Ok...gotta confess...Ive heard about this spring thing before and refused to believe one little spring could cause all this trouble and frustration. Blamed the tobacco...blamed the tubes...blamed the humidity..blamed there wasnt enough humidity...then figured it only happens on days that end in y. Well today I tried something really out of character for me. I just broke down and took somebody elses advice and went to Ace Hardware and bought the frikin spring. Cost a whole $1.19. Took 2 whole minutes to change it. Now all the people in my house are no longer in fear over my anger and swearing...even the dog looks relaxed now! And the best part...I now have cigarettes that are as good as any factory made ones again! So quit having nervous breakdowns and just take toms advice...Just go buy the damn spring! Thanks Tom!!😀 BTW...stick a slice of bread in your tobacco bag...keeps it nice and fresh! Really...just do it.
LMAO I'm so happy I read this feed and saw your comment bcuz my poor husband and cat live in fear bcuz of this friggin machine!! LOL I laughed so hard, thank you for that😘
Bro...I know I ain't the first to say it, but thank you. You just saved me $300 on a new TV. (Because the last time my top-o-matic fucked up, I nearly threw it into my television)
Thanks for the video and inspiration! I had the same problem. But I found another solution which might help, too. After watching this, I saved myself a couple bucks and a trip to the hardware store by reworking the native spring by increasing tension. Using strong small tweezers, I unhooked the spring on the static end, and then wound it up at the moving end a few turns, then attached it back on the static end. Works perfectly, no more misfirings!
This is great advice. My friend gave me mine used and I really love it. It's much quicker than the little handheld machine. A couple other causes I've noticed in the machine stuffing them half full....packing the tobacco too tightly, the arm not being screwed on tight enough (my screw loosens a bit with each rolled cigarette), and the rubber piece that holds the tube in place slides up so its unable to keep the tube in place. In fact. I lost the original rubber piece and was about to order replacement like 2pk for $10. I got an idea....the rubber tip off earbuds! Been using the same one for like 2 years. Plus they're free
Thanks for this, four years and you are still helping folks! The comments are great too!! I am headed to find a 119 and a small oil can, but that’s fine I needed a tobacco run anyhow since my easy little store is out of the stuff I wanted, and my sewing machine could use some oil anyhow. If I see heat shrink or ear buds I might make a new rubber bumper too because mine has a few divits from trying to hold the tube on strategically with my thumb and maybe pressing too hard, or getting a little tobacco stuck there during a lot of rolling… then I flipped the bumper over 180 and made a whole new divit (My bumper is now on a 45 degree spot and this game cannot continue forever). My only issue is, how do I drive to Ace without rolling more dangerous “fall off in your lap” half cig’s for the trip? Much appreciated Tom 😎
Another thing you can try: The moisture of the tobacco is a critical variable that's too often ignored. Too moist and it won't burn well. Too dry and it'll crumble and produce fines that won't pack well. So try the old pipe-smoker's trick of throwing a wedge of apple or a damp (& rung out) paper towel into your tobacco stash to keep it at optimal humidity. This is what works for me.
Exactly what I've been doing for years. It also allows me to user the whole contents of the tobacco bag. Previously, i woul wind up with a bunch of too dry stuff that was unusable ( a waste of money).
What I found to add the perfect amount of moisture back into the tobacco is to blow through it a few times. I put the tobacco to the side of a container to do it. Make it roll perfect again. I have tried a moisture pack and that got it too wet.
Thanks for the video! I was seriously skeptical but I went ahead and went to my local ace hardware store and picked up 3 119 springs. I took em hime and installed one in my machine and I also lubricated it with some 3in1 oil I have. All I can say I'd thank you so much! My machine works just like day one! I also put one of the new springs I got into an older one I had that stopped working over a year ago. It worked on that one too! Now I have two "T2s" that work just fine 🙂
So, I didn’t want to believe that the fix for this was that simple. But, it was ! I have been rolling for about 2.5 years and every six months, the issue of underfilled tubes would creep up. My first machine, I ordered parts recommended by another roller and replaced them but never thought about the springs ... in any case, this didn’t work and really, a new machine every six months meant I was still saving a ton of money not buying smokes. Today, almost ordered another new machine, but read this and I just returned from the hardware store with four “119” springs, 1.75$ apiece. In about 30 minutes, I replaced and tested three “broken” machines, so now I have two refurbs “just in case”. Thanks, Tom, for the fix. I will also add that the humidity of the tobacco can cause an occasional issue, but this might be 1 in 30+ tubes and after so long, I can almost feel the issue before it happens ;) a piece of bread in the tobacco bag works, as do the little cigar humidifiers (size of a few stacked nickels), but don’t overdo it or the tobacco starts to stick and jam. Reading other advice here, I also saved the old springs, and will try the advice of reusing them by trimming these a bit, next time the need arises.
Thank you so much! I have been trying everything. Narrowed it to the rubbber thing. Even taped sandpaper around it for better grip. I am on my way to get a spring! You are very good at explaining things.
