How To Oil An Older Singer Sewing Machine

Owning an older Singer sewing machine can be a great joy. These durable machines can last for decades when properly maintained. One of the most important maintenance tasks is regular oiling, which keeps the machine running smoothly and prevents wear.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to properly oil your vintage Singer sewing machine.

Why Oil Your Singer Sewing Machine?

There are a few key reasons why oiling your Singer is important:

• Reduces friction – Oil lubricates the metal components and prevents them from grinding against each other, which reduces friction and wear. This allows the parts to move smoothly.
• Prevents rust – The oil coats the metal parts and prevents moisture from causing rust. Rust can quickly damage the inner mechanisms.
• Displaces dust – Oil gets into small crevices and pushes out any built-up dust or debris. This keeps the parts clean.
• Carries away dirt – As the parts move, the oil carries away any dirt or accumulated grime. This keeps the inner mechanisms free of contaminants.
• Quiets noise – Well-oiled machines run much more quietly. Squeaks, creaks and grinding noises signal that it’s time to oil your machine.
• Extends machine life – Most importantly, regular oiling will keep your Singer running for many years past its normal lifespan. Proper lubrication is vital for the longevity of these machines.

So in short – oiling prevents damage, keeps everything running smoothly, cleans away contaminants, and significantly extends the usable life of your sewing machine.

What You’ll Need

Oiling your vintage Singer machine is an easy process, but you’ll need a few supplies:

• Singer sewing machine oil – Be sure to use oil specifically designed for sewing machines. Regular machine oils can contain additives that will gum up the works.
• Small oiler or syringe – This allows controlled application of just a tiny amount of oil. Look for oilers designed for fine instruments.
• Clean rags – For wiping away any excess oil and drips. Qtips are also handy for precision cleaning.
• Screwdrivers – For accessing the interior mechanisms by removing the cover panels.
• Flashlight – This helps illuminate the inner areas as you work.
• Manual – Refer to your user’s manual for model-specific guidance.

How Often to Oil Your Machine

Most experts recommend oiling your Singer machine every 3-6 months if using it frequently, or once a year for occasional sewers. But keep in mind that frequency depends on usage – sewing every day requires more frequent oiling than weekly use.

Signs that it’s time to oil include:

• Audible squeaks or grinding noises
• The handwheel moves stiffly
• Thread is breaking frequently
• Reduced sewing speed

The goal is to oil before parts become dry, but not to over-oil which risks getting oil on material. When in doubt, it’s better to oil more frequently than to risk sewing machine damage.

Where to Oil on a Singer Machine

Singer machines have several key areas that need lubrication. Refer to your manual for your specific model’s oiling points. Common areas include:

• Handwheel – Put a drop of oil where the handwheel spindle meets the frame.
• Presser bar – Oil the joint where the presser bar connects to the presser foot.
• Needle bar – Lubricate the needle bar where it enters the frame.
• Bobbin case – Put a tiny drop on the hook race and bobbin case pivot points.
• Feed dogs – Carefully oil the points where the feed dogs mount to the machine.
• Gear assemblies – Oil any exposed moving gears under the covers.
• Motor bearings – If accessible, put a drop on the motor bearing caps.
• Oil holes – Look for pre-drilled holes designed for oiling internal components.
• Linkages – Oil joints of any moving exterior linkages.

Refer to your owner’s manual for the specific points on your model. Take special care around any electrical components and avoid getting oil on the belt or motor.

Only a tiny drop of oil is needed – you don’t want any excess dripping out. The oil will spread through the mechanism through the machine’s motion. After oiling, run the machine for a bit to ensure full distribution.

Step-By-Step Oiling Procedure

Follow these steps to properly clean and oil your vintage Singer sewing machine:

Gather Supplies

• Singer oil, oiler, rags, screwdrivers, flashlight

Remove Covers

• Unplug the machine!
• Use screwdrivers to remove any exterior cover plates and panels as needed to access the interior mechanisms.

Clean Surfaces

• Carefully wipe away any built-up grime, dust and old oil from the exposed parts using your rags and Qtips.

Lubricate Points

• Refer to your manual and apply a tiny drop of oil to all necessary lubrication points. Remember – less is more.

Replace Covers

• Wipe up any excess oil and replace all covers and plates before running the machine.

Test Operation

• Turn the handwheel by hand first to distribute the fresh oil. Then plug in and run the machine – it should operate smoothly and quietly.

Be very careful when accessing the interior parts – go slowly and don’t force anything. With patience and caution, you can successfully clean and lubricate your vintage Singer machine.

Troubleshooting Oiling Problems

Here are some common oiling problems and their solutions:

Machine still squeaks or feels stiff after oiling: The oil may not have fully dispersed – run the machine for a bit. Try carefully applying another drop of oil on problem spots.

Oil drips out after oiling: You may have used too much oil. Carefully blot up any drips and run the machine briefly to spread the oil out. Use less oil next time.

Thread breaks frequently after oiling: Oil may have gotten on key friction points. Clean any obvious oil spots with a rag and rubbing alcohol. Be more careful applying oil around tension discs.

Machine jams or won’t run after oiling: Oil may have gotten on the motor belt. Carefully clean the belt with a rag – don’t use liquids. Consider replacing the belt if the slippage persists.

Upper mechanisms feel stiff/dry: The oil isn’t reaching the upper components. Refer to your manual for oiling points. Or contact a repair shop to help distribute oil fully.

If problems persist after oiling, it likely indicates a need for servicing beyond just lubrication. But careful oiling is always the first step towards a smoothly running machine.

DIY or Professional Service?

With care and patience, you can absolutely oil your own vintage Singer machine at home. But for anyone uncomfortable digging into the internal mechanisms, don’t hesitate to bring it to a professional for servicing.

A competent sewing machine technician will fully disassemble, clean, lubricate, adjust, and test your machine to keep it running like new. This is recommended every 3-5 years for machines in frequent use.

Oiling your machine yourself regularly can help avoid the need for intensive servicing quite as often. But even with DIY oiling, professional cleaning and tuning up your Singer every few years is worth the investment!

Singer Sewing Machine Oil FAQs

What type of oil should be used in a Singer sewing machine?

Use only oil specifically designed for sewing machines, such as Singer brand oil. Regular machine oils contain additives that can leave sticky deposits.

Where can I buy Singer sewing machine oil?

You can find Singer branded oil at any sewing machine dealer. Many fabric stores and online retailers like Amazon also carry it. Make sure the oil says it’s intended for sewing machines.

How much sewing machine oil should I use?

Use only a tiny drop – just enough to coat the metal surface. Excess oil will drip out and make a mess. The motion of the machine will evenly distribute a small amount of oil.

How often should I oil my Singer machine?

A general guideline is every 3-6 months for frequent use, or once yearly if sewing only occasionally. Listen for squeaking and stiff operation as signs it’s time to oil.

What can happen if I don’t oil my sewing machine enough?

Insufficient oiling leads to dry friction between parts, causing wear, noise, reduced sewing speeds, and eventual breakdowns. Oil prevents costly machine damage.

Is it safe to oil a sewing machine while powered on?

Always turn the machine off and unplug it before oiling! Getting oil on a moving part or electrical component can badly damage the machine. Only apply oil with the power off.

Oiling your vintage Singer regularly is the best way to keep it running smoothly for decades. With the proper supplies and care, this simple maintenance procedure will extend the life of your beloved machine. Follow the tips in this guide to keep your Singer humming along on your next sewing project!