Thanks so much for this video. I rescued a 237 recently and after some cleaning, wanted to see if it would sew. While threading it, I noticed that the needle bar was facing at an angle. Thanks to your video, I had the courage to try to correct it. Works great now.
Nicely done, Linda. I'm glad you found the video. Thank you for saving that machine. It's a very nice model and considered the last all-metal machine Singer made for home use. I appreciate the comment and happy sewing.
Mom just brought me a Singer 239 that has the cord cut from it and no foot pedal. I can get a new motor and pedal for $40. However, I do not want to spend money on it if I cannot fix the free wheeling presser bar lever, I need to know how it looks and works. Any video on this for the 239?
Not specifically for a 239, but they have the same presser bar system/parts/ The 237 just adds zigzag. There is a spring in the presser bar that can break. The clamping screw that holds the height of the presser bar can be loose. Maybe this video? ruclips.net/video/bRjfg2VaqP4/видео.html You could buy & download the original Service Manual if you wanted: manualsoncd.com/product/singer-237-sewing-machine-service-manual-download/
I have a question about the bottom of the needle bar that you talk about at 18:32 in your video. You called it a "needle bar thread guard" at that point and then later referred to it as a "pig tail thread guard". I think I saw this part in two different areas; one on the MANUALSONCD.COM parts list where it is identified by part number 352130/810; and secondly on page 15 of the Singer 237 manual where it shows it in an illustration but makes no mention of it. For some reason, I'm thinking it's the last thread guide before the thread is inserted into the eye of the needle (not sure where I got that idea). The vintagesingerparts.com web site shows a Finger / Needle Guard For Low Shank Sewing Machines under the Singer 23 parts but I don't think that's what you're talking about. So, is it a thread guide or is it a finger guard? Also, you mention a "gib" and I don't know what that part is. Is that the thumb screw that clamps the needle to the needle bar? Hope my questions are clear, and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Hi, Terry. Sure, your questions are clear, no worries. My reply is slow b/c RUclips held your comment for review for “Bad Words” which you did not use, but that happens sometimes. Anyway, when I’m talking about the “Needle Bar Thread Guard” and the “Pig Tail Thread Guide", I’m speaking of the same part and it is the part number you mention. A part can be a guard or a guide or both. Guard in that it guards the thread against being damaged or caught in another part and guide in it guides the thread towards, around or thru another part. The pigtail is the shape of the part, like a little curlicue of wire. Thread guards and guides come in several shapes and sizes. You are correct that this one is meant to guard the thread against catching on the needle clamp and to guide it right down to the needle eye. I do not like the design of this clip on guard and have never seen it on any Singer other than the 237 & 239. Maybe Singer did not like it much either? The thumb screw you mention is called the "Needle Clamp Thumb Screw" and is not a gib. A diagram of the gib is on the parts list you mention, right below the part you mention (thread guard/guide) It is part 86822/803 and shaped like the letter “C” and it is called a "Needle Clamp GIB". It is used in the clamp to back up the needle so the thumbscrew can press the needle into it and hold the needle in place. This gib also keeps the needle clamp from turning and, by resting on the thread guard, keeps the clamp from slipping off the needle par when the thumb screw is backed off to change or insert a needle. Most clamps and needle bars do not use a gib. This particular gib is unique to Singer Models 237 & 239. GIBs come in several shapes and sizes also. Here is where I ordered the replacement GIB: www.sewingpartsonline.com/gib-needle-clamp-singer-86822-803.aspx I will be doing another video soon showing the installation of the gib and a thread guard/guide made from a hitch pin that I hope will work as I can’t find the little clip-on pigtail one for sale. The "Finger Guard" on the website is an attachment that guards against you putting your finger under the needle while sewing and does not affect the thread. Thanks for asking and watching my videos, Terry. Merry Christmas. Nice to hear from you and take care.
@@andytubesewing1953 Is this ebay item similar to the pig tail thread guide that you're looking for, www.ebay.ca/itm/SINGER-241-251-281NEEDLE-BAR-WIRE-THREAD-GUIDE-52171/302295377437 Do you think it might fit your 237?