After buying like 4 Topomatics I gave up trying to adjust things or mess with springs. On this 5th machine I just push my left thumb lightly against the rubber titt to help it hold the tube on until it is full. This 5th machine has lasted me around 5 years,maybe longer,I don't remember. My method does put the left thumb in danger but I haven't jabbed it yet. It also rips a tiny chunk of paper off the end of the tube but that's no problem at all,into the pack they go and smoke just fine. I also took one of the silver handles from and extra machine,drilled another hole in the crank handle,and fitted the handle to the crank after tossing the stupid knob in the trash. The handle mod gives me lots more power when the tobacco is damp due to humidity. I don't use air-con,just several fans,to keep cool,so high humidity could make stuffing smokes a real pain in summer but not anymore. Been stuffing since 2009 when the IDIOTIC fire safe cig law was enacted, that crap made me sick so I found a way around it.
I was introduced to rolling your own around '97 or '98, & had been smoking strictly American Spirit for some years prior to that. And I used their brand of tobacco in the days before the price ran up to near gold price levels. By the aughts I found that smoking more than a couple of pre-mades in a row made my throat very sore & start to feel like a first tickle of catching a cold, & already back then it made me feel that if I had to choose between only smoking pre-made or not at all, I'd quit in a heartbeat. These days pre-made cigarettes resemble tobacco about as much as Crapdonald's resembles a food-like-substance. I laugh (to myself) when people think they are being kind & doing me a favor by offering me "real" (pre-made) cigarettes. Camels in all their varieties & flavors are still pretty good though, in a pinch.
@@morgainnejade My dad had a cig rolling machine in the 1960s but instead of stuffing a tube it actually rolled paper and tobacco up and over the top dropping an unfiltered cig out the other side. I used to ask to roll them but it was rare he agreed,I suppose at such a young age I was too slow and would mess up.
Thank you so much! Could not figure out why I was only filling up halfway I mean it's a brand new machine should work thanks again I do appreciate your time have a great day
I don't even smoke anymore, but I remember this always being an issue so I wanted to see what the solution was. Very interesting and informative video.
Got one just like that. Bought on valentines day 2012. Learned right away to remove the adapter for king (regular) size tubes. Worked fine for 12 year on nearly any cut of tobacco with a wide range of humidity content. Most tube brands worked well. I've use Zen tubes mostly. About a week ago it start pushing, and sometimes tearing the tubes off without filling them more than half the length. Seems the tobacco wants to bunch up as the arm is turned. The machine hasn't been dropped. In fact it hasn't been moved from its spot for about a week before it stopped working. I clean it every 2 - 3 weeks whether needed or not just to keep it inspected. I did try another brand (Gambler) tubes and they really didn't work much better, if any. Maybe time for a complete rebuild or, I may just trash it and buy a new one.
Hey Tom, Been having prob's with half filled tubes like many others here. Yup, looked at machine too when started malfunctioning. Thought might be rubber bumper or one of the springs, tobacco, tubes ect. Wetting and wiping bumper helps. But, after watching your video and getting worn out from redoing half filled tubes? Tried your solution of new spring had on hand and reoiled machine. ( Used sewing machine oil, doesn't have that oily taste.) Ummm, your solution doesn't work too good, it works great! Thanks for great fix, is appreciated!
Great video, it showed the underside of the machine and how to fix the tube clamp issue. I just ordered a T2 limited edition in blue. I'm tired of those cheap plastic machines. Also I'm glad you didn't use WD40 like some online search results recommended.
Thank you that's very good advice that I'm going to try I've been rolling a long time I just saw that I might tell you all that regular tobacco people tend to buy like 1839 I think the name of it it's long and you know hard to roll I found a brand that is tube cut it works so much better in the rolling machines it doesn't jam up. I hope that helps and now I'm off to the hardware store to get me a new spring. Thank you for sharing
This summer I tried using that 119 spring from ACE on a Top O Matic that started doing this within less than eight months from it's date of purchase and it only worked for a while. Therefore decided to purchase the T2 instead, however less than five months (since purchase) and it too has also started doing the same thing. I have found a solution that's been working for me and that's to first make sure each corner is packed with tobacco and then instead of pulling the handle all the way, it's pulled down slowly and stopped when the click is heard, then slowly pulled down again to finish filling the tube.
Thank you thank you thank you!!! I wanted to throw my T2 through the window! I make 100's but had the same problem. A couple hours ago it was having this problem 3 out of 4 cigarettes I made. Saw this video and ran to the hardware store and bought the only two 119 springs they had. I had to stretch the new spring just a little bit because it was biting a little bit of the tube off when making the cigarette. One little stretch and its still stiffer than factory spring and my problem has disappeared. Thanks again.
@@Sari749 I don’t. But the hardware store is a block away. I will go down and look. But, like all ACE hardware stores, they typically do not have skew numbers for singleton small screws and springs. If you post your email address I will send you a picture of the drawer they are in and related identifying information.
Great advice definitely going to try this too, I wish they(Topomatic) included a troubleshooting pamphlet with the machine as well. I found rotating the rubber bumper/holder after a dozen or so cigarettes helps as well. Because it does get a crease in it possibly causing friction loss.
