How to Clean, Oil, and Grease a Singer 401a Vintage Sewing Machine
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- Опубликовано: 16 окт 2024
- Do you have a Singer 401a Slant Shank vintage sewing machine and need some great tips to getting it running? These machines are nice thrift store finds that are simple to restore and use. Before you put it to work, let Stevie show you how to service it. Anyone can do basic maintenance on these vintage machines. Don't be afraid to get out the screwdriver, open up the top and bottom, and get to work cleaning out lint, oiling friction points, and lubricating the gears.
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Thank you so much, Stevie! My Dad bought my Mom a 401-A in 1959. It was her pride and joy and she began to teach me to sew once I was old enough to learn. She died when I was 14 and that machine has been in constant use because not only did I need to sew because I was way taller than the average girl, and *way back then* there were no tall girl shops; but also because it kept me close to my mother. Fast forward to 1998 when my machine also went to live in England. I have to use a transformer to run it here. I thought I was doing well with keeping it oiled but the pistons operating the cams on my 401-A had been frozen for several years by 2019, so I took my machine in for a full service which cost me well over £200. I got it back and the lever was very stiff, but the cams were working. It wasn't but a few months later and they froze up again, so I limped along for a few years during all the pandemic lockdowns (In I-SEW-lation) using nothing but straight stitch. Then in 2022 the entire machine froze up. I was devastated. Then I found your video and ordered some Tri-Flow, oil and grease and went to work. It took over 5 hours for the Tri-Flow spray to begin to work its magic, but I got some wiggle when I turned the hand wheel. At about 7 hours the first piston controlling 'A-J' began to move. The machine sat overnight and the piston controlling 'K-Special' was still stuck. Bummer. I decided to hit it with my blow drier. A 10 second blast of hot air was all it took to free it. Then I removed the cam stack and serviced it as you instructed, then I oiled and greased everything and let the machine sit all day on a newspaper to drain the excess drips. I would have made you proud. It was sitting in a puddle of dirty Tri-Flow. This morning I gave it a good clean and reattached the base and installed it back onto the cabinet. It is purring like a kitten when I sew, and unlike when I last had it professionally serviced, all of the levers and other moving parts glide like greased lightening. I never knew how easy it would be to service my own machine and I feel so empowered now! Your video is so professionally shot and you are a fabulous teacher. You truly are my hero, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me get my best friend working again.
Your welcome. And no its not hard to service the old machines. And if you keep using triflow you wont ever have to clean out the insides. It will do it for you. Keep it soaked.
I would NEVER have attempted cleaning and lubing my 401 without your encouragement and clear instructions on this great video. My singer and I adore you!
Your Welcome
I have two 401a machines that I run my small business off of and I love them. I service them once a year (whether they need it or not, I do work them pretty hard) but I usually need a little walkthrough so I don't miss anything. This is one of the best I've found! Thank you so much for posting. ❤
Right on!
Thank you Stevie!! You just saved me $140.00!!!! I was able to uncover, clean, oil, grease up my 62+ year old Singer 401A...I'm a VERY happy girl!! !Excellent tutorial and visuals!!!
I got my grandma's 401A (the same one I learned on), and it's been a long time since it's been serviced. This video was fabulous! Before, the idea of taking my grandma's machine apart this much kind of made me want to throw up a bit, but your instruction was so clear and encouraging, I think I can actually handle it!
Stevie! I cannot thank you enough for this video. I would never have had the nerve to service my 401G (almost identical to the 401A but made in Germany) if I hadn't found this video. I watched others but only yours gave this old granny the confidence to tackle it myself. You are an inspiration. And you've saved me about £60! 👍💕😊
Incredibly good video! Thank you so much. My dad did 20 years with Singer--from 1950-1970. He was a master with these machines. Told me once that the 401 and 500 were the pinnacle of Singer's household machines. I have both. Thanks, again!
Very welcome!