It is the same idea, ie: a wire type thread guide that connects to the needle bar. I don't think it would work bb/c the models it is made for are all industrial machines, and usually, the needle bars on those are a bigger diameter. This one clips on above the needle clamp, while mine is below. I just released a video showing the alternative device I found and will try using for the thread guide. It cost $0.57 for two of them. What do you think? ruclips.net/video/kVB-_1dmOFo/видео.html
Hi Andy I have bought a Singer 7136 machine I thread correctly but can not retrieve the thread from bobbin any suggestions ????? Cheers Clarise from down under
Good day, Clarise. The Singer 7136 was not made in the USA, so it is difficult to get much information on it, but let's try. First, be sure you reengage the stop motion knob after winding the bobbin. You probably checked this, but for others reading this comment when the stop motion knob (smaller knob inside handwheel) is turned left, it stops the motion to everything in the machine except for the handwheel so when winding the bobbin the needle, feed dog AND HOOK do not move. If you did not reengage the knob, the hook is not turning so it can not grab the needle thread and wrap it around the bobbin thread to pull it up. There are "duplicate" machines made by Singer in Italy & Taiwan. I believe your Model 7136 is a duplicate of the SO-FRO Model 4314. I can't find a user manual for 7136 but did find one for the 4314. Free Copy Here >> www.singer.com/sites/default/files/product_manual/SINGER%204314%20SO-FRO%20Sewing%20Machine.pdf All the threading info is on pages 11 thru 14. I could not find a parts diagram for the SO-FRO 4314 but did find one for the 7136. Free Copy Here >> parts.singerco.com/CPpartCharts/7_7999/7100_SERIES.pdf On the actual document pages, 18 & 19 (not pdf page number) is what I believe is a diagram that should closely resemble the feed and hook drive parts of your 7136. There are several gears down there that drive the feed dog to lift and rock and drive the hook to rotate. Most likely most of the gears are made of plastic. 30+-year-old plastic if I'm right that your machine was made in the mid-1980s. So it is known that the plastic gets brittle and cracks and the gear "teeth" chip off. If one or more gears strip or crack then you lose movement of the hook and or feed dog. You may be able to remove the bobbin, turn the handwheel and tell if the feed dog moves front to back and the hook turns. If not most likely there are broken gears. All the lower gears are powered by the horizontal arm shaft connected to the handwheel. The power gets to the bottom via a belt or a horizontal shaft with gears. I guess if that belt broke the lower gears would not have power, but that is not common at all. If gears are damaged you can buy replacements online like this seller >> www.sewingpartsonline.com/singer-7136-sewing-machine-parts.aspx?sort.ss_cat_sort=desc&index=1 You may have sewing repair and parts shops where you live too. Here is an online video that gives you an idea of what it takes to change gears, just an example >> ruclips.net/video/qHx6VPdenj0/видео.html Here in the USA, most people try to change them on their own as the repair shop labor is quite high. $175.00 last time I heard a price. So, without being able to have hands-on your machine, this is my best guess based on the most common causes of your problem; either the knob is disengaged, or there are one or more broken gears. Best of luck to you, Clarise, and g'day mate. Take Care.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thanks So much Andy discovered it was using wrong bobbin !!!! but the stop motion knob is stuck cant move either way ???? any ideas
The wrong bobbin! Oh, brother ... OK, so that problem is solved. Looking at the parts list I linked for you it looks like the stop motion knob is plastic. It may not have been turned for years. If you have a penetrating oil, or WD-40 I'd spray some behind the knob. Take off the small stop-motion stop screw that is in the knob and spray inside there too. If you want to try to heat the knob and handwheel with a hairdryer that can help. Use the hairdryer first for a few minutes and when cool enough to touch try turning back and forth. Plastic parts act oddly (IMO) and can contract and expand so heating and cooling it may break it free from being stuck together. My guess is it is turned hard to the right, or closed position b/c, if it was turned, left it would start to be unthreaded and less likely to get stuck. So maybe heat, cool down and turn left. If no good try the oil or WD. A good rap with a rubber hammer can jolt it free but remember it's plastic so don't break it. If it's going to stay stuck, better it is closer and engaged so you can still sew. Good Luck.
Do you mean the motor belt? Remove the end cover to access the motor. The motor is bolted to the frame. Losen the mounting bolt(s) and lower the motor to put more tension on the belt. Usually, the weight of the motor will provide the correct tension, then retighten the bolt. If you have too much tension you will notice the motor "bogs" down or struggles to reach full speed. ruclips.net/video/8Voq7f5vT6E/видео.html
Thanks so much for this video. I rescued a 237 recently and after some cleaning, wanted to see if it would sew. While threading it, I noticed that the needle bar was facing at an angle. Thanks to your video, I had the courage to try to correct it. Works great now.
