There’s nothing more satisfying than fixing a Singer Sewing Machine on your own. And having it oiled correctly is essential to your sewing machine’s performance and longevity. To lubricate your sewing machine correctly and keep it running smoothly, you’ll need a few tools and the right oil. As different machines use different oils, be sure to consult your instruction manual specific to your model for the best advice.
Before doing any maintenance work, the first step is to unplug the machine, as an added safety measure. To begin the oiling process, you’ll need to take off the faceplate to access the stitch computer, weaving mechanism, and upper threading gears. For some models, this will also require removing the bobbin case as well. Then, take out the bobbin, bobbin case, needle, and metal plate. Make sure to hold on to all the screws to reassemble the machine later.
Singer sewing machines require light machine oil to lubricate the moving parts. Avoid using kitchen oil, 3-in-1 oil, WD-40, graphite, or any oils that contain silicone. Additionally, Singer recommends avoiding sprays as they can cause the build-up of oil residue and damage the moving parts. For application, the best tool is an oil syringe, however, a clean eyedropper will do the trick. Dip the syringe in the oil, then pump it gently to fill the syringe with oil. To ensure some parts receive enough lubrication, pump a few extra drops into the syringe before you begin.
Apply the oil to your machine as directed in the manual. Focus on areas where parts move, such as the shuttle, shafts, needle bar, and needle. As you go, you’ll also want to wipe away any excess oil with either cotton swabs, paper towels, or a lint-free cloth. A soft, clean toothbrush can also be used to help remove residue.
Once the moving parts are oiled, the rest of the machine can be put back together. Reinstate the bobbin, bobbin case, needle and metal plate. Then, reinsert the screw to hold it all together. Finally, close the faceplate with the stitch computer inside. With the machine fully reassembled, you can plug it back in and enjoy the smooth operation of your oiled Singer Sewing Machine!
What Tools Are Needed to Oil a Singer Sewing Machine
In order to lubricate your Singer Sewing Machine, you’ll need a few tools, including the correct oil. Light machine oil is the only oil to use when lubricating a Singer Sewing Machine, and avoid using household oil, 3-in-1 oil, WD-40, graphite, or oils that contain silicone. Additionally, Singer recommends avoiding aerosol sprays as these can damage the moving parts and build up residue.
The best tool for oiling is an oil syringe. This allows you to control the amount of oil that is used which helps to keep lubrication to a minimum, thus avoiding a build-up of residue. In a pinch, however, an eyedropper can be used. Other tools that are recommended are cotton swabs, a lint-free cloth, and a clean toothbrush.
How Often Should a Singer Sewing Machine Be Oiled?
Most manufacturers suggest that you oil your machine every 10 hours of use or biannually. However, use your own discretion based on how often you use the machine. If you use the machine regularly, you may want to oil the machine more often than the instructed 10 hours. On the other hand, if you use the machine less often, you can oil less frequently. Generally, it’s not a bad idea to oil your machine every 3-4 months or so to keep it in peak condition.
It’s easy to forget to oil your machine but having a regular maintenance schedule helps to extend the life of the machine. Consider setting a reminder on your phone, laptop, or planner to help you remember when to oil. Depending on how often you use your machine and the oiling instructions in the instructions manual, you can adjust the interval.
Can You Over-Oil a Singer Sewing Machine?
When oiling your sewing machine, it’s important to not use too much oil. Redundant oiling creates a greater opportunity for residue buildup which can, in turn, lead to machine damage or malfunction. As a general guide, use 2-3 drops of oil per application and no more. If the oil runs down the part or onto the fabric, this is an indicator that you may have used too much oil.
For those just starting out, it’s especially important to use the minimum amount of oil per application as the over-oiling is the most common mistake new sewers make when oiling a sewing machine. It’s better to err on the side of caution when oiling and slowly increase the number of light applications if you find that the machine is still squeaking or is not operating correctly.
Where Does the Oil Go on a Singer sewing Machine?
The locations where oil needs to be applied will depend on the model of the machine, so be sure to consult your model-specific instruction manual. Generally, you’ll want to focus on portions of the machine where the most movement occurs, such as the shuttle, shafts, needle bar, and needle. Avoid any areas where lubrication is not necessary as this can lead to wasted oil and residue buildup. Common non-lubricable parts include the motor, electronic components, and the bed of the machine.
For first-timers, it can be difficult to remember where the locations for oiling are, but it is important to double check. An easy way to do this is to look for any area of the machine that looks different in color. If so, this is an area that requires lubrication as it has been exposed to friction and pressure. Additionally, it is common to hear squeaking as you move parts which is an indicator that the area needs oil.
What Can You Do If The Machine Makes Too Much Noise After Oil?
If after oiling your machine, you find that the machine is still noisy, the first fact to check is that you used the correct oil. You’ll want to use light machine oil, as other oils such as kitchen oil, 3-in-1 oil, WD-40, graphite, and oils containing silicone may damage the machine.
If you’ve used the correct oil and the machine is still loud, you may need to check the tension disc and the shuttle case. These components may be too tight. To adjust them, you’ll want to use a screwdriver and loosen the screws until the machine is running quietly. It’s important to avoid overtightening and to be gentle while manipulating the parts.
How to Maintain a Singer Sewing Machine?
Regularly oiling and servicing is essential to keeping your Singer Sewing Machine in top condition, so start building up a regular maintenance schedule. This can vary depending on how often you use the machine, usually between 10 hours of use or biannually. A great way to keep track of your maintenance schedule is to set a reminder on your phone or in an electronic planner.
Besides oiling, there are a few other basic maintenance tasks that you can do yourself to keep your Singer Sewing Machine in proper working order. One of the most important is to clean and service your machine regularly. The key is to use the correct cleaning and servicing products to ensure your machine’s specific parts don’t get damaged. If you’re not sure which product to purchase, consult your instruction manual first.
It is also important to check the needle periodically to prevent further machine damage. Replace the needle when it is no longer sharp and smooth. Additionally, if the needle is bent or broken, you’ll need to replace it. Finally, always make sure the tension disc and shuttle case are free of mess and properly adjusted to avoid loud running noises.
