Help! Singer 111w155 stripped / stuck screw

[friquant]

If you want equal lift, here's how to do it. 

[matthew123]

On 9/22/2025 at 3:48 PM, dikman said:

I'm not sure about using an impact driver but the idea of tapping the screw with a hammer is good, sometimes it can loosen a screw just enough to start it moving a bit, then work it back and forth. As for heat if you're using a small pin-point butane torch I doubt if you're going to get it hot enough to affect the hardness.

Thank you dikman!  That is the type of torch I have, so I will keep at it. 

On 9/22/2025 at 5:45 PM, DoogMeister said:

Impact drivers are great, but there is considerable risk of bending in the machine if you hit it hard enough to dislodge the screw.  A good soaking with penetrating oil followed by heat with a propane torch combined with an appropriate sized slot and good-fitting screwdriver should work.

You may end up removing everything but the threads of the stuck screw with your Dremel tool.  Go slowly, and have good light and magnification.  Then pick out the threads with a scribe or similar pointed instrument.  Run a thread tap through the hole to clean it out, and replace the screw.  much easier said than done. 

Thanks Doogmiester!  Do you think it's a standard thread pitch and size?  I've heard Singer screws are all different types of thread arrangements.  Any suggestions where to buy a new screw?

4 hours ago, friquant said:

If you want equal lift, here's how to do it. 

Thanks Friquant!  I will fine tune it that way and get them equal. 

 

Alzilla, I agree it may come down to drilling....

 

Will keep y'all posted when I have some time to tackle it this weekend.  Thanks again!!!

 

 

[DoogMeister]

Singer (made in USA) should be an SAE thread.  Could be fine or coarse thread pitch.  My local ACE hardware has a tremendous selection of screws, bolts, and such.  Lowe's stocks stainless steel machine screws in size 4-40, 6-32, and 8-32.  A hobby shop that caters to radio control enthusiasts will have small screws in both SAE and metric threads.

Grainger, Fastenall, and McMaster-Carr also stock a wide variety of hardware.  If you can identify the size and thread pitch, a gunsmith may be able to help.

[AlZilla]

17 hours ago, matthew123 said:

Thanks Doogmiester!  Do you think it's a standard thread pitch and size?  I've heard Singer screws are all different types of thread arrangements.  Any suggestions where to buy a new screw?

Just watch the banner ads for Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines and give him a call. Bob Kovar will know exactly what it is and probably have it in stock.  Even if it's a standard thread and even if you know it, you won't know the length.