Thank goodness I have not had that happen. In future I will use my screwdriver but just not overdo it. I am pleased that you did no damage either to your machine or project. Sarah.

No, I haven't had any problems. Keeping my fingers crossed. I do as your dealer suggested and take that last little snug with the screw driver.

Not fall out, but I have had it break and the machine kept going ...what a frightening sound that was............

I had adealer tell me same thing, he said just tighten with hand.

Yes this can happen with all the vibrations.
The thing to do is tighten the needle periodically and to get it just right, not too tight that you can't get it undone for next needle change.
From Bev

I have RA, and my hands don't have the oomph they used to, so I do put the screwdriver in the notch and turn very carefully just to make sure I haven't left it loose. I get needle breakage when the thread gets caught. (Funny how with my old sew-onlu singer, the thread breaks, not the needles) therefore, I always wear my glasses when I sew, I have had the broken pieces fly out.
Jo

Me!!! nothing I have to take it out before doing any sewing, it went down the little hole, now I never change needle unless I have fabric on the hoop.****

I can't get my fingers in there well enough so I have to use the screwdriver. Just don't over tighten.

My Bernina doesn't have a screwdriver slot intentionally so that you can't strip it by overtightening. I haven't had it fall out, but I always tighten it with a Rubber Finger Tip. I purchased a box at the office supply store. I also use them when I have cut a stack of fabric and need to seperate as I'm sewing and it keeps them from sticking together. I used to use them when I worked in Finance to count money, especially new bills.

I have had this happen to me. I just didn't tighten the screw enough.

Haven't had that problem. However, once when chnaging the needle I droped it and had terrible time retriving it. Ever since that I use the gaget that came with the machine that has a hole in it to help with getting it into the right place and you can't lose it. It also is great getting finger into that area more easily. I believe Viking calls it a button reed. It is useful bridging other thick seams.

Yes happened to me because I did not tighten the needle enough. No damage I was there and just put it back in and continued. Suzanne

I just recently only used my fingers to tighten the screw and the needle fell out. No damage. I happened to be right in front of the machine. I will use the little screwdriver in the future and give my athritic hands a little more strenght.

I have always just used my fingers. Once I didn't have the needle in properly (I think it wasn't in high enough) and it fell out - no damage.

Yes, the needle has fallen out and I wasn't sitting at the machine so it was a big thread mess. It can also break the needle if it's partly out and the machine keeps going. I was originally taught by the dealer to tighten with the screwdriver too. Now I still use the screwdriver but not as tight as I used to.
My needle bar has broken twice from tightening too much apparently. I didn't know at the time but the clue that my needle bar was going to break was that I could not unscrew my needle correctly. I would unscrew it and then I would have to use pliers to pull the needle out. No one told me this was a clue I just figure that's what happened so....
I remember calling the dealer and telling them I had to use the pliers but they just said, "Oh, the needle might get stuck sometimes."

Yes a needle has fallen out and as with you I stopped the machine and put another one is and went on sewing. I tighten the needle by hand then lightly tighten it with a screwdrive. Great emphasis on lightly

Wow, so much to know about tightening the needle. I did have a broken needle holder. I had to get the broken needle out with pliers. The stitches were ugly and the bottom thread showed on top. It was replaced with my service policy and sews much better now. I don't have very much strength in my fingers so I use the screwdriver and don't tighten too much now. But, I do tighten the foot pretty tightly, as it does get loose. I have a magnet that has saved the day finding those little needle points. Thanks for all the advice! Love those flowers!

Thanks for asking this question I see you have lots of replies. I have never had that happen but you never know when...Hugs Sally

thanks to all of you cuties for helping me find out that I am not the only one that has had this experience now.....goes to show you that you are never to old to learn new things and ways to handle it so it won't happen again, hopefully.....

I have had this happen MANY times. It has caused some damage to the thread slot right by the needle (like it pushed it back so the thread does not stay in anymore). I have a Brother (which is just like a Baby Lock). I use my fingers because my repair guy said don't screw too tight or use a screwdriver... but if I don't screw it tightly the needle falls out. I never use the same needle - I cut the thread and change the needle because it bounces all around and I am afraid it may be bent a little or otherwise damaged. Go through WAY more needles because they fall out rather than wear out. I have not ruined any project - yet - I back it up some stitches and restart after putting in the new needle and rethreading.