So. This fucking fix is the way. Holy shit. Rolling better than new. TBH the new spring (119 at ace hardware) took a little getting used to. I had a lotta ripped cigarettes at first. Not more than i was rolling, but enough to make me question it. I didn’t have the oil he had, i used canola oil. Also the nut on the crank started to come loose and id rip cigarettes. I was a little annoyed. But i kept with it. I rolled 300+ today (going on vacation soon) and i had two fuck ups total. This is it. This literally is it. Use WD40 if you want, but it works and its better. I also use a scale and weigh my tobacco to .9 gram fwiw. Thank you OP!
Thank you for sharing I'm having the same problem and I was about ready to go buy a new machine so I'll just go get a new spring and see what happens thank you very much
Yeah great suggestion! I'm using the same machine and had the same problem with the half full tube. I found that if I took my little finger and pressed the hold post that solved my problem. Your idea is a much better solution. I also use sewing machine oil on my pivot points, and you gotta be careful and not get it where it saturates your tobacco and tubes! LOL how do I know that? I dont wish to own an electric machine because if the electricity is out I wouldn't be able to make smokes. Also, when I clean my machine, I do it in the kitchen sink....
I think the regular TopOmatic machine is better than the T-2. I had the T-2 First and then I bought the original TopOmatic and I really like it better. I'm about to post a video comparing the TopOmatic to the Powermatic2.
Soo, i have a similar roller. Same brand and probably the same model. Mines just orange and not silver. But, my little rubber piece is in fact kinda damaged. But, i just hold it with my thumb and still have the same issue. OCCASIONALLY i can get a full tube, but its pretty loose and needs severe packing. Soo, im gunna have to assume that it is the spring and im gunna replace it!! All the comments agree with the video, so hopefully it solves my problem! Thank you!!
Good comments in here. Thanks to everyone. Another quick fix is 2 layers of Electrical Tape on the rubber bit. Not permanent, to be sure, And thanks for identifying the problem.
Nice tip, thanks. Heres one back: I keep my machine in an upside down shoebox. The lid doesn't impede action of rolling and keeps the tobacco contained. When finished, use the box as the lid and store it on a shelf.
Wrap some good tape around the neoprene/rubber sleeve. It will temporarily help dog the tip of the tube off tighter until you fix the underlying problem. It enlarges the diameter of the sleeve. Another thing I do is hold the sleeve tight with my pinky while cranking the handle.
You can also bend the little arm a wee bit (with needle nose pliers), that holds the cigarette tube in place till it just releases when the packing rod is extended all the way out. It will keep the tubes on till the they are all the way full. Agree the stock springs should be updated. Wonder how many people throw the machine out when they could have easily fixed it.
I got a manual plastic slider from the brand top and it works great for me the only problem I have is sometimes I'll put a little too much in there and it'll tear the tip just a little bit but for 7 bucks I can't really complain
I agree that it's the tubes. When I use Beretta tubes I never have this issue. They cost a bit more but the consistency of the diameter of the tubes is much better.
To check to see if this is the culprit, here is how I tried. Mind you, I have had a 9 in 10 half fill UNLESS I underload it. So what I did was once the handle goes to the first setting, I push on the rubber with my left thumb against the injector nozzle then pull the handle. Injects perfectly. 4 in a row. Just wanted to share. UPDATE: Rolled 2 cartons, only 2 ended up half full with this technique. Saves me running all the way to town hoping to find a spring or a new unit.
When you start having the same problems Again, it the rubber waring out, I actually stopped rolling with a Machine and started rolling up by hand for several years. Because i was going through 4 top o magic machines a year. I'm gonna try the Powermatic manual now. Everybody says they are built better
Haha I just have to say, as someone that works in a spring factory it's insane to hear they're charging you a whole dollar for one spring! For reference, our absolutely highest paying customer (St. Jude Medical) pays $5 per spring that is designed to operate an artificial heart valve. We'd probably sell the spring you have to a customer for like $0.08 or even less lol.
I was thinking the same thing! I took a quick guess at 20¢ before he gave the actual cost and I was just appalled! It's like they're trying to force out any type of fix it yourselves type solution by making the endeavor so unaffordable that it's not worth it to extend the life of what you have so that buying a new one becomes a relief. It's gross. I have probably about 100 lbs of random hardware and Maybe 2% of it I've sought out and paid for. The rest I've literally alley scored and dumpster dived. I guarantee I have this spring Somewhere. It's Crazy how much gets thrown away into tearoff dumpsters as well!! Anyway, thanks for pointing that out!
I rarely get the whole damn thing fill all the way because it has to be at least 5 years old. I couldn't find that 119 spring at HD. I read a comment in here saying that giving that spring a good few 360 twists and OMG... it works magic.
@tomking i have tried 3 ace hardwares and they dont have anything listed for that was wondering if you could measure the length and diameter of the spring or any info at all. yes i know this is 3 years old but the only thing i can find online is ppl say #119 from ace. thank u if u ever even see this.
This is a problem I have been having as well, along with the slop in the pins that hold the piston. Fixed that with a used ear plug, so a 119 spring I will go find. Thanks! Edit: I went to Ace and got the $2.02 #119 spring. It works however now the end of the tube is ripping off every time. Maby a lil stretching to the spring will help or tighten the holes up in the old original one if I ruin this #119.
