I found a similar machine, but with 10 stitch patterns, at the Habitat for Humanity Restore for $10 in the carrying case. I'm used to the Ultra Stitch 8 which was my first sewing machine that I purchased new back in the early 1980's. After cleaning and oiling it, I was able to get it working nicely. It was a learning curve with the stitch modifier (L long and S short, orange dot, stitch selector, etc.). At first, I couldn't figure out how to make a straight stitch--I had never seen a machine that you had to set to Zero stitch width for straight stitch! Now I love it--it is a wonderful machine.
I have this Kenmore machine and 7 others from this era...I love them all. When I acquired them they were "throw aways" . I watched RUclips videos and all are working now! thank you to you and others who make these videos for us. We are so appreciative to you for sharing your knowledge!❤
A bunch of Kenmores from that era have an internal pulley reduction system that increases torque. I have 40 machines and it's a Kenmore that lives in the middle of the craft table.
I have three Kenmore 158s. And a 148. All excellent machines. All metal, except my Ultra Stitch 12, which has a big plastic gear. That makes me nervous, but it'll be an excellent machine for as long as that lasts!
@@Widespread-Panic those plastic (nylon) gears will break if you stress them by sewing something that’s too dense and thick. If you have other machines that will do those tasks successfully, you can use your less robust machines for lighter work. Just choose your projects accordingly and those machines will serve you well for the duration. You probably have nothing to worry about in regard to that. 😎👍🏼
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 - Yeah, I have a Kenmore Rotary (117.552) for the heavy duty stuff. I figure I've got at most 40 years left on this planet, and I fully expect that machine to be around when my grandkids are my age.
@ that’s certainly a realistic expectation. I would wager that your great great grandkids will have the opportunity to use them as well. It will be your task to make sure that your heirs know quality when they see it and appreciate it. I imagine you’ll be taking care of that as well.
Why the heck can't they make this today, instead of that plastic junk. Charge a thousand for it. At least you'll have something to do moderately heavy fabrics and won't break for doing that.
@@KAPPYCAM if you have this machine (8stitch), then the issue will be in the foot control. If you have an electronic machine or foot control, it’s an electronic issue. Good luck with that. It may need to be fixed by a dealer. Scary huh? Just in time for Halloween. 😎👍🏼
Randy I have learned so much from you. Thanks! I have a question. I have a 1345381 that is so similar, but I think the feed dogs are too low. I read that they should come up to a “dime” level. I watched your feed dog video but your machine is just different enough that I can’t find the adjustment screw. Help!
@@shellypickren look for the mechanism that drops your feeders. It should have a connecting rod that goes through the center. That is generally where the set screw is located to raise the feed dogs.
So now You have a helipad outside for making your service trips? Sounds like it at 9:15. No, not the seeing machine because the helicopter was still there when the machine was stopped.
Ah ha, well good excuse. So that’s your story and you’re sticking to it. “Just keep the oily side down” (is what we use to say). Seriously though - sounds like that is a really good one to have with all the metal gearing especially! Has some nice options also if the user remembers the correct settings! That sewing machine unfortunately shipped to you with a bit of your “special attention” needed! Some surgery by Dr. Randy was all that was necessary! Excellent work Sir!
Hey Randy, I finally have a Kenmore 158.1931 and after some tinkering and learning the ropes I'm very very very happy using it, thanks to your recommendations! But there's one slight issue I haven't been able to resolve - the take-up lever is aligned a little too close to the left side, so it chafes the case and creates fine metal dust after a session of sewing. Even if I wanted to bend it, the metal is so sturdy it won't budge! The machine is still perfectly functional, but I rather not damage my parts if I don't have to. Any experience/insights/recommendations would be deeply appreciated!
I have this machine picked it up for $15. the only problem is the clutch handle/nob is frozen & cant use the bobbin winder .. How do I fix this? Thanks
@@cherylwhite654 wrap a cloth around the hand wheel knob to prevent scratching it. Use large adjustable pliers (Channel Lock) and break it loose. That’s what I do. Works every time.
@@rode-o5206 if the Kenmore in question is: FRONT LOAD 15 CLASS BOBBIN 158 SERIES, IT HAS STEEL DRIVE GEARS, BUY IT. I NEVER USE THE TERM “ALL METAL” THERE IS NO SUCH MACHINE.
I purchased a 158.19131, turns out its a super high shank machine. Problem with that is i cant find a straight stitch presser foot for it anywhere online, ebay, etsy, marketplace..... None. Im so sad as i cant use it without one 😢
The Rodney Dangerfield of sewing machines! They're excellent and underrated.
@@JohnBau so true. And they are available at bargain prices until the word gets out to the masses.
I found a similar machine, but with 10 stitch patterns, at the Habitat for Humanity Restore for $10 in the carrying case. I'm used to the Ultra Stitch 8 which was my first sewing machine that I purchased new back in the early 1980's. After cleaning and oiling it, I was able to get it working nicely. It was a learning curve with the stitch modifier (L long and S short, orange dot, stitch selector, etc.). At first, I couldn't figure out how to make a straight stitch--I had never seen a machine that you had to set to Zero stitch width for straight stitch! Now I love it--it is a wonderful machine.
@@janemartin229 excellent. Once you figure all that out, you’re all set.