Thank you so much!! Thought the sewing machine I inherited was broken, turns out I don't think Granny EVER oiled it! It's working like a charm! You're awesome!!
Your Welcome.
Thank you so much for this very detailed video! I have this exact machine given to me as a teen by my dad for taking 3rd place in our local Singer Sewing contest. It's precious to me but been sitting unused for several years. I am anxious to tackle getting it running smoothly again. I am 75 years old and love learning new things. Once again, thanks for doing the video.
I entered the same contest. It was thrilling!
You are a blessing. I just got my grandma's 401 and thanks to you I look forward to keeping it going for another generation.
Since my last post. You have made me addicted to collecting and cleaning/restoring sewing machines. I've bought 6 since then. Yikes! Got my husband to order these products, so now I have them all and Will get to use them now. I was working on this same singer and had the same sticking problem as you. But there was no stress. I did everything you showed and was very patient, gave the oil time to work. And sure enough it works great. My husband was very impressed with how I got it to work. Thanks so much for your videos. Keep up the great tutorials. I've learned a lot.
I inherited a Singer 401G this past weekend. I've never sewn before but recently developed an interest. I am not sure when the machine was last used but it was not working when I did a quick op test on Sunday. I found this video and decided to follow along for general cleaning guidance. After pausing and starting numerous times I was able to give the machine a good clean. I do not have the recommended oil or grease but though a good clean would help. I cleaned the machine with a brush and some rags and undid the cam and removed as much gunked up old grease as possible. Success!! I did a quick op test after and all was working! I made my first ever straight stitch! Thanks for the great tutorial. I will be purchasing the recommended lubricants today so I can give this beautiful machine a thorough cleaning before using again with interest and earnest. Cheers and thanks again!
Dude, my wife just bought a 401A! It works but she has tasked me to maintain it. Very informative video. Thanks!
That is awesome!
Just inherited my neighbor's mother's 401a, so this is one of the gems of a video I needed!!! I learned on this in the 1960's before my mother "upgraded" to some computer thing we could never figure out. So nice to come back to simple and sturdy. Thank you so much for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
My husband and I have restored vintage sewing machines for many years. Please take our comments positively. Too much product used and needs old grease and dirt removed first. However, we like that you sprayed the machine to clean it without removing all the usual parts because the machine wasn't that dirty or damaged. If there are sewing problems after cleaning, then some parts will need removal and polishing, or replacement. I'll order a few spray cans from Amazon through your site and we subscribed.
This is the safest and easiest way of cleaning and oiling that I’ve ever seen. Thanks for sharing! Esp love your tensioners tricks
Why tear a tension assembly apart they usally just have gummie stuff in them or lint. No reason to tear it all part just polish them up and done. Out of all the machines I own and sold off. Only 1 I HAD to tear apart because it kept cutting the thread. One of the discs had a burr on it. Not sure how you get a burr on a tension disc but this one had one and I had to file it smooth again.
I just bought this exact machine at Goodwill (with cabinet!) for less than $50! I was wondering how I could refurbish it so my daughter in law could use it and I found this wonderful video. Thank you so much for your hard work in putting this useful information out there so we sewing machine novices can benefit.
Can’t thank you enough for this video. I was gifted a 401 and had no idea how to fix it or even take one apart. After watching, I ordered all the Tri flo and got to work and happy to say “it works” I actually got it to work. Your the best! Thanks 🙏
You're welcome!
Thank you so much my 401A hasn't been used in over 20 plus yrs my neighbor went to use it about every inch it kept breaking the thread. I started googling it and found you after trying to look at other videos with no explaining or directions like yours! I'm sure this is the problem! I'll use your links for supplies and I am subscribing! Thank you.
You Welcome.
Really loved this video! Loved how you went about the business of what needed to be done and really explained everything! Hope to see more!
absolutely the BEST video ever on any machine!