I have had mine for a couple yrs and it started doing the same thing I was getting disgusted with it I tried everything you did except for the spring going to try that ne😃
The arm with the spring has lots of dirt under it cause it to hang up. Spray carburetor cleaner under it while moving it to get the dirt out from underneath it. The slide plate underneath it needs to be filed or light sandpapered. Be careful with it when sanding it. Sand all edges lightly. Get the burs off. Also the arm that slides the tabbacco in needs to be filed with a fingernail on the ridges lightly. It will help the tobacco slide in the tube easier. Use Vaseline lightly to grease the track and joints. Put Vaseline on plastic shaft and wipe it with a rags clean. It will work like brand new! You need a 14mm wrench and a 8mm wrench and a 8mm socket wrench and a flat screw driver and a metal fingernail file. It's just that easy. When you have problems again just clean it.
using the oil is a bad idea....it causes the fine powder tobacco to gunk up the machine and make you have to clean it a lot more often...ive found its best to just use a pencil or a piece of graphite and put a fine coat over any of the surfaces that rub up against each other. i hope this helps
They got a tops cigarette packer it's about 4 in Long and about an inch wide it's been used for about 4 years now it's made out of plastic best best one you ever have
trying to find the spring that you are talking about, what is a 119 spring? Can't seem to find it. Also, the larger spring. What size is it that you are showing?
So I replaced the spring but now it holds the tube so tight that it rips the cigarette tube. Probably will change the rubber tip to a thinner 1 to see if it will work.
Hey guys, I found that if u dont push tobacco under the front corner,& just keep it in square chamber, u will not have space between filter & tube. Hope this helps u all. Gd luck to all.
I didn't feel like going to hardware store. So I thought, well try to make the rubber thing thicker. I have that sticky weather stripping stuff, so thought I'd give it a try, put it where the rubber thing goes, stick it on there. Guess what? It worked - at least one time anyway. After going 2 wks smoking half filled tubes, I finally have a real cigarette to smoke. Don't know when it will decide to stop working like that, so will go to hardware store tomorrow. Thanks for this video.
Can this soring be ordered online? My local Ace hardware doesn't have a selection of machine springs at all. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance.👍👍
want to replace the spring but not exactly sure what I'm looking for. I tried looking up 119 spring on Ace hardware and I didn't see anything. nor did I see anything on the internet about a 119 spring. any help would be greatly appreciated thanks
Ok...gotta confess...Ive heard about this spring thing before and refused to believe one little spring could cause all this trouble and frustration. Blamed the tobacco...blamed the tubes...blamed the humidity..blamed there wasnt enough humidity...then figured it only happens on days that end in y. Well today I tried something really out of character for me. I just broke down and took somebody elses advice and went to Ace Hardware and bought the frikin spring. Cost a whole $1.19. Took 2 whole minutes to change it. Now all the people in my house are no longer in fear over my anger and swearing...even the dog looks relaxed now! And the best part...I now have cigarettes that are as good as any factory made ones again! So quit having nervous breakdowns and just take toms advice...Just go buy the damn spring! Thanks Tom!!😀
BTW...stick a slice of bread in your tobacco bag...keeps it nice and fresh! Really...just do it.
break absolutely works! Even when your tobacco is dry as fall leaves. Going to get a spring now.
bread lol
Will a Bagel work? A Baguette, perhaps, in the Bag. Seems fitting.
@Ozzy lol! what a great comment!
LMAO I'm so happy I read this feed and saw your comment bcuz my poor husband and cat live in fear bcuz of this friggin machine!! LOL I laughed so hard, thank you for that😘
Bro...I know I ain't the first to say it, but thank you. You just saved me $300 on a new TV. (Because the last time my top-o-matic fucked up, I nearly threw it into my television)
you can try us the newist one
You just saved me so much aggravation! I never thought to check spring since it wasn't broken. Thank you, I was ready to buy a whole new machine.
Thanks for the video and inspiration! I had the same problem. But I found another solution which might help, too. After watching this, I saved myself a couple bucks and a trip to the hardware store by reworking the native spring by increasing tension. Using strong small tweezers, I unhooked the spring on the static end, and then wound it up at the moving end a few turns, then attached it back on the static end. Works perfectly, no more misfirings!
This is great advice. My friend gave me mine used and I really love it. It's much quicker than the little handheld machine. A couple other causes I've noticed in the machine stuffing them half full....packing the tobacco too tightly, the arm not being screwed on tight enough (my screw loosens a bit with each rolled cigarette), and the rubber piece that holds the tube in place slides up so its unable to keep the tube in place. In fact. I lost the original rubber piece and was about to order replacement like 2pk for $10. I got an idea....the rubber tip off earbuds! Been using the same one for like 2 years. Plus they're free
I used heat shrink tubing
I want to thank you so much for the info on getting a smaller spring. It works perfectly. Thank you again😊
Thanks for this, four years and you are still helping folks! The comments are great too!! I am headed to find a 119 and a small oil can, but that’s fine I needed a tobacco run anyhow since my easy little store is out of the stuff I wanted, and my sewing machine could use some oil anyhow. If I see heat shrink or ear buds I might make a new rubber bumper too because mine has a few divits from trying to hold the tube on strategically with my thumb and maybe pressing too hard, or getting a little tobacco stuck there during a lot of rolling… then I flipped the bumper over 180 and made a whole new divit (My bumper is now on a 45 degree spot and this game cannot continue forever).
