Best gear lubricant for Singer 401?
#1
Best gear lubricant for Singer 401?
I once used singer lubricant on my Singer 401 gears, but I don't see it around anymore. It was last lubricated at the service and repair shop with something that was almost white, and it became almost hardened. I have cleaned it off, and want to go back with something that is known to be a good lubricant. Can someone who knows tell me what to buy, and where? I would also like some feedback on the best sewing machine oil. Thanks so much.
Piepatch
Piepatch
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
Piepatch,
The hardened white stuff could have been white lithium grease or some other stuff.
Singer now makes a grease that is white and states it's for gears. I have some and it's quite sticky. Not at all like the old Singer Motor Lube grease.
However, I use Tri-Flow grease on my 401 and 500s. It's a synthetic and does not harden or run off like some greases do.
I get it from Sew-Classic.
Joe
The hardened white stuff could have been white lithium grease or some other stuff.
Singer now makes a grease that is white and states it's for gears. I have some and it's quite sticky. Not at all like the old Singer Motor Lube grease.
However, I use Tri-Flow grease on my 401 and 500s. It's a synthetic and does not harden or run off like some greases do.
I get it from Sew-Classic.
Joe
#3
Thanks so much for the information! I read something about Tri-Flow on another thread, but I was not sure if it was ok for the 401.........now I know. I will order the Tri-Flow Grease and Oil, and won't plan on using the machine until I get it well lubricated again. Since I cleaned off all that gook, it needs a good treatment. Thanks again for responding.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Centralia, WA, USA
Posts: 4,890
Sunflowerzz: How does the Vaseline hold up over time? I've seen it mentioned by people more knowledgeable than me that it was a good substitute for Singer motor lube but I'm not sure of how it does over time. I'm currently using it in my daughter's Singer 101 but we really don't run that machine very much.
Our local sewing machine shop recommended a light weight synthetic grease when I asked. I didn't find any locally so I used the Vaseline instead.
Rodney
Our local sewing machine shop recommended a light weight synthetic grease when I asked. I didn't find any locally so I used the Vaseline instead.
Rodney
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
Vaseline is like the Singer Motor Lube grease. It melts at 115º and will fling off as it liquifies under the heat and pressure of use. It's good for the Singer motors and others like my old White DRESSMASTER that specifies petroleum jelly in the motor's grease pots, but I wouldn't use it for gears in any machine used to any degree.
Tri-Flow grease is readily available at Sew-Classic and is far more suitable for gears. The white Singer gear grease is also available on line and at the LSMG places.
Joe
Tri-Flow grease is readily available at Sew-Classic and is far more suitable for gears. The white Singer gear grease is also available on line and at the LSMG places.
Joe
#8
Sunflowerzz: How does the Vaseline hold up over time? I've seen it mentioned by people more knowledgeable than me that it was a good substitute for Singer motor lube but I'm not sure of how it does over time. I'm currently using it in my daughter's Singer 101 but we really don't run that machine very much.
Our local sewing machine shop recommended a light weight synthetic grease when I asked. I didn't find any locally so I used the Vaseline instead.
Rodney
Our local sewing machine shop recommended a light weight synthetic grease when I asked. I didn't find any locally so I used the Vaseline instead.
Rodney
#9
I use vaseline too. I have been to all the local stores and none of them carry Singer Motor Lube. The SMG didn't carry any (who was not local and I'm not driving 45 minutes to the other non local guy, for that way I might as well visit Miriam). Sew Classic only carries tri flow lube.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
vanginney
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
16
09-19-2020 04:01 AM
Lee in Richmond
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
13
07-09-2019 10:48 AM
Overlander
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
44
09-01-2013 09:26 AM
Quilt Novice
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
23
05-20-2013 08:57 PM
GreatStarter
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
15
10-24-2012 03:24 PM