"Sewing machine oil"

Reply Subscribe

Page 1 of 2

Thread Tools

11-22-2013, 07:27 AM

Central Ohio Quilter

Super Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Central Ohio

Posts: 1,370

"Sewing machine oil"

Is there really any difference between "sewing machine oil" and just regular oil from the hardware store, like 3-in-1 oil?

Thanks!

11-22-2013, 07:31 AM

Holice

Banned

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Sturbridge, Ma

Posts: 3,992

Yes. Only use oil especially made for sewing machines. Don't take a chance.

11-22-2013, 07:41 AM

Annie68

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2011

Location: Maine

Posts: 1,469

Holice answered it well.

11-22-2013, 07:43 AM

Kat Sews

Senior Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Posts: 647

Sewing machine is lighter and more refined than hardware oil. It doesn't tend to harden and get gummy like less refined oils do.

11-22-2013, 07:45 AM

BellaBoo

Power Poster

Join Date: Jan 2009

Location: Front row

Posts: 14,646

Sewing machine oil evaporates. That's why machines have to be oiled frequently. If regular oil is used it will not evaporate so lint and dust will build up in the oil. Sewing machine oil is crystal clear. If the oil has a tint of color it is too old to use.

11-22-2013, 07:56 AM

mighty

Power Poster

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Upland CA

Posts: 18,376

Only use sewing machine oil!

11-22-2013, 08:02 AM

Nammie to 7

Super Member

Join Date: Feb 2013

Location: Rapid City, SD

Posts: 4,961

I agree with all here -- you might not notice an issue right away but it will create an issue.

11-22-2013, 08:48 AM

dunster

Power Poster

Join Date: Mar 2009

Location: Lake Elsinore, CA

Posts: 15,163

Huge difference! If you get sewing machine oil on your fabric (and how can you avoid it?) it will wash right out.

11-22-2013, 09:41 AM

Jeanne S

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2013

Location: Tulsa, Ok

Posts: 4,582

Thanks for asking this question--good information to know!

11-22-2013, 09:57 AM

#10

Skyangel

Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2012

Location: Oregon

Posts: 809

DO NOT use 3-in-1 oil!!!! It contains parafin and will harden and gum up your machine! I remember my mother using 3-in-1 oil and her vintage Singer 401 was full of brown hardened oil with the stitch selector frozen.

Use only sewing machine oil (or I use Tri-Flow oil that has teflon).