First post is a sad one

[min]

Hello all,

My tried and true N2LS finally failed on me today. I delved into the issue and found that part #Maytag k-1436 has broken preventing the wringer head from working. A search out in internet land hasn't yielded a replacement for sale. I'd attempt to weld the piece but even though the part is metal it is non-magnetic and I'd hate to damage it more.

Do I need to fabricate my own from scratch? Pics would be attached but my camera has decided to run out of battery.

 

[rp2813]

I see old Maytag wringers on craigslist all the time.  I'd venture a guess that all of their wringer models in the same age bracket as yours use the part you need.    The majority of machines I come across are for parts or restoration and can be had cheap.

 

I don't know what part of the U.S. you're in, but I'm in a fairly affluent region, so if those machines are showing up here, they should be surfacing just about anywhere else too.

 

Give others some time to respond to you.  There's no shortage of wringer knowledge (and perhaps parts) on this site, even though the name would indicate otherwise.

 

[min]

There's a resurgence of interest in the old wringers in my area(PNW) and the cheapest one in serviceable condition is $100. I can buy a piece of steel and hit it with the drill press and files for $2 and my time before I'd pay that. Wringer washers and treadle sewing machines are incredibly popular the past few years. They're either in great shape and high priced, or suitable for yard art with virtually no middle ground.

I'm not in dire need of the part right now, I generally only use the wringer during the warm days when I can line-dry the clothes. We're starting to get regular rains here so that season's gone for now.

 

[min]

Finally got pics taken.

Doesn't look like fun to fabricate without a lathe but I'm sure it could be done if I can't find a replacement.

 

[geoffdelp]

Not so sad ... see below!

Good luck.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Maytag-Wrin...016485?hash=item2821569de5:g:HbMAAOxyOlhStDeA

 

[rp2813]

Well Geoff, it sold 11 minutes after you made your post.  Let's see if Min returns to advise.

 

[geoffdelp]

Should be a pretty easy part to find; lots are available, even a used one will work, provided the springs are intact.

Just a note, Min ... when you get everything functioning again, please make sure the wringer head comes to a complete stop before turning handle to lock in place. More of these were broken (and the teeth on the index ... you DON'T want to replace that) because of the wringer head not stopping before engaging the rollers.

 

[min]

Woo hoo! Searching for the part number yielded few results and none for purchase. Now I know what the thing is called as well. Thanks a ton for that link. Now I can take the broken one and see if a weld holds.

 

[min]

I suspect the part broke because I urged my wife and teen to use the machine just this summer. It could also just be fatigue on a part that's 70ish years old. Running the clothes dryer during the heat is not fun when you don't have central air. Working outside using the wringer with a tub of cool water was really nice and the added benefit of using the line versus the electric dryer kept us comfortable this year.

Since I have the winter off of using the wringer I'll delve in and check for wear in other places, maybe even look for a parts washer out there in the wild.

 

[tomturbomatic]

There is a man who has a Maytag wringer washer parts store on eBay. He is very helpful and kind. Sorry, but I don't remember his name.

 

[wayupnorth]

I have a round red 50's Maytag. The gear box is locked up but everything worked fine prior. I will give it away to someone wanting parts or fix the gear box and they will have a great old washer. I hate to see it go to a landfill.

 

[goatfarmer]

Is that part pot metal, or aluminum? Welding might work.

 

[stan]

I replaced

my index slide not to long ago.. I kept the old one just in case.
Phil in Ovid NY will have one. Let me know if you need his contact.

 

[maytagbear]

Lehman's Hardware

has some Maytag wringer parts. Link is to their general website. I hope they can help you.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

http://lehmans.com