You can purchase a replacement hinge from the Featherweight Shop online. The lock hinge is often broken from being pried up by someone who wanted to see inside. When I replaced mine, I had to purchase two new hinges. Though old ones are occasionally available. It was an exhausting effort for DH who thought he knew better. The hinges are riveted in and have to be drilled out, but there are directions online. IN hindsight, I would have purchased one of the red nylon cases for the featherweight. Old cases are sometimes musty.