by Dave » Fri Jun 29, 2018 10:20 pm
Could you post a picture of the machine?
Is it a 60's / 70's / 80's era electromechanical machine? If so, the dampner (white cylindrical tube just to the right of the reels) can dry up and freeze. This could cause the handle to lock up.
If this is the problem you will need to get the reel bundle out of the machine, take the dampner out and clean it up so it doesn't stick.