My only issue is, how do I drive to Ace without rolling more dangerous “fall off in your lap” half cig’s for the trip? Much appreciated Tom 😎
Another thing you can try: The moisture of the tobacco is a critical variable that's too often ignored. Too moist and it won't burn well. Too dry and it'll crumble and produce fines that won't pack well. So try the old pipe-smoker's trick of throwing a wedge of apple or a damp (& rung out) paper towel into your tobacco stash to keep it at optimal humidity. This is what works for me.
Nope, mine is too moist. I add nothing.
Exactly what I've been doing for years. It also allows me to user the whole contents of the tobacco bag. Previously, i woul wind up with a bunch of too dry stuff that was unusable ( a waste of money).
where can I get that spring?
@@renerenatorivera9062 ace hardware, probably home depot, lowes
What I found to add the perfect amount of moisture back into the tobacco is to blow through it a few times. I put the tobacco to the side of a container to do it. Make it roll perfect again. I have tried a moisture pack and that got it too wet.
Will try. I've been going CRAZY with the half filled tubes. 🤬 and we also tried different tubes, tobacco...cleaning it, etc. Thank you for sharing!!!
Thanks for the video! I was seriously skeptical but I went ahead and went to my local ace hardware store and picked up 3 119 springs. I took em hime and installed one in my machine and I also lubricated it with some 3in1 oil I have. All I can say I'd thank you so much! My machine works just like day one! I also put one of the new springs I got into an older one I had that stopped working over a year ago. It worked on that one too! Now I have two "T2s" that work just fine 🙂
So, I didn’t want to believe that the fix for this was that simple. But, it was ! I have been rolling for about 2.5 years and every six months, the issue of underfilled tubes would creep up. My first machine, I ordered parts recommended by another roller and replaced them but never thought about the springs ... in any case, this didn’t work and really, a new machine every six months meant I was still saving a ton of money not buying smokes.
Today, almost ordered another new machine, but read this and I just returned from the hardware store with four “119” springs, 1.75$ apiece. In about 30 minutes, I replaced and tested three “broken” machines, so now I have two refurbs “just in case”. Thanks, Tom, for the fix.
I will also add that the humidity of the tobacco can cause an occasional issue, but this might be 1 in 30+ tubes and after so long, I can almost feel the issue before it happens ;) a piece of bread in the tobacco bag works, as do the little cigar humidifiers (size of a few stacked nickels), but don’t overdo it or the tobacco starts to stick and jam.
Reading other advice here, I also saved the old springs, and will try the advice of reusing them by trimming these a bit, next time the need arises.
My machine has 2 springs,1 on each end. One is short oneis longer.Does the longer one also need replaced?
Thank you so much! I have been trying everything. Narrowed it to the rubbber thing. Even taped sandpaper around it for better grip. I am on my way to get a spring! You are very good at explaining things.
After buying like 4 Topomatics I gave up trying to adjust things or mess with springs. On this 5th machine I just push my left thumb lightly against the rubber titt to help it hold the tube on until it is full. This 5th machine has lasted me around 5 years,maybe longer,I don't remember. My method does put the left thumb in danger but I haven't jabbed it yet. It also rips a tiny chunk of paper off the end of the tube but that's no problem at all,into the pack they go and smoke just fine. I also took one of the silver handles from and extra machine,drilled another hole in the crank handle,and fitted the handle to the crank after tossing the stupid knob in the trash. The handle mod gives me lots more power when the tobacco is damp due to humidity. I don't use air-con,just several fans,to keep cool,so high humidity could make stuffing smokes a real pain in summer but not anymore. Been stuffing since 2009 when the IDIOTIC fire safe cig law was enacted, that crap made me sick so I found a way around it.
I was introduced to rolling your own around '97 or '98, & had been smoking strictly American Spirit for some years prior to that. And I used their brand of tobacco in the days before the price ran up to near gold price levels. By the aughts I found that smoking more than a couple of pre-mades in a row made my throat very sore & start to feel like a first tickle of catching a cold, & already back then it made me feel that if I had to choose between only smoking pre-made or not at all, I'd quit in a heartbeat. These days pre-made cigarettes resemble tobacco about as much as Crapdonald's resembles a food-like-substance. I laugh (to myself) when people think they are being kind & doing me a favor by offering me "real" (pre-made) cigarettes.
Camels in all their varieties & flavors are still pretty good though, in a pinch.
@@morgainnejade My dad had a cig rolling machine in the 1960s but instead of stuffing a tube it actually rolled paper and tobacco up and over the top dropping an unfiltered cig out the other side. I used to ask to roll them but it was rare he agreed,I suppose at such a young age I was too slow and would mess up.
Great tip. I twisted the spring a couple of times and what a difference. Thank you!