Nicely done, Linda. I'm glad you found the video. Thank you for saving that machine. It's a very nice model and considered the last all-metal machine Singer made for home use. I appreciate the comment and happy sewing.
Wonderful. Thanks for the video and instruction. My presser bar is frozen, but I'll work it just like you did. Thank again.
Good luck, Kathy.
Yet another great video Andy. Thank you. My project 237 seems pretty simple now, thanks to you!
Nice of you to say that, Robert. Thanks very much.
Great video and wonderful clear instructions, thanks Andy.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mom just brought me a Singer 239 that has the cord cut from it and no foot pedal. I can get a new motor and pedal for $40. However, I do not want to spend money on it if I cannot fix the free wheeling presser bar lever, I need to know how it looks and works. Any video on this for the 239?
Not specifically for a 239, but they have the same presser bar system/parts/ The 237 just adds zigzag. There is a spring in the presser bar that can break. The clamping screw that holds the height of the presser bar can be loose. Maybe this video? ruclips.net/video/bRjfg2VaqP4/видео.html You could buy & download the original Service Manual if you wanted: manualsoncd.com/product/singer-237-sewing-machine-service-manual-download/
Great Video Andy, Thank you.
Nice of you to comment, Mark. Thanks very much.
I have a question about the bottom of the needle bar that you talk about at 18:32 in your video. You called it a "needle bar thread guard" at that point and then later referred to it as a "pig tail thread guard".
I think I saw this part in two different areas; one on the MANUALSONCD.COM parts list where it is identified by part number 352130/810; and secondly on page 15 of the Singer 237 manual where it shows it in an illustration but makes no mention of it.
For some reason, I'm thinking it's the last thread guide before the thread is inserted into the eye of the needle (not sure where I got that idea).
The vintagesingerparts.com web site shows a Finger / Needle Guard For Low Shank Sewing Machines under the Singer 23 parts but I don't think that's what you're talking about.
So, is it a thread guide or is it a finger guard?
Also, you mention a "gib" and I don't know what that part is. Is that the thumb screw that clamps the needle to the needle bar?
Hope my questions are clear, and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Hi, Terry. Sure, your questions are clear, no worries. My reply is slow b/c RUclips held your comment for review for “Bad Words” which you did not use, but that happens sometimes. Anyway, when I’m talking about the “Needle Bar Thread Guard” and the “Pig Tail Thread Guide", I’m speaking of the same part and it is the part number you mention. A part can be a guard or a guide or both. Guard in that it guards the thread against being damaged or caught in another part and guide in it guides the thread towards, around or thru another part. The pigtail is the shape of the part, like a little curlicue of wire.
Thread guards and guides come in several shapes and sizes.
You are correct that this one is meant to guard the thread against catching on the needle clamp and to guide it right down to the needle eye.
I do not like the design of this clip on guard and have never seen it on any Singer other than the 237 & 239. Maybe Singer did not like it much either?
The thumb screw you mention is called the "Needle Clamp Thumb Screw" and is not a gib. A diagram of the gib is on the parts list you mention, right below the part you mention (thread guard/guide)
It is part 86822/803 and shaped like the letter “C” and it is called a "Needle Clamp GIB". It is used in the clamp to back up the needle so the thumbscrew can press the needle into it and hold the needle in place. This gib also keeps the needle clamp from turning and, by resting on the thread guard, keeps the clamp from slipping off the needle par when the thumb screw is backed off to change or insert a needle. Most clamps and needle bars do not use a gib. This particular gib is unique to Singer Models 237 & 239.
GIBs come in several shapes and sizes also. Here is where I ordered the replacement GIB: www.sewingpartsonline.com/gib-needle-clamp-singer-86822-803.aspx
I will be doing another video soon showing the installation of the gib and a thread guard/guide made from a hitch pin that I hope will work as I can’t find the little clip-on pigtail one for sale.
The "Finger Guard" on the website is an attachment that guards against you putting your finger under the needle while sewing and does not affect the thread.
Thanks for asking and watching my videos, Terry. Merry Christmas. Nice to hear from you and take care.
@@andytubesewing1953 Is this ebay item similar to the pig tail thread guide that you're looking for, www.ebay.ca/itm/SINGER-241-251-281NEEDLE-BAR-WIRE-THREAD-GUIDE-52171/302295377437
Do you think it might fit your 237?
