I have a bernina 1010 without a bulb tool and it appears to need replacing . WHat type of bulb does it take and can I replace it without the tool as I dont seem to be able to buy one in Australia

The Bernina 1130 has two 6V/4W bulbs in it. They are on opposite sides of the presser foot. To remove the bulb on the left side (front of the machine) of the presser foot, you need to use the bulb tool to press up on the bulb and then twist it to the left. For the bulb on the right (to the back of the sewing machine), you need to remove the diffuser. Then remove the bulb by pressing up and then turning it to the left. I believe that the tool is the "special screwdriver" listed among the standard accessories. See https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1000128/Bernina-1130.html?page=6#manual . If you need a replacement, they are still available. One source is https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/light-bulb-changer-bernina-0013087300.aspx . You can buy the bulbs from this source as well.

There are pictures for this in the manual. See https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1000128/Bernina-1130.html?page=50#manual .

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

The model 1011 is probably close enough to use for your machine:

BERNINA Sewing Systems

Bernina 1010 manual free

I don't have a 707 but do have a 530-2 Record. Unfortunately, with some of these older machines, Bernina did not provide a very good method for accessing the light bulb. On later machines, the side cover would either be hinged or removable. If yours doesn't have this capability, the only way of changing the bulb is by reaching in with your fingertips, gripping, and turning the bulb to remove it and then installing the new bulb in the reverse manner (difficult for someone with big fingers). Sometimes it helps to use thin rubber gloves (like the surgical type), lightly moisten the finger tips to provide more "grip." There is also a sewing tool available that is somewhat like a pencil with a rubber suction at the end made specifically to help with replacing sewing machine bulbs. If you are creative, you may be able to fashion something similar.

Have you tried LED bulbs? I've installed them in all my Berninas. They provide a lot more light and do not get as hot as the regular bulbs--as well as, they supposedly last much longer! They seem expensive at the outset but if I never have to change a bulb again, so much the better!

In case you need it, here is the manual for your machine:

BERNINA Sewing Systems

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Try using rubber gloves, like surgical gloves and moisten them slightly. Usually, that will provide enough grip while trying to insert it. Very difficult from experience. But, can be done.

There is a bulb insertion accessory tool included with some newer machines (although not Bernina--another brand) that is basically like a cut-off plastic chopstick with a suction device on the end. If you are creative, you may be able to fashion something of your own.

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Hm, I'm more familiar with the Berninas older than the 1010. The old mechanicals will seize if they haven't been regularly oiled. Could be the feed dogs on your machine have seized for the same reason.

I've resurrected several seized Berninas from a 930 on down to some 530s by opening the top, side, and bottom and applying a couple drops of oil where metal rubs on metal. After the 830 Record, Bernina stopped including any extensive oiling directions in the owner's manual, even though the 930 requires it frequently. (Some say Bernina really wanted the repeat maintenance business, but the 930 also presented some special issues with the basting stitch and the electronic board.) However, I am uncertain how much a user can oil a 1010 without causing damage. Most Bernina manuals provide information for oiling the race but don't go beyond that. Something that may be worth trying is directing hot air from a handheld hairdryer into the area that houses the feed dogs to see if that loosens anything.

Whatever you do, don't use WD-40, 3-in-1, cooking oil, or anything other than fresh good quality sewing machine oil.

You can find a manual for the 1011 here. It may be close enough to your model to be of some use:

BERNINA Sewing Systems

There are some Yahoo groups whose specialty is the Bernina owner/lover, ie BerninaThirtySomethings, and some others. They are a very helpful and knowledgeable group that could be of assistance to you.

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Theres a gray flexible cap about 1.5" long and .75" in diameter that comes with the machine. It is used as a tool to screw and unscrew the bulb. Weirdly I have had my machine since I bought it new in about 1987 and have never replaced the bulb. And I do use it, at times heavily.

Turn off the power.

There are two base types; screw in and bayonet.

With needle nose pliers try to get hold of the metal base.

If it will not turn (left for loose; right for tight), then it may be the bayonet type base: press in, turn and pull out.

Berninas usually come with a bulb remover. It is a plastic tube about 2" long that everyone wonders..what the heck is this.

Did more research and found the answer on a FREE site.

Like new condition of Bernina 1010, blue book price $280.

Manufactured 1989 - 91.

Heat the wheel with a hair dryer to loosen. If this does not help, you will need to visit an authorized Bernina dealer.