So now I keep all the screws a pieces together. I have been baffled when a screw doesn’t fit even though it looks like it should. I also like to have containers for the cleaned parts. I use old yogurt containers for larger parts and ice cube trays for small, tiny parts. That way I can keep the corresponding screws with each part.

When I take apart a machine for cleaning I like to have several different containers to keep parts organized. It started out looking a bit sorry, that should have been a clue. I will take responsibility for that nasty looking screw. If you cannot get the screw loose with firm pressure and firm turning, wait. Chapman bits will break before they break the head off of the screw. If it doesn’t go readily, don’t force it. The best way is to apply downward pressure toward the screw hole FIRMLY as you turn your driver. Singer screws have unique threads so just any old screw will not do. When removing a screw it is so important not to bugger up the head. Rain Noe's blog for more information about screw driver bits. Since I have at least ten if not more sewing machines to fix up I figured it was time. Finally this summer I bought a set of Chapman hollow ground screw driver bits. I used common screw drivers when I first started. I recommend making sure that you have good tools when you work on old sewing machines. Probably because I, too, am a red head (still, can you believe THAT?) She belonged in Nancy's family but it was time for her to move on so she came home to me. I find it very satisfying to clean and oil these machines because they make the nicest straight stitch. I know the Singer 66/99/185 pretty well by now.

Cleaning inside a singer red eye 66