Do You Need to Oil a Singer 132 Sewing Machine?

Maintaining a sewing machine is as crucial as mastering the art of sewing itself. Among the questions that often arise for vintage sewing enthusiasts, the Singer 132 sewing machine holds a special place. 

A classic model renowned for its durability, the Singer 132, also known as the Singer 132Q Featherweight, has inspired creativity for generations. 

Yet, one pressing query persists: Do you need to oil a Singer 132 sewing machine? In the world of sewing, this question is more than a technicality; it’s a matter of preservation and performance. 

In the following exploration, we will delve into the importance of oiling this beloved machine, how to do it right, and why it matters for your sewing journey.

Do You Need to Oil a Singer 132 Sewing Machine?

Yes, it is essential to oil a Singer 132 sewing machine regularly to ensure its smooth and efficient operation. 

Proper lubrication helps reduce friction between the moving parts of the machine, preventing wear and tear. 

Failure to lubricate the sewing machine can result in increased friction, which can lead to overheating and damage to important components.

To oil a Singer 132 sewing machine, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines provided in the user manual. 

Typically, you’ll need to clean the machine first to remove lint and debris, then apply a few drops of sewing machine oil to specific points indicated in the manual, such as the bobbin case, hook, and other moving parts. 

Regular maintenance and oiling can extend the lifespan of your sewing machine and ensure consistent, high-quality stitching for your sewing projects.

Why Do You Need to Oil Your Singer 132 Sewing Machine?

Oiling your Singer 132 sewing machine is a critical maintenance task that ensures the machine’s smooth operation and longevity. 

Sewing machines, like any mechanical devices, have moving parts that rub against each other. Over time, friction and wear can cause these parts to deteriorate and may lead to sewing machine malfunctions.

Regular oiling helps prevent these issues and offers several key benefits:

Reduced Friction

Oiling your sewing machine reduces friction between its moving parts, such as the needle, presser foot, and bobbin case. 

This reduction in friction means less heat is generated during operation, which helps prevent parts from overheating and potentially warping or breaking.

Smooth Operation

Oiling ensures that the machine operates smoothly. When parts move freely, there is less resistance, allowing for even stitching and preventing jams or skipped stitches.

Extended Lifespan

Regular maintenance, including oiling, can significantly extend the lifespan of your Singer 132 sewing machine. 

By reducing wear and tear on critical components, you can avoid costly repairs and replacements in the future.

Quieter Operation

A well-oiled sewing machine runs more quietly. This is especially important if you use your machine for extended periods, as the noise reduction can make your sewing sessions more pleasant.

Prevention of Rust and Corrosion

Sewing machines can be susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially if they are exposed to humidity or stored in damp conditions. 

Oiling the metal parts of your machine forms a protective barrier, preventing moisture from causing damage.

How to Oil a Singer Sewing Machine?

Oiling a Singer sewing machine is an essential maintenance task that helps keep your machine running smoothly and prolong its lifespan. 

Proper lubrication reduces friction between moving parts, prevents rust, and ensures that your machine operates without any hiccups.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to oil a Singer sewing machine:

Materials You’ll Need:

• Sewing machine oil
• Lint brush or soft brush
• Screwdriver
• Clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel
• Your Singer sewing machine manual

Preparation

Always begin by turning off and unplugging your Singer sewing machine to ensure safety while working on it. Additionally, clear the sewing area of any fabric, threads, or debris.

Consult the Manual

Your Singer sewing machine’s manual is a valuable resource. Refer to it for specific oiling instructions. 

Different Singer models may have variations in the oiling process, so it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Cleaning

Before oiling, use a lint brush or a soft brush to meticulously remove dust, lint, and loose threads from both the exterior and interior of the machine. Pay special attention to areas around the needle, bobbin case, and feed dogs.

Identify Oil Points

Examine your machine to locate the designated oiling points. These are often marked with small red dots or arrows in your manual. 

Common oiling points include the bobbin case, needle bar, presser foot lever, and various gears and moving parts.

Applying Oil

Dip a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel into your sewing machine oil. Gently apply a small drop of oil to each identified oiling point, adhering to your machine’s manual. 

Avoid over-oiling, as excessive oil can attract dust and lint, potentially causing more harm than good. A little oil goes a long way.

Handwheel Rotation

After applying oil, manually rotate the handwheel (usually located on the right side of the machine). This helps distribute the oil evenly throughout the moving parts, ensuring effective lubrication.

Wipe Off Excess Oil

Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off any excess oil that may have accumulated on the surface of the machine. Excess oil can stain fabric and attract more lint, so it’s crucial to remove it.

Test Your Machine

Plug in and turn on your Singer sewing machine. Run a few stitches on a scrap piece of fabric to ensure that everything is operating smoothly and that the lubrication has improved the machine’s performance.

Do You Need Cleaning a Sewing Machine Before Oiling?

Yes, it’s important to clean your sewing machine before oiling it. Cleaning the machine before oiling helps ensure that the oil is applied to a clean and dust-free surface, which is essential for proper maintenance and optimal sewing machine performance.

Here’s why cleaning before oiling is important:

Dust and Lint Removal

Sewing machines can accumulate dust, lint, and loose threads over time. These particles can interfere with the smooth operation of the machine, causing it to jam or perform poorly. Cleaning the machine removes these contaminants.