Thanks for the info. Till I fix it I realized I could put a bit of pressure on the rubber holder and it works great
Thank you so much! Could not figure out why I was only filling up halfway I mean it's a brand new machine should work thanks again I do appreciate your time have a great day
Thanks so much! I got a cheaper version of the “Top-O-Matic” from Amazon and this keeps happening!! Going to try to get the spring today!
I don't even smoke anymore, but I remember this always being an issue so I wanted to see what the solution was. Very interesting and informative video.
Thanks for figuring that out. A new 119 spring did the trick. Working great now. Oil helps too.😃
In the past I threw out 2 machines! Thanks for the advice.... Never get rid of an old Top O Matic machine again...Life Saver...
Thanks for the clip and all the comments!
I am using a similar version of this o-matic and mine just needed lubrication for now.
Thx for the video, if you don't have a replacement spring, you can also just cut off a a couple winds of the spring from one end
I shortened up the spring by 1/3 and it’s like new. Thank you!
Got one just like that. Bought on valentines day 2012. Learned right away to remove the adapter for king (regular) size tubes. Worked fine for 12 year on nearly any cut of tobacco with a wide range of humidity content. Most tube brands worked well. I've use Zen tubes mostly. About a week ago it start pushing, and sometimes tearing the tubes off without filling them more than half the length. Seems the tobacco wants to bunch up as the arm is turned. The machine hasn't been dropped. In fact it hasn't been moved from its spot for about a week before it stopped working. I clean it every 2 - 3 weeks whether needed or not just to keep it inspected. I did try another brand (Gambler) tubes and they really didn't work much better, if any. Maybe time for a complete rebuild or, I may just trash it and buy a new one.
Hey Tom,
Been having prob's with half filled tubes like many others here. Yup, looked at machine too when started malfunctioning. Thought might be rubber bumper or one of the springs, tobacco, tubes ect. Wetting and wiping bumper helps. But, after watching your video and getting worn out from redoing half filled tubes? Tried your solution of new spring had on hand and reoiled machine. ( Used sewing machine oil, doesn't have that oily taste.) Ummm, your solution doesn't work too good, it works great!
Thanks for great fix, is appreciated!
YOU ARE THE BOMB TOM!!! Thank you so much dude. I was just about to throw this thing into the busiest traffic!
Great video, it showed the underside of the machine and how to fix the tube clamp issue. I just ordered a T2 limited edition in blue. I'm tired of those cheap plastic machines. Also I'm glad you didn't use WD40 like some online search results recommended.
Thank you that's very good advice that I'm going to try I've been rolling a long time I just saw that I might tell you all that regular tobacco people tend to buy like 1839 I think the name of it it's long and you know hard to roll I found a brand that is tube cut it works so much better in the rolling machines it doesn't jam up. I hope that helps and now I'm off to the hardware store to get me a new spring. Thank you for sharing
This summer I tried using that 119 spring from ACE on a Top O Matic that started doing this within less than eight months from it's date of purchase and it only worked for a while. Therefore decided to purchase the T2 instead, however less than five months (since purchase) and it too has also started doing the same thing. I have found a solution that's been working for me and that's to first make sure each corner is packed with tobacco and then instead of pulling the handle all the way, it's pulled down slowly and stopped when the click is heard, then slowly pulled down again to finish filling the tube.
Thank you thank you thank you!!! I wanted to throw my T2 through the window! I make 100's but had the same problem. A couple hours ago it was having this problem 3 out of 4 cigarettes I made. Saw this video and ran to the hardware store and bought the only two 119 springs they had. I had to stretch the new spring just a little bit because it was biting a little bit of the tube off when making the cigarette. One little stretch and its still stiffer than factory spring and my problem has disappeared. Thanks again.
The #119 spring was $1.39 at my local ACE Hardware. Very easy to find. I bought an extra one for backup. Thank you Mr. King!
Looking for the spring, do you have a skew number. Ican't find it
@@Sari749 I don’t. But the hardware store is a block away. I will go down and look. But, like all ACE hardware stores, they typically do not have skew numbers for singleton small screws and springs. If you post your email address I will send you a picture of the drawer they are in and related identifying information.
@@Sari749 540356 Ace Hardware.
Yeah, I paid $1.89 for mine! I'm guessing inflation! Lol!
Well said! You stick to the topic and not So wordy. Thanks much!
I knew the problem with mine was the arm that pinches the tube was not strong enough I just didn’t know how to fix it. Thank You
Thx I've been fighting this issue since day one.
Great advice definitely going to try this too, I wish they(Topomatic) included a troubleshooting pamphlet with the machine as well.
I found rotating the rubber bumper/holder after a dozen or so cigarettes helps as well. Because it does get a crease in it possibly causing friction loss.
They all do that ,spring is the way to go ,good job letting people know .I just bought this model last week 57.99
Thanks! I put a little heavier spring on there and it works better than new now
just started rolling.. will give this a try.. Thanks for the video
Replacing the spring worked!!! Thank you! Go get you #119 spring!
What is a 119 spring?
