screwdrivers that have the heads you can flip around from Phillips to flat, usually two ends/sizes? The part that the head goes into is designed as a hex wrench (see thumbnail)! Who knew? My handy husband of course! I used it to install the register on the ceiling. You might be able to use it on the hex screw if you can't find the allen wrench.

Thank you so much! Handle fixed! This is my most used toy and I was panicking a little, lol. I think the screw size was a M2 or a M4. It works! 

__________________
Holly aka KopyKat
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[Hoboken Paper]

The handle on my old Big Shot had been screw-less for a long time.

According to Sizzix customer service, if your machine is within warranty they will send you a new screw kit, but they do not sell the screw kit (screw plus tiny allen wrench). So as Sue suggested I took the whole machine to Home Depot to find a replacement screw. (The screw screws into the body of the machine, so taking just the handle is useless.)

To save other from having to drag their Big Shot machines to the store, I am sharing the size of the screw that I purchased.

The winner is... M3-0.5 x 10 mm socket cap screw.

The brand I purchased is Everbilt, but I don't think that matters. Basically it's a 3.5 mm diameter screw that is 10 mm long (or at least that's what I think it means). A bag of three is less than $1.

You can buy a loose hex key/allen wrench set for less than $10, and a fancy pocket-knife style set for less than $20.

Hope this helps some folks out. It was so nice to have an attached handle again. It still worked, but it was a pain. Still looking for my perfect plastic end cap to cover the hole in the handle...

[Scrapjanny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoboken Paper

The handle on my old Big Shot had been screw-less for a long time.

According to Sizzix customer service, if your machine is within warranty they will send you a new screw kit, but they do not sell the screw kit (screw plus tiny allen wrench). So as Sue suggested I took the whole machine to Home Depot to find a replacement screw. (The screw screws into the body of the machine, so taking just the handle is useless.)

To save other from having to drag their Big Shot machines to the store, I am sharing the size of the screw that I purchased.

The winner is... M3-0.5 x 10 mm socket cap screw.

The brand I purchased is Everbilt, but I don't think that matters. Basically it's a 3.5 mm diameter screw that is 10 mm long (or at least that's what I think it means). A bag of three is less than $1.

You can buy a loose hex key/allen wrench set for less than $10, and a fancy pocket-knife style set for less than $20.

Hope this helps some folks out. It was so nice to have an attached handle again. It still worked, but it was a pain. Still looking for my perfect plastic end cap to cover the hole in the handle...

Thank you so much for sharing all this info. and taking one for the team! I'm going to write this down and tape it to the bottom of my Big Shot.

[wavejumper]

Thank you! I too am writing it down but also subbing this in case I lose my notes. That is valuable info!

[floridagoods]

Please watch this video, I found the screw at home depot!!
https://youtube.com/shorts/w5h_LE5R7SQ?feature=share

[Petu2000]

subbing

[barbiejo]

Found the screw Menards too!