My model 401A was my late Mom’s and she was a GREAT seamstress, but I had no idea how to maintain it once she passed away. Thanks so much for this wonderful tutorial, it’s saved this awesome machine so I can use it!
I cannot thank you adequately for your video. I adore my 401A (BAXTER). He was getting a little sluggish and this video gave me the confidence to tackle his giant cleaning event. I KNOW he will appreciate the attention, and continue to give me continued years of assistance with all my sewing. Thank you for your sharing!!!
This video was beyond helpful!! I just picked up a 401A last week - totally needed to be oiled, greased, and cleaned. I loved doing all of that WITH you in this video. Thank you so much - I love everything about you and I'm glad to be part of this vintage sewing machine community!
My husband and I binged on your videos this weekend and learned a lot! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and keep them coming! We just started restoring old sewing machines. My husband has already put a few of your techniques into practice!
Thanks so much. I bought a machine for 40€ all accessories available. I followed all your instructions. Machine works a charm. Great guide. Easy to follow.
Great!
Thank you! Mine was a "side of the road" find!
Great Job !!!! .......... My 401 A got wet in a flood .......... and was frozen up. You video REALLY helped me get it going again. Thanks
Glad it helped
OMG Thank you darling! I just got my grandmothers machine and I have been looking for how to service it myself. I'm the 3rd generation owner of it now!!!
Your commentary is very helpful. It's really very useful the way you explain the why and the don't do this aspects of what you are doing. Thank you for posting!
Your Welcome.
I just serviced my singer 401A using your instructions. they are by far the best online. thank you so much! the motor was very difficult to take off but other than that the process was just as smooth as you demonstrated. I haven't used it to sew yet so I guess that will be the true test. I was having tension issues and listened to your advice on servicing first before I do anything crazy.
Great to hear!
I purchased an old 403a Singer sewing machine that had been hiding in a garage for years. Using Stevie's SD Gear video, I was able to clean and service my new/old machine all by myself! Stevie was very clear, thorough, and reassuring. I just kept the video on the screen in front of me, repeated when needed, and followed right along. Though I had one of these gem years ago... I never did anything for it and it last for decades despite my neglect! I'm donating this one to a school. Just imagine how long it will last now that I've serviced it! Feeling proud. Thanks Stevie.
Love this video! I got this machine last year and it's by far the best sewing machine I've owned. I got it from original owner, so it's in amazing condition!
This video is amazing and will help me when I need to service my machine!
That is awesome!
Great video, thank you! I found my 1951 401a at the local thrift store. I’ve been afraid to do anything with it until this video! My little boys love your nail polish by the way!❤
Oh My Goodness!! Thank you so very much. I just purchased a 401a from a lady, it was her grandmothers and looks like it's been sitting for a long time. My Mom has one and that's what I learned to sew on so I'm very used to it. After watching this, I feel confident I can go through and get it running perfectly! Thank you again, oh and your nails are beautiful, mine are teeny tiny.
Thanks I try to keep them nice looking for videos. I hope you get it running smooth and make cool stuff with your machine.
Thanks, just got a really nice one of these in original cabinet for $25. Works and looks great. now I care for it. Need to replace thread pin if I can. Thanks.
I just acquired a 401 A from my Mother. I am so pleased to find your video! I thought it ran well. Wrong... I am going to go through just as you did. This is a great machine that I will use for a backup. Thank you for taking the time to post vintage sewing machine videos.
I loved your very through video on how to clean and restore the 401A! Thank you for taking the time to create such a valuable tool for others! You are the best!
This is my mother's exact machine! thank you for this video. Now I think I need to do some extra oiling!!
Thank you so much for this wonderful video. Today I got my Mother's 1956 401A. It has been in storage for 11 years. It needs cleaning and taken care of. You have helped me so much.
Glad it was helpful!
Very good video, I always start my cleaning process after removing the dust and lint with lots of Kerosene all over the place then follow thur with oil... Your video is very detail.... good job !
Just followed your lead and it is running like a champ. Thanks again. Great video.