So. This fucking fix is the way. Holy shit. Rolling better than new. TBH the new spring (119 at ace hardware) took a little getting used to. I had a lotta ripped cigarettes at first. Not more than i was rolling, but enough to make me question it. I didn’t have the oil he had, i used canola oil. Also the nut on the crank started to come loose and id rip cigarettes. I was a little annoyed. But i kept with it. I rolled 300+ today (going on vacation soon) and i had two fuck ups total. This is it. This literally is it. Use WD40 if you want, but it works and its better. I also use a scale and weigh my tobacco to .9 gram fwiw. Thank you OP!
Thanks for this video and the information details about the spring
Thank you for sharing I'm having the same problem and I was about ready to go buy a new machine so I'll just go get a new spring and see what happens thank you very much
Thank you Sir! I've been Peedoff for weeks!
Yeah great suggestion! I'm using the same machine and had the same problem with the half full tube. I found that if I took my little finger and pressed the hold post that solved my problem. Your idea is a much better solution. I also use sewing machine oil on my pivot points, and you gotta be careful and not get it where it saturates your tobacco and tubes! LOL how do I know that? I dont wish to own an electric machine because if the electricity is out I wouldn't be able to make smokes. Also, when I clean my machine, I do it in the kitchen sink....
Exactly our problem! Thank you so much!
I think the regular TopOmatic machine is better than the T-2. I had the T-2 First and then I bought the original TopOmatic and I really like it better. I'm about to post a video comparing the TopOmatic to the Powermatic2.
Thanks I got a new spring and it works fantastic
Thank you. Works perfectly now! I was ready to sledgehammer the damn thing. Cheers!
This worked 💯... Awesome fix. Thanks.
thanks for the fix.my t2 was in need lubrication in the injector as it was sticking and the spring was too weak to hold the tubes.
Soo, i have a similar roller. Same brand and probably the same model. Mines just orange and not silver. But, my little rubber piece is in fact kinda damaged. But, i just hold it with my thumb and still have the same issue. OCCASIONALLY i can get a full tube, but its pretty loose and needs severe packing. Soo, im gunna have to assume that it is the spring and im gunna replace it!! All the comments agree with the video, so hopefully it solves my problem! Thank you!!
Awesome! Ty and so far working for me too! Thankx again!
Thanks so much for your video! My problem is exactly as you described.
Thanks man hope a new spring works on my mew old model topomatic!
Thanks I’m gonna try soon as I can been trying to fix this on my parents and I T2 forever hope it works
Good comments in here. Thanks to everyone.
Another quick fix is 2 layers of Electrical Tape on the rubber bit.
Not permanent, to be sure,
And thanks for identifying the problem.
Thank you very much, I have been having the same problem.
Nice tip, thanks. Heres one back: I keep my machine in an upside down shoebox. The lid doesn't impede action of rolling and keeps the tobacco contained. When finished, use the box as the lid and store it on a shelf.
Omg ty I'm going to buy some as soon as I can get a ride
thanks for the tip....but at my local hardware, it was not called a 119 spring, so good thing i took the old one and for $1 got a new one
Thank you so much this really helped. Thanks for this video.
Wrap some good tape around the neoprene/rubber sleeve. It will temporarily help dog the tip of the tube off tighter until you fix the underlying problem. It enlarges the diameter of the sleeve.
Another thing I do is hold the sleeve tight with my pinky while cranking the handle.
Hey thanks I've been having the same problem too now I know' we t Google search found your video will give it a try thank again 😊 😀 Karen
It works ❗❗ Tyvm I replaced both springs, my machines r old
Gracias 👍👍, exactamente ese era mi problema y gracias a Usted lo he solucionado
Thanks for the advice. Gonna have to make a trip to Ace Hardware now
I hope my dearly beloved doesn't run into this problem I checked this video out for future knowledge you are the messiah
Thanks you so much for this solve
You're a God! 😅 Thank you for sharing this 🙏
You can also bend the little arm a wee bit (with needle nose pliers), that holds the cigarette tube in place till it just releases when the packing rod is extended all the way out. It will keep the tubes on till the they are all the way full. Agree the stock springs should be updated. Wonder how many people throw the machine out when they could have easily fixed it.
I got a manual plastic slider from the brand top and it works great for me the only problem I have is sometimes I'll put a little too much in there and it'll tear the tip just a little bit but for 7 bucks I can't really complain
Had the same problem until started using Top tubes. Like magic, getting the full-fill in the Top tubes 99.9 % of the time.
Dean
Seattle
I agree that it's the tubes. When I use Beretta tubes I never have this issue. They cost a bit more but the consistency of the diameter of the tubes is much better.
Thanks! replaced both springs.
Same problem thanks for the video
Yep! That was the conclusion I came to as well. Factory spring is just too weak.
To check to see if this is the culprit, here is how I tried. Mind you, I have had a 9 in 10 half fill UNLESS I underload it. So what I did was once the handle goes to the first setting, I push on the rubber with my left thumb against the injector nozzle then pull the handle. Injects perfectly. 4 in a row. Just wanted to share. UPDATE: Rolled 2 cartons, only 2 ended up half full with this technique. Saves me running all the way to town hoping to find a spring or a new unit.