It is the same idea, ie: a wire type thread guide that connects to the needle bar. I don't think it would work bb/c the models it is made for are all industrial machines, and usually, the needle bars on those are a bigger diameter. This one clips on above the needle clamp, while mine is below. I just released a video showing the alternative device I found and will try using for the thread guide. It cost $0.57 for two of them. What do you think? ruclips.net/video/kVB-_1dmOFo/видео.html
Hi Andy I have bought a Singer 7136 machine I thread correctly but can not retrieve the thread from bobbin any suggestions ????? Cheers Clarise from down under
Good day, Clarise. The Singer 7136 was not made in the USA, so it is difficult to get much information on it, but let's try. First, be sure you reengage the stop motion knob after winding the bobbin. You probably checked this, but for others reading this comment when the stop motion knob (smaller knob inside handwheel) is turned left, it stops the motion to everything in the machine except for the handwheel so when winding the bobbin the needle, feed dog AND HOOK do not move. If you did not reengage the knob, the hook is not turning so it can not grab the needle thread and wrap it around the bobbin thread to pull it up.
There are "duplicate" machines made by Singer in Italy & Taiwan. I believe your Model 7136 is a duplicate of the SO-FRO Model 4314. I can't find a user manual for 7136 but did find one for the 4314. Free Copy Here >> www.singer.com/sites/default/files/product_manual/SINGER%204314%20SO-FRO%20Sewing%20Machine.pdf
All the threading info is on pages 11 thru 14. I could not find a parts diagram for the SO-FRO 4314 but did find one for the 7136. Free Copy Here >>
parts.singerco.com/CPpartCharts/7_7999/7100_SERIES.pdf
On the actual document pages, 18 & 19 (not pdf page number) is what I believe is a diagram that should closely resemble the feed and hook drive parts of your 7136.
There are several gears down there that drive the feed dog to lift and rock and drive the hook to rotate. Most likely most of the gears are made of plastic. 30+-year-old plastic if I'm right that your machine was made in the mid-1980s. So it is known that the plastic gets brittle and cracks and the gear "teeth" chip off. If one or more gears strip or crack then you lose movement of the hook and or feed dog. You may be able to remove the bobbin, turn the handwheel and tell if the feed dog moves front to back and the hook turns. If not most likely there are broken gears. All the lower gears are powered by the horizontal arm shaft connected to the handwheel. The power gets to the bottom via a belt or a horizontal shaft with gears. I guess if that belt broke the lower gears would not have power, but that is not common at all. If gears are damaged you can buy replacements online like this seller >>
www.sewingpartsonline.com/singer-7136-sewing-machine-parts.aspx?sort.ss_cat_sort=desc&index=1
You may have sewing repair and parts shops where you live too. Here is an online video that gives you an idea of what it takes to change gears, just an example >>
ruclips.net/video/qHx6VPdenj0/видео.html
Here in the USA, most people try to change them on their own as the repair shop labor is quite high. $175.00 last time I heard a price.
So, without being able to have hands-on your machine, this is my best guess based on the most common causes of your problem; either the knob is disengaged, or there are one or more broken gears. Best of luck to you, Clarise, and g'day mate. Take Care.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thanks So much Andy discovered it was using wrong bobbin !!!! but the stop motion knob is stuck cant move either way ???? any ideas
The wrong bobbin! Oh, brother ... OK, so that problem is solved. Looking at the parts list I linked for you it looks like the stop motion knob is plastic. It may not have been turned for years. If you have a penetrating oil, or WD-40 I'd spray some behind the knob. Take off the small stop-motion stop screw that is in the knob and spray inside there too. If you want to try to heat the knob and handwheel with a hairdryer that can help. Use the hairdryer first for a few minutes and when cool enough to touch try turning back and forth. Plastic parts act oddly (IMO) and can contract and expand so heating and cooling it may break it free from being stuck together. My guess is it is turned hard to the right, or closed position b/c, if it was turned, left it would start to be unthreaded and less likely to get stuck. So maybe heat, cool down and turn left. If no good try the oil or WD. A good rap with a rubber hammer can jolt it free but remember it's plastic so don't break it. If it's going to stay stuck, better it is closer and engaged so you can still sew. Good Luck.
Cheers Andy how do you adjust the belt tension ????
Do you mean the motor belt? Remove the end cover to access the motor. The motor is bolted to the frame. Losen the mounting bolt(s) and lower the motor to put more tension on the belt. Usually, the weight of the motor will provide the correct tension, then retighten the bolt. If you have too much tension you will notice the motor "bogs" down or struggles to reach full speed. ruclips.net/video/8Voq7f5vT6E/видео.html