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BROWSE SCHOOLHOUSE

Tension Unit Post Removal Tutorial

Learn how to properly remove the Tension Unit Post or stud in this step-by-step video tutorial by Carmon Henry from The Featherweight Shop.  The transcript of the video tutorial, as well as all products needed to follow along are below. Please contact us with any questions or comments. Enjoy!

 

Tension unit post on singer featherweight

There are a few reasons to remove the Tension Unit Post.  These would include:  performing a deep cleaning to the machine, preparing the machine for repainting, or if the Tension Unit has been damaged.

The first step is to locate the set screw that is holding the tension unit stud in place. To do this, remove the faceplate thumb screw and then remove the faceplate.

set screw faceplate

Located behind the faceplate, the set screw is recessed in the front area of the mold of the machine as shown in the photo below.

set screw

To loosen the screw, it is imperative to use a properly-sized screwdriver. We suggest using the Wera Mid-length Maintenance Screwdriver, which has the proper length as well as the right width so as not to damage any part of the screw or shaft. 

Tension Unit Post

While completing this task, stand the machine on end with the handwheel side down, so that when the screwdriver is recessed in the hole, sufficient downward pressure can be achieved to turn and loosen the screw.

downward pressure on screwdriver

close up of set screw

Only loosen the screw a couple of turns; removing it is not necessary.  Once the set screw is loose, the Tension Unit Post should pull right out, but if it does not, continue reading for further instruction and troubleshooting.

Tensions Unit Stud

Tension Unit Stud removed from a Singer Featherweight machine.

set screw

The tension unit stud can be difficult to remove because the set screw has been pressed up against the base of the tension unit stud for years or even decades. This pressure causes an indentation at the end of the post, making it very difficult to pull out of the machine. 

An ordinary household drill will help to overcome the additional resistance caused by this indention.  First, make sure all pieces of the Featherweight tension unit are removed.  (Watch this tutorial here for how to disassemble and reassemble the tension unit.)  Then, using the drill, place the drill chuck onto the stud and tighten it down.

household drill on stud

Begin running the drill slowly, while gently pulling out and and the stud will come come loose from the machine!

When replacing the tension unit post, make sure to use a vintage original part to ensure correct thread pitch for the thumb nut

If reusing the same tension unit post, before re-inserting it, sand down the little divot on the side of the post by using sandpaper, or even a nail file.  The Featherweight Shop Nail File works perfectly! 

nail file for filing off divot

Once the divot is smooth, slide the tension unit stud back onto the machine.

Tension Unit

Make sure the slot in the tension unit stud is horizontal, then tighten down the stud with the set screw.

Tension Unit Slat

Lastly, reassemble the Tension Unit following the Tension Unit Disassembly & Reassembly Instructions here.

 

 Products We Used & Mention In This Tutorial:

1. Set Screw

2. Tension Unit Post

3. Tension Unit 

4. Wera Mid-length Screwdriver

5. Striated Singer Featherweight Faceplate

6. Featherweight Shop Nail File

 

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