This comment is underrated. There's no need to replace the spring unless you want to. Just set your finger on the black rubber piece while injecting.
When you start having the same problems Again, it the rubber waring out, I actually stopped rolling with a Machine and started rolling up by hand for several years. Because i was going through 4 top o magic machines a year. I'm gonna try the Powermatic manual now. Everybody says they are built better
Haha I just have to say, as someone that works in a spring factory it's insane to hear they're charging you a whole dollar for one spring! For reference, our absolutely highest paying customer (St. Jude Medical) pays $5 per spring that is designed to operate an artificial heart valve. We'd probably sell the spring you have to a customer for like $0.08 or even less lol.
I was thinking the same thing! I took a quick guess at 20¢ before he gave the actual cost and I was just appalled! It's like they're trying to force out any type of fix it yourselves type solution by making the endeavor so unaffordable that it's not worth it to extend the life of what you have so that buying a new one becomes a relief. It's gross.
I have probably about 100 lbs of random hardware and Maybe 2% of it I've sought out and paid for. The rest I've literally alley scored and dumpster dived. I guarantee I have this spring Somewhere. It's Crazy how much gets thrown away into tearoff dumpsters as well!!
Anyway, thanks for pointing that out!
Thanks! Same exact issue
my issue was the same but wasn't the spring. The rubber piece was riding up on the post it was on. Pushing it down fixed it.
I rarely get the whole damn thing fill all the way because it has to be at least 5 years old. I couldn't find that 119 spring at HD. I read a comment in here saying that giving that spring a good few 360 twists and OMG... it works magic.
very useful. thank you!
Thank you for the info
Thank you I’ll try it
@tomking i have tried 3 ace hardwares and they dont have anything listed for that was wondering if you could measure the length and diameter of the spring or any info at all. yes i know this is 3 years old but the only thing i can find online is ppl say #119 from ace. thank u if u ever even see this.
This is a problem I have been having as well, along with the slop in the pins that hold the piston. Fixed that with a used ear plug, so a 119 spring I will go find. Thanks!
Edit: I went to Ace and got the $2.02 #119 spring. It works however now the end of the tube is ripping off every time. Maby a lil stretching to the spring will help or tighten the holes up in the old original one if I ruin this #119.
sounds like the cutter is having trouble pushing through it. Might be dull
I have had mine for a couple yrs and it started doing the same thing I was getting disgusted with it I tried everything you did except for the spring going to try that ne😃
The arm with the spring has lots of dirt under it cause it to hang up. Spray carburetor cleaner under it while moving it to get the dirt out from underneath it. The slide plate underneath it needs to be filed or light sandpapered. Be careful with it when sanding it. Sand all edges lightly. Get the burs off. Also the arm that slides the tabbacco in needs to be filed with a fingernail on the ridges lightly. It will help the tobacco slide in the tube easier. Use Vaseline lightly to grease the track and joints. Put Vaseline on plastic shaft and wipe it with a rags clean. It will work like brand new! You need a 14mm wrench and a 8mm wrench and a 8mm socket wrench and a flat screw driver and a metal fingernail file. It's just that easy. When you have problems again just clean it.
using the oil is a bad idea....it causes the fine powder tobacco to gunk up the machine and make you have to clean it a lot more often...ive found its best to just use a pencil or a piece of graphite and put a fine coat over any of the surfaces that rub up against each other. i hope this helps
Thanks ! I just got mine and am having this issue I'm gonna try this out and I'll let you know if it works
Worked out
They got a tops cigarette packer it's about 4 in Long and about an inch wide it's been used for about 4 years now it's made out of plastic best best one you ever have
And it's a whole lot cheaper it's like eight bucks
trying to find the spring that you are talking about, what is a 119 spring? Can't seem to find it. Also, the larger spring. What size is it that you are showing?
We have all experienced the same issue. I'm contacting the company
@546 cowboy Where is your post?
So I replaced the spring but now it holds the tube so tight that it rips the cigarette tube. Probably will change the rubber tip to a thinner 1 to see if it will work.
Hey guys, I found that if u dont push tobacco under the front corner,& just keep it in square chamber, u will not have space between filter & tube. Hope this helps u all. Gd luck to all.
I didn't feel like going to hardware store. So I thought, well try to make the rubber thing thicker. I have that sticky weather stripping stuff, so thought I'd give it a try, put it where the rubber thing goes, stick it on there. Guess what? It worked - at least one time anyway. After going 2 wks smoking half filled tubes, I finally have a real cigarette to smoke. Don't know when it will decide to stop working like that, so will go to hardware store tomorrow. Thanks for this video.
Hello @Tom King where did you put the oil or grease? I'm not mechanical at all. Please help 😆
Can this soring be ordered online?
My local Ace hardware doesn't have a selection of machine springs at all.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks in advance.👍👍
I got one the of the spring is to thick against the wall tell me how on earth did you get it through that or if you got a video sure would help
want to replace the spring but not exactly sure what I'm looking for. I tried looking up 119 spring on Ace hardware and I didn't see anything. nor did I see anything on the internet about a 119 spring. any help would be greatly appreciated thanks