I really appreciate the effort that was put into the producing this most helpful video. I would have had no idea how to service this machine that I recently acquired. Thank you!
Thank you very much for showing us how to lubricate the Singer 401A machine, I was taught by my mother at age 6, growing up watching my mother sew her tail off . was a gift to see and learn, She was wonderful dressmaker designer. Now it has been handed down to me for a while now, Today my nice silk pillows case had come to loosen on the area of zipper seam,. Me thinking I can just dust and wipe the machine and go to the town on it,, was No, No Can Do, Baby,,, Not Right Now LOL. So went to Utube and found you. I have been meaning to use this machine for a long time. The last time I used it was over 10 years or more, What was I thinking of. I will be ordering oil you were speaking about for sure. I am looking forward to seeing you on facebook. Thank you again you been a great help in showing me what do now with singer401a machine.
Just bought a 401G. This is a brilliant video, thank you so much.
that is not exactly my machine,but you cover up all detail, thank you very much.well done!!!!
Thank you.
This was a lifesaver ❤️ I feel like I’m sewing on a brand new machine. I am Thankful your step by step instruction!!
Thank you for this video. I just got my singer 401a and your step by step tutorial helped me confidently clean it and got it working better! God send.
Fantastic!
Thank you! I have a very noisy 401A and after your video I was able to find the place that needed lube and quiet her down!
Excellent!
This video guided me step by step through a cleaning and servicing of a 401A I bought used. I was excited to find the machine but discovered when I got it home that the dials were stuck to sew only a straight stitch. Finding your video, I decided to open her up and see what I might be able to do. I took my time and after a few days careful not to break anything, the dials move smoothly and I can access all the options. Thanks for providing this great information!
That machine looks practically new!! What a find!! Thank you for this post, mine sat for years now I got no reason to let her sit any longer!
Thank you so much for posting this. I just found one of these. While waiting for the electric cord to show up, I've been cleaning and greasing =). Now I know all the nooks and crannies I need to hit. Awesome video.
an extraordinary video. fascinating. could not stop watching.
Thank you.
Just bought a 401a with a table for my 8-year-old daughter at a garage sale ($30, looks to be in great condition). We're looking forward to refurbishing the machine and starting some sewing projects. Thank you for posting this. Great video.
thank you so much for you video..i just inherited a machine like that from my dear freind who passed away..she was german and has had that machine since the fiftys...and love it..but I needed to know who to service it..thank you sooooomuch.
Your Welcome.
Thank you so much for your video! I’m working to get my Grandma Mayme’s Singer 404 going for my daughter to use, and your advice was such a help! It is just purring along now, and ready to go home with her!
wow!!! that is amazing...i have a 301 and 1665....i will attempt to fix and maintain....but watching your video!!!!
You gave me knowledge and courage to service my recently acquired two 401G s and what delight to get good outcomes
Great Video and extra thanks for making this. I've seen my mom using this machine for my entire life so it is very sentimental to work on and to read comments of people with similar feelings. I would like to note for some people that Stevie's machine was visibly gunked up with a lot of debris an old grease, oil, etc., and it required extra solvent to dissolve some of this. If your machine is not quite this grimey you do not need to use as much of the spray lube as she did... you'll thank yourself later when you don't have to lean it out.
Your right it was extra gunky. Ive had 3 of these machines before this one. I didnt do a video on them because of how clean they were starting. For some reason I decided to keep this machine. Today if you look inside its totally clean and polished and all ive done is flowed triflow oil though it over the years. Its totally dissovled the old gunk out of the machine. But your Absolutly right if you oilem up this heavy you might wanna night of drip dry before use. Triflow stains faberic. The Video is also assuming it hasnt been serviced in decades.
Just serviced my 401 thanks to you!! Now on to 3 more that I have. Can't wait to sew on this one. GREAT video! Thanks for all the helpful hints.
Awesome! Thank you!
