How to Disassemble a Sewing Machine

Sewing machines can be used to make clothing, blankets and a variety of other products.

Like other appliances, sewing machines require regular maintenance to ensure their functionality. Although lubricating hinges and removing dust or lint from the machine may be beneficial, deep cleanings are needed on a regular basis. These deep cleanings often require complete sewing-machine disassembly. Sewing machines can be disassembled by certified repair persons; however, the process can also be completed at home for a fraction of the cost.

Things You'll Need

• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Medium flat-blade screwdriver
• Pliers
• Medium Phillips-head screwdriver
• Spray lubricant

Instructions

1. Remove the machine from its cabinet or case. Locate the two grub screws, found on the base of the machine, and loosen slightly. Take the machine off the case, and place on a sturdy work surface.

2. Remove the motor from the machine. Carefully remove the bolts that secure the motor to the head and put in a secure place. Support the motor as it comes off the machines, paying special attention to its wires. Wrap it in a piece of clean, dry cloth or bailing wires to protect these sensitive wires.

3. Remove the plates from the machine. Most sewing machines will come equipped with a face plate, rear inspection plate, shuttle plate and front-inspection plate. These plates can be easily removed with an appropriately sized screwdriver. Although most plates will be held on by two screws, others may be secured in multiple places. The presser foot should also be removed at this point. Take it off by loosening the thumbscrew completely.

4. Remove the presserfoot bar lever from the machine. Near the top of the machine head, there will be a thumbscrew with a presserfoot bar lever going through the center of it. Unscrew the thumbscrew and store in a safe spot. Locate a lug, through which the presserfoot bar level runs, and which is held in place by a grub screw. Remove the grub screw, and lubricate the bar lever with a small amounts of spray lubricant. Simultaneously twist and push up on the bar lever with pliers. The bar lever should easily slip from the lug, and along with it should come a large spring. Store these pieces of equipment with the other plates, screws and lugs.

5. Remove the tensioner from the machine. Use the pliers to loosen the thumbscrew from the tensioner and remove the spring and disk. Place the head of the screwdriver into the slot of the tensioner, loosen the stud and remove it from the machine. The tensioner spring will also come out at this time.

6. Take the belt guard off the machine. Loosen the screws holding the belt guard in place and put them, the belt guard and the belt with the other equipment. Locate the small screw that holds the knob to the center of the hand wheel. Loosen the screw, remove the knob and slide the washer from the hand wheel. The hand wheel can now be easily taken off the body of the sewing machine.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use a spray lubricant to loosen rusty screws. Trying to loosen these items without the aid of a lubricant cannot only damage the machine but may also result in personal injury.

References

• Quilting Board: Cleaning Your Vintage Sewing Machine Part One -- Disassembly
• Thrifty Fun: Do It Yourself Sewing Machine Repair