Originally Posted by
Shelley M
I just purchased a Singer 221 and during greasing, oiling and cleaning discovered a broken part. The machine seemed to run well but it appears this small piece, not sure of the name, is broken and not the same as the mirror image part. What part does this piece play? Since it seems to be working fine is there any harm in operating it this way? Please advise if you know what this piece is called, I can only find the part number which I believe to be 45808. Thank you.
It is part #45807, position plate spring (back). The most important part of that piece is still there which keeps the position finger in place but will give a little, hence the spring moves as you sew and all the parts do their jobs. If you want to replace the needle plate you can, but as long as it is sewing fine, think that I would not worry about it. Some of these machines were treated kindly and some have not been in my experience repairing them since 1994.