I have an Singer 431G. I used nafta and a brush to solve the old oil that had jammed up the moving parts due to the hardening of old oil. It took long time to do! Lot of running and wiping and oiling. And grease to the gears. They're superb machines. I also have an older Singer seving machine, a black one from the fifties. I had Husqvarna machines before but I didn't find them to be so good overall in comparison.
That old junk tar garbage oil can be a hassle. Just time and patience well get them running again.
@@SewSaveMe Yes, it depends on the canola they put in! It took days to fix it. Sometimes you even need Bensin, or acetone! Canola can be really bad . oxidation!
I’ve never have done this to my old singer. I don’t want to buy a new o e cause I love my machine and it’s 27 years old.thank you Steve
You're an outstanding teacher
Hi Stevie! I just spent an afternoon with you cleaning up my new (Old) 401A. Picked up at a yard sale for "FREE"!! Yes free! I just about cleaned every inch I was brave enough to take apart....so glad you showed how that bobbin shaft went back in, cause mine was not doing it at first! And I think I passed your test, because, my dining room and I are dripping with the TriFlow! I also learned to service my "201", Featherweight and a Sewmore (Singer wanna' be) as well as a vintage Brother. Thanks again!
Yours, in Philadelphia
Your welcome.
Great video! My A-J stitch selector was stuck and I got it moving thanks to you!
Fantastic!
great video. i have this machine. it was given to my wife by a 102 yr old lady. my wife never used it and she passed away in november. i got it out to teach myself to sew. i was just gonna go for it but maybe i better look inside it first. only question i have is what was the black grease you put on the bottom of the machine as compared to the white grease you used in other places.?
The black grease on the bottom is the same clear stuf I used on top the reason why it was black is because it eats old tar grease and sheds it off of the metal parts. Far as cleaning machines other then rubbing off heavy stuff I let triflow do the hard work of dissolving old cruddy tar stuff. If you keep it flowed with triflow eventually it will look like some one polished the parts. My 404 was real nasty inside and over the last few years it looks new inside simply keeping it oiled down with triflow.
Thank you for this video, I have just bought one of these machines and it arrived today (I can't wait to sew on it), the way you have explained on what you are doing to the machine is very clear and I feel that I have the confidence to service my machine
your welcome :)
Hey Stevie thank you so much. I have learned a lot from you. I thought I really disliked this machine. I learned to sew on it in the 70's. But now as a quilter. It's a solid workhorse!
Glad I could help
Thank you!.
I have learned so much and I am very confident when maintaining my own machines. At the same time I have SAVED a lot of money
God bless you 🙏 my friend. . !
p.s. love the hair and nails !
Greetings from Bakersfield,California
I just found your channel. I love how you go through everything. Watching your videos has been very educational
Just bought a Singer 401 and just found your channel :) Tomorrow my husband and I along with your videos will be begin the cleaning process. Thanks for making such great video tutorials!!!!
Have fun!
@@SewSaveMe So how do I remove the excess Tri-Flow? :) Even with a cloth on the bed of the machine, I managed to soak it.
I usually don't unless you soaked the motor on accident I just let my machines drip dry. Start sewing with it using scraps and it will kick of the excess. When I service my Kenmore I just use a spray bottle of the stuff these days and keep a paper towel under it. I know some will cringe with the idea but triflow dont gum up and cleans old oils away. My 401a was totally brown and gummy looking inside over the years of using triflow it looks like the parts are now polished. And I did zero cleaning with solvents on it. So far triflow has not damaged any paint on my machine in fact its cleaned the paint to a nice finish again.
@@SewSaveMe Thanks!!!! So happy to have found you...total fan!!! 😁
Purchased the TriFlow from the link provided. Waiting for it to be delivered, then i will tackle servicing it following Stevie's video!
dude you save my sewin machine thank you so much
This is exactly what I needed to get started restoring my 401! Thank you so very much!
Your welcome.