I have this Kenmore machine and 7 others from this era...I love them all. When I acquired them they were "throw aways" . I watched RUclips videos and all are working now! thank you to you and others who make these videos for us. We are so appreciative to you for sharing your knowledge!❤
@@SuZ3945 good for you for knowing how to rescue and repair quality machines. They will all make great contributions to lives of many others.
Awesome
Thanks so much......I would have never fixed it!!!
@@WD-sr8qz you’re welcome. You’ve got a good machine there. 😎👍🏼
A bunch of Kenmores from that era have an internal pulley reduction system that increases torque. I have 40 machines and it's a Kenmore that lives in the middle of the craft table.
@@Doctor_Al yes indeed. I get into that in great detail in some of my videos. It’s a great feature.
I have three Kenmore 158s. And a 148. All excellent machines. All metal, except my Ultra Stitch 12, which has a big plastic gear. That makes me nervous, but it'll be an excellent machine for as long as that lasts!
@@Widespread-Panic those plastic (nylon) gears will break if you stress them by sewing something that’s too dense and thick.
If you have other machines that will do those tasks successfully, you can use your less robust machines for lighter work.
Just choose your projects accordingly and those machines will serve you well for the duration.
You probably have nothing to worry about in regard to that. 😎👍🏼
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 - Yeah, I have a Kenmore Rotary (117.552) for the heavy duty stuff. I figure I've got at most 40 years left on this planet, and I fully expect that machine to be around when my grandkids are my age.
@ that’s certainly a realistic expectation.
I would wager that your great great grandkids will have the opportunity to use them as well.
It will be your task to make sure that your heirs know quality when they see it and appreciate it.
I imagine you’ll be taking care of that as well.
I picked up a cool old machine, (machine#56), a Dial Sew 816. It rivals a Kenmore 90 in the weight catagory.⚓🏋️♂️
@@robotbuster1487 😎👍🏼
Why the heck can't they make this today, instead of that plastic junk. Charge a thousand for it. At least you'll have something to do moderately heavy fabrics and won't break for doing that.
Mine takes a slow stitch to stop after I take my foot off the pedal. Like one extra stitch after no power. Hum? Everything else is perfect.
@@KAPPYCAM if you have this machine (8stitch), then the issue will be in the foot control.
If you have an electronic machine or foot control, it’s an electronic issue. Good luck with that.
It may need to be fixed by a dealer.
Scary huh? Just in time for Halloween. 😎👍🏼
Randy I have learned so much from you. Thanks! I have a question. I have a 1345381 that is so similar, but I think the feed dogs are too low. I read that they should come up to a “dime” level. I watched your feed dog video but your machine is just different enough that I can’t find the adjustment screw. Help!
I’ve had this machine since 1983 when I bought it new at Sears. I use it in spurts over the years but now I’m retired and noticing more.
@@shellypickren look for the mechanism that drops your feeders. It should have a connecting rod that goes through the center.
That is generally where the set screw is located to raise the feed dogs.
So now You have a helipad outside for making your service trips? Sounds like it at 9:15. No, not the seeing machine because the helicopter was still there when the machine was stopped.
@@MRrwmac it’s my air compressor. It rarely lifts off, but it’s starting to sound like it could. 😂😎👍🏼
Ah ha, well good excuse. So that’s your story and you’re sticking to it. “Just keep the oily side down” (is what we use to say).
Seriously though - sounds like that is a really good one to have with all the metal gearing especially! Has some nice options also if the user remembers the correct settings!
That sewing machine unfortunately shipped to you with a bit of your “special attention” needed! Some surgery by Dr. Randy was all that was necessary! Excellent work Sir!
@@MRrwmac thanks for your support. Better than heavy duty panty hose. 😂
Hey Randy, I finally have a Kenmore 158.1931 and after some tinkering and learning the ropes I'm very very very happy using it, thanks to your recommendations! But there's one slight issue I haven't been able to resolve - the take-up lever is aligned a little too close to the left side, so it chafes the case and creates fine metal dust after a session of sewing. Even if I wanted to bend it, the metal is so sturdy it won't budge! The machine is still perfectly functional, but I rather not damage my parts if I don't have to. Any experience/insights/recommendations would be deeply appreciated!
@@izacefroni direct your attention to the side that it’s rubbing on. Do a realignment of that panel or get your file out and file it into compliance.
Have you seen an offset Kenmore machine? I picked one up at a sale for $4 and have not found any information on it. Thanks.
@@rode-o5206 I’m not familiar with the term “offset Kenmore machine”.
I don’t know what that would be.
I have this machine picked it up for $15. the only problem is the clutch handle/nob is frozen & cant use the bobbin winder .. How do I fix this? Thanks
@@cherylwhite654 wrap a cloth around the hand wheel knob to prevent scratching it.
Use large adjustable pliers (Channel Lock) and break it loose. That’s what I do. Works every time.
What about the 10 model? Is that all metal?
@@rode-o5206 if the Kenmore in question is:
FRONT LOAD
15 CLASS BOBBIN
158 SERIES,
IT HAS STEEL DRIVE GEARS, BUY IT.
I NEVER USE THE TERM “ALL METAL”
THERE IS NO SUCH MACHINE.
I purchased a 158.19131, turns out its a super high shank machine. Problem with that is i cant find a straight stitch presser foot for it anywhere online, ebay, etsy, marketplace..... None. Im so sad as i cant use it without one 😢
@@tanyajones5821 get the adapter and you’ll be able to use all the low shank, popular feet.
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Good to know, I have both high and low shank Kenmore's.
@@annakitty7983 😎👍🏼