I would like to try to open up and clean the upper tension discs on my Kenmore 52 model 158.523 but cannot budge the center of this dial (in photo). I believe these red handled tools were original with the machine so I'm wondering why they don't even fit into this part to loosen it. Is there another tool I'm missing? How does it come apart?
Is it even a good idea for me to open it up as I am a beginner with this machine? Thanks for any input you may have.
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On the Singer sewing machine, you are not to open the tension disk at all. This is a very precision part of the machine and if you try to open this op and remove it then you will mess up the tension on the machine which is so hard to regulate. Plus on this tension disk is a small wire that is used when threading the machine. This small wire is very fragile and can easily break and when this happens it is impossible to thread your sewing machine. The only thing you should do to clean the machine is around the pressure food and inside the bobbin casing. There is a screw on the pressure food or on the metal plate that I can see from your image. You will remove this and the pressure plate just pops out.
I found the manual online and I don't think it is supposed to come apart. Double check me!
www.manualslib.com/
When I clean mine--first, I cover the top of the machine with a towel so the gunk doesn't spread. Then I take an clean (only used for appliances) meat basting brush--you know those long thin basting brushes) to the discs to freshen them up..brush downward very gently) When I am done, I use canned air going down. This is onte of the few places to use canned air. Don't use in the bobbin case.
Hope this helps. Post back with an update!
Sounds like you need a little sewing machine oil ( Oil made just for sewing machines ) . Over time parts get stiff and sometimes lock up with debris, moisture, aging machine.
I guess I would ask - why are you wanting to do this?
Is this a new machine to you?
Are you an avid sewer but just never worked one one?
If you have never actually done any cleaning to a machine this may not be a good project for a beginner.
I would recommend that you ask your question on this site as they know all about these machines and know what questions to ask so they can walk you through what needs to be done.
Please keep this site handy so you can ask about any other problems you may have in the future.
Just be sure to tell them how long you've had the machine as well as any problems you're having other than wanting to do this 'fix'.
Sears also has service centers to do repairs should you needs parts.
www.service-center-locator.com/
Nice free manual:
pdfslide.net/
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