Thank you so much for this video! I purchased the Trinity of Triflow a about a month or so ago from your link (and thank you for making it fast to find them all)and today, being in quarantine was the perfect time to dig in and do this. It took me a little longer then it did you but I was able to do it. I have never done anything like this before but I just followed step by step. Amazing how that oil/degreaser works, it took decades of tractor oil and grease right off. Yes the machine had been VERY well loved 🤣🤣
That stuff is a 21st century wonder. Or its made with magic, ether way its amazing stuff.
Thank you, seeing the mechanism work, it helped me to determine that the technician I hired was wrong. Now I have to find out how to correct it.
Your Welcome
Scored a 401A for $32! The video will help get her back in full glory.
Thanks so much for a great demonstration, it was not confusing at all! Wish I knew someone like you to go to for issues with my machines! Thanks again!👍
Glad it was helpful!
Looking at my mother's Singer 401A, and am delighted to find these videos. Going to set it up on a table in front of my 'puter and follow along. This is just what I wanted! Thanks
Im glad it helped.
Well done video. Good camera angles, good clear instruction and narrative. Thanks.
By far the very best video I've seen on the subject..I've learned so much! Can't thank you enough!
Thanks Im glad it helped.
Found you and I’m so thrill. Have 2 of these machines that I have been using a lot, didn’t know about servicing them like you did!! Perfect! Thanks a Lot! God bless! ❤️🩹
Thanks for making this video! I'm not near a Singer Service Center so this gave me the confidence to tackle it myself. Now to figure out how to attach the spool replacement I got for the bobbin winder.
Love the sound of an old machine. Like music. All the plastic on new ones, even with computer design, act like an echo chamber and they all sound like a blender imho. Your machine looks and sounds great.v
Thank you ,thank you, and thank you, i have the same machine,and you helped me to know a lot of things i wondered about it.
I LOVE MY SINGER 401A MORE THEN BEFORE SEEING YOUR VIDEO.
YOU GAVE ME A BIG HELP.
THANK YOU ONCE MORE.
from ALGERIA
This is a fabulous video. Very clear instructions and Stevie is so personable.
Your Welcome.
Thank you for posting a great tutorial. You are an awesome instructor and helped me 100% service my 401a.
Glad it helped
Thank you so much for your videos on singer 401A. I inherited my great grandmothers singer machine and I’m itching learn how to clean and use it!! ❤❤❤ i loved your video about the stitching’s
Hey she's a smooth running machine now! I so much enjoyed watching your video.
Thank you very much!
Just ordered supplies! Thanks! Got this same machine as a gift but it’s in pristine condition and I’d like to keep it that way! 💗
Thank you so much for this clear and concise lesson on the care of my 401a!
Glad it helped!
Thank you for posting this in-depth video! I have one of these machines. I love using it, but today it's had a few tension issues. I will give it a clean out over the coming weekend, hopefully, that will fix some of the problems. Thanks again!!
I love your videos, first 401 I have heard in a RUclips video that sounds like the timing is right. Smooth.
Thanks 👍
I really love your videos. They are really informative and you work at a nice pace.
Thanks for a great video. You are very knowledgeable. I just purchased a 401 from a garage sale and it is an amazing machine.
There Not bad.
Hello Darling - thank you for saving my sanity.
Thank you for this video. It was excellent and you touched base on every aspect of this machine. I have two 401a machines and I use them more than my bells and whistles Janome 6500. My 401a is so dependable and I’m glad I can service it myself. Love vintage machines. Enjoying your channel.
You are welcome!
Super great video. I really appreciate how you stay on task with the description and detail.
I appreciate that!
Hi Stevie, this was by far the best video. You went step by step and I do thanks for that.
Awesome, thank you!
Thank you so much for putting together such a thorough video! I'm so grateful for you, I've never taken a sewing machine apart and I just purchased a 401a. With your info I'll be able to help it to live its best life
Glad to hear it.