JoeJr

...about the correct way to install Singer clutch knobs and lock washers. The machine in the pictures is a 201. I tried this on a 66, 99, and 201, and it worked the same on all 3.

1. With the clutch knob, lock washer, and hand wheel off the machine, rotate the shaft in the normal direction until the slots on the end of the shaft are more or less vertical, and the needle is in the down position (pictures one and two)

2. Orient the lock washer with the bend on the inner tangs away from the machine; one inner tang should line up with a stop for the set screw (picture 3)

3. Replace the hand wheel, keeping the shaft in the same position as in No 1, and insert the lock washer with the tang and set screw stop at the top (picture 4; hand wheel not installed for illustration)

4. Tilt the machine up from the hand wheel end and reinstall the clutch knob, tighten down the test screw, and test to make sure it all loosens correctly; tilting it helps keep the lock washer from falling off

I have of course done this dozens and dozens of times, usually incorrectly, and it would make sense that there’s a procedure for doing it. I’m not positive this is the procedure, but it worked in my limited sample.

Thoughts or criticisms are welcomed.