Help! How do I get this bulb out without damaging the socket?
 

Okay, I know this sounds like I'm pretty stupid. I removed the light socket from the 99 to get a better look at how to remove the bulb because just trying to unscrew it didn't seem to work. There is a ring (looks like metal) around the socket but I can't seem to remove it easily. I don't want to damage the socket but there's no way that bulb is coming out without releasing the pressure on that ring. Do any of you have any suggestions? The socket appears to be a bakelite type material. Wouldn't that crack if I put any pressure on it? I've taken a couple of pictures so you can see what I mean. I know someone here will know an easy solution to my problem. I've found a bulb on eBay that I can buy but getting the old bulb out is the problem at this point.

nanna-up-north,

Well, that is not one of Singers better ideas.

The fish eye lens has three dogs that match up with the notches in the housing, but, you can't turn it. The locking tabs inside the housing prevent it from turning.

The only way I know of to get to the bulb is to remove the snap ring from the large end and carefully spread the housing apart till you can get the lens and it's gasket out. Then R&R the bulb, put the lens and gasket back in and then put the snap ring back on. Careful with the gasket, it's probably brittle and or rotten. If you need to make another one 3/32" cork sheet works good.
If you put it back together without the gasket the lens will probably rattle like crazy.

To get the snap ring off I use a very small screw driver and slip it under the end of the ring, then work it out of the grove. It's a stout piece of wire, but it's flexible.
Easiest way to get the snap ring back on is to slide it on from the rear.
I just had to do this to the light assembly I put on my HOTHER.

I've seen a lot of these lights without the lens, but the lens does disburse the light really good so I keep them in there.

Joe

Try pushing the lens up/in & turning it approx 1/4 turn. It won't turn without pushing in on it.

Pat,

Just for my curiosity and education, have you been able to remove the lens from this type of light with out taking it apart? If you have your a better sewing machine mechanic than I am ... but that don't take much :).

I have one 66 with that light that is complete and factory original. I tried doing exactly what you said and that silly thing would not budge. I was trying to figure out how to put the lenses back in the two lights that I got that came without them. I got replacement lenses from the LSMG.
No matter where I pushed and turned the lens just would not come out.
That's why I did it the way I posted above.

Joe

Yes, I have removed it like that. The heat from the bulb can harden old oil/grime that could be causing it to stick. Try some lubrication...& possibly a little heat.

If you end up having to remove the snap ring you can get a set of snap ring pliers from Auto Zone or any auto parts store. Take your lamp with you so you can be sure they will fit or, if you know of a mechanic, ask him to remove it for you. It will save damaging the finish on either the lamp housing or you!

You have gotten some good suggestions. Never had one like that but the other day I tried to change the wiring on a lamp from my Universal. Tried prying it apart with a screw driver. Ended up cracking the housing and ruining it. Now no pretty turquoise light to match the machine. So be careful whatever you do to get the danged thing out and good luck.

P.S. Realized after all of my ruination, I didn't need to take it apart at all. Only needed to clip the wire where it was frayed and cracked and insert into the old plug. It woud still reach the recepticle even with an inch missing. Felt like a complete idiot. I will think longer before I try fixing something the next time.

Kitsykeel

I have a set of snap ring pliers, but the wire that ring is made of is so flexible it keeps slipping off the pliers. That's why I slipped a tiny screw driver under the end of the ring and lifted it up, then slipped it sideways and off.

Joe

I have snap ring pliers up the ........ you need a pair that are built to spread just that type of ring ...they are flat on the end fairly wide and the flat part has a slight inward bevel, so when you spread it forces the ring into the pliers, a decent pair will cost you $35,, the auto parts pliers , sears ( chinese ) are a mess waiting to happen..

I just bought a 99k in a cabinet on Craigslist...only $20! Cabinet needs refinishing tho..... Anyway, it had been years since I changed a light bulb in that type of light. But, I didn't have any problem removing the lens.

I removed the light from the bracket so I wouldn't be putting a lot of pressure on the bracket...& so I could see what I was doing a little better. Pushed in on the lens...hard. Turned & it came out! A good tip is to wear rubber gloves...it gives you a little traction so you can turn it easier.