Prevents Abrasion

Dust and lint can act as abrasives, causing increased friction between moving parts. This friction can lead to premature wear and tear on the machine. Proper cleaning helps prevent unnecessary damage.

Ensures Proper Lubrication

When you oil a sewing machine, you want the oil to reach the necessary components and provide lubrication where it’s needed most. 

Dust and lint can block oil passages, preventing the oil from reaching its intended areas. Cleaning clears these passages, allowing the oil to do its job effectively.

Singer Sewing Machine Parts

Singer sewing machines, like most sewing machines, consist of several essential parts that work together to create stitches and facilitate sewing.

Here are some of the key parts commonly found in Singer sewing machines:

Needle

The needle is a slender, pointed metal rod that holds the thread and pierces the fabric to create stitches.

Bobbin

The bobbin is a small, spool-like device that holds the lower thread. It is placed in the bobbin case or bobbin housing beneath the sewing machine’s needle plate.

Bobbin Case

The bobbin case holds the bobbin in place and allows the lower thread to interact with the upper thread from the needle to create stitches.

Presser Foot

The presser foot is a movable attachment that presses down on the fabric as it feeds through the machine. It helps to keep the fabric flat and secure while sewing.

Feed Dogs

The feed dogs are small, metal teeth that sit below the presser foot and move the fabric forward or backward, depending on the sewing machine’s settings. They play a crucial role in advancing the fabric evenly as you sew.

Needle Plate

The needle plate is a metal plate that covers the bobbin area and contains a small hole for the needle to pass through. It may also have markings to guide stitching lines.

Tension Discs

Tension discs control the tension of the upper thread. Proper tension is essential for balanced stitches, and tension adjustments can be made using the tension dial.

Thread Guides

These are small hooks or guides that help direct the thread along its intended path through the machine, from the spool to the needle.

Handwheel: The handwheel is a large wheel typically located on the side of the sewing machine. It can be manually turned to raise and lower the needle and to advance or retract the take-up lever.

Take-up Lever

The take-up lever is a hooked, movable metal arm that helps pull the thread from the spool and controls the thread tension as it passes through the machine.

Stitch Selector and Controls

Singer sewing machines often come with various stitch options, stitch length control, and stitch width control. 

These are typically found on the front or side of the machine and allow you to choose different sewing techniques and patterns.

Thread Cutter

Some Singer sewing machines feature a built-in thread cutter, which is a small blade that can trim the thread after sewing.

Foot Pedal

The foot pedal is a control device that allows you to regulate the speed of the sewing machine. Pressing it gently accelerates the sewing speed, and releasing it slows down or stops the machine.

Bobbin Winder

The bobbin winder is a mechanism that winds thread onto the bobbin. It typically disengages when the bobbin is full.

Light

Many Singer sewing machines have built-in lights to illuminate the sewing area, making it easier to see your work.

Singer Sewing Machine Parts Diagram

A Singer sewing machine parts diagram serves as a visual guide to the various components of a Singer sewing machine.

It typically includes detailed illustrations and labels for key parts such as the needle, presser foot, bobbin, feed dogs, tension discs, and more.

Here is a detail of the Singer Sewing machine diagram that is a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced sewers:

Needle Section:

• Needle
• Needle Clamp

Presser Foot Section:

• Presser Foot
• Presser Foot Lever

Feed Mechanism Section:

• Feed Dogs

Thread Control Section:

• Thread Tension Control
• Thread Guides
• Thread Spool Pins

Bobbin Section:

• Bobbin Winder
• Bobbin Winder Stopper
• Bobbin Case

Operational Controls Section:

• Handwheel
• Take-up Lever
• Reverse Stitch Lever
• Thread Cutter Lever

Stitch Selection Section:

• Stitch Selector and Controls

Additional Features Section:

• Thread Spool Holder
• Light
• Foot Pedal (not shown)

Access Panels:

• Bobbin Cover
• Needle Plate

FAQS

How often should I oil my Singer 132 sewing machine?

You should oil your Singer 132 sewing machine after every 8-10 hours of sewing. However, the frequency may vary depending on factors like usage and environmental conditions, so it’s essential to check your machine’s manual for specific recommendations.

Can I use any type of oil for my Singer 132 sewing machine?

No, it’s crucial to use a high-quality sewing machine oil specifically designed for sewing machines.

Is it necessary to clean the Singer 132 sewing machine before oiling it?

Yes, it’s essential to clean the machine before oiling it. Cleaning removes dust, lint, and debris that can hinder proper oil distribution and sewing machine performance.

Can I use a different type of lubricant, like WD-40, instead of sewing machine oil?

No, you should never use substitutes like WD-40 as they can damage your Singer 132 sewing machine. Stick to the recommended sewing machine oil for safe and effective lubrication.

Wrap Up

Oiling a Singer 132 sewing machine is an essential practice to maintain its longevity and sewing performance.

Proper lubrication reduces friction between crucial moving parts, preventing wear and tear while ensuring smooth operation. 

Regularly oiling your machine, following the manufacturer’s recommendations, not only extends its lifespan but also enhances stitch quality. 

It’s a simple yet vital aspect of sewing machine maintenance that shouldn’t be overlooked. Neglecting oiling can lead to problems such as jamming, skipped stitches, or excessive noise. 

So, for a well-functioning and dependable Singer 132 sewing machine, remember to include regular oiling in your sewing routine, ensuring that your sewing projects remain a pleasure for years to come.