••• SOLD •••
Vintage Kenmore 158.1040 (VERY RARE 158.10402) Sewing Machine
MINT - Serviced
Circa 1974
Made In Japan
$550.00
I've been collecting these incredible little machines for several years now. The 158 series machines were made for Sears by Jaguar/Maruzen out of Japan. I consider them to be the Singer 221 Featherweight on steroids. I suppose, if you are a quilter, the 221 is the holy grail for quality of straight stitch and portability. However, if you are a typical sewer needing more than a straight stitch, portability, and a compact footprint, this little Kenmore 1040 is a must have. There were three in the 1040 series: 158.10400, 158.10401, and 158.10402. The 10400 and the 10401 are nearly indistinguishable, but the 10402 had some differences in the indicator markings.
Features:
- 3/4 Machine w/rose embossed clamshell case
- 18 lbs.
- Cast aluminum housing
- All metal gears
- Case measures 17" long x 5.5" wide x 11.5" tall
- Oscillating vertical 15 series hook/bobbin
- Straight stitch
- Zig-zag stitch
- Blind hem stitch
- Mending stitch
- Straight stretch stitch
- Zig-zag stretch stitch
- Built-in 4 step buttonholer w/five guides: 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 13/16", 1 1/16"
- Light
- Foot controller w/case
- Automatic bobbin winder w/five bobbins
- Feet include: zig-zag, straight, zipper, blindstitch guide with shank
- Straight and zig-zag needle plates
- Needle threader
- Large and small screwdriver
- Five needles
- Two double needles
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Droppable feed dogs
- Oiler/lint brush
- Seam Ripper
Over the past few years I've acquired seven of these machines. From them I have restored three and gave one to each of my daughters as Christmas presents a couple of years ago. I have a couple left to restore and sell, and then I found this very unusual 158.10402 in virtually mint condition. I did go through and perform a full restoration; cleaning, polishing, and waxing, along with grease and lubrication. All functions were checked and it performs flawlessly.
What I didn't expect, nor have I ever seen, was the styrofoam packing. It was obviously used to secure the machine inside its rose embossed clamshell case during shipping. This is the most complete, most perfect 1040 I've run across and it has found its way into my little private collection.
The inspection label is still on the side of the case and the original hang tag is on the handle. It even came with an actual page from the 1974 Sears catalogue from which, I assume, it was ordered.
The following few pictures show the machine from all sides.
No markings on the manual and the binding is perfect.
The page from the 1974 Sears catalogue featuring the machine and the price. $160 in 1974 is equal to $800 in 2015.
The electronic foot pedal is pristine and the green vinyl case is perfect. I've only seen two that weren't torn at the seams.
I hope you enjoyed taking a look at the Kenmore 158.10402. If you have any questions, let me know. The items that are problematic on these machines is that the double belt pulley and the drop feed dogs tend to freeze up after years of nonuse. I'll be doing a tutorial on easily dealing with both.
Thanks for looking,
Michael
What an awesome find, love the pictures of it and the information. You are one lucky person to find one of these so pristine. I have two, don't remember which models and they were hard for me to find and a bit pricey. Great for classes etc.
ReplyDeleteYo quiero adquirir esa máquina
DeleteWonderful, informative review!! I especially appreciate the $$ conversion to today's prices. It puts it all in perspective!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info and pictures!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your pulley tutorial. I have 158.10301 that is struggling mightily.
Carmen
Beautiful machine! Thank you for the detailed photography - what a find! I have recently acquired a 1040 and a 1050.
ReplyDeleteI'm also very interested in your pulley tutorial (as I'm having some issues with my belts/pulleys areas) and would like to understand how to service them.
I'm looking at a 158.10500. Looks almost exactly like this. Rose case. Is this model made in Japan too, with all metal gears? Thanks
ReplyDeleteYes and yes.
DeleteMy mother just gave me her 10402. Is there an online owners manual for this machine? Should I have a sewing center clean it for me since I don't know anything about sewing machines? Thank you for your help!
ReplyDeleteThe link is the second line of this post.
DeleteYes, your machine has probably been sitting around for years and would benefit from a good cleaning and lubrication. I never run old machines without first doing both.
You can do it yourself... it is fairly easy. If interested, find the Kenmore Sewing Machine yahoo group links on my resource page. Lots of ino there on maintaining your machine.
Wow, it's beautiful!! I recently purchased one of these on Ebay and I am looking for the little plastic piece that holds the thread spool pin in place- it appears to have broken during shipping. I was wondering if from your restoring you have any extra parts and if you would be willing to sell this piece?
ReplyDeleteThere are parts for these machines available on ebay. If you can take a photo of the area of the missing part or of the damaged part, I'll look through my stash.
DeleteGreat post. Wondering if this thread / blog is still active? I own a 158.10401 and would love to know how to replace the belts. I can not get any clear info about the double pulley system on this machine. My belts have crumbled right down to the threads. So the machine is not sewing. Didn't see a follow up tutorial to this post. Has anyone reading this replaced the belts on this machine? Please explain how to do it? I've been given suggestions to loosen the idle pulley in the center that holds both belts or to loosen the motor somehow.
ReplyDeleteThank you...
Trudy
Still active, just working on other projects. For the belts, go to the resource link and click on the searspartsdirect.com link.
DeleteAs to replacement, I copied this from another site: "The Kenmore Model 1040 sewing machine has an intermediate idler step pulley that reduces the speed of the hand wheel. This idler is on a shaft that can be loosened and moved a bit to make removal and mounting of the two drive belts easier. IMPORTANT: the thread on the shaft is a LEFT-HANDED THREAD; turn it clockwise to loosen it, using a large flat blade screwdriver with a sharp, square blade. After the new belt is installed, adjust the idler pulley position to provide adequate traction on the belts without excessive side load on the idler shaft. Tightening the belts too much causes high friction on the idler shaft and loss of torque to the sewing machine mechanism."
I'll do a post on this at some point. Hope this helps until then.
Michael
Aha! So it is the Idler pulley!
DeleteLeft Handed Thread!!
Yikes, I've been making it even tighter.
Michael THANK YOU for this info.
And your swift reply.
I will give this a try.
I have the new belts already.
Will circle back for your follow up post.
++Trudy
Love this. I have an early seventies 1040-1. My first and only machine. Used it for 3-4 years before the kids came along and it has moved with me from CT to VA, and hasn't been touched in nearly forty years. I pulled it out of the basement last week, because I'm now retired and bored to death. Thought I'd try my hand at sewing again to give me something to do, especially in the wineter months while my garden rests under a heap of snow.
ReplyDeleteI had to replace the lug belt, I cleaned and oiled it. Runs like a dream. Have only one issue and that is the special stitch selector. It's jammed. I can only use the straight stitch and elastic stretch stitch. The knob will NOT turn to any of the other options. I have tried everything I know. Popped off the top, looked around, jiggled and probed, used the hairdryer on it... nothing. I don't know why I can't get it to turn and catch.
I really, REALLY hope you have a magic fix for me in your bag of tricks. I would so love to have that issue resolved. If you have any suggestions, I would be eternally grateful!!!!!!
Jeanette, congrats on your retirement!
DeleteI suspect lubrication or hardened grease under the cam assembly. It is pretty tight under the selector switch so I'd suggest removing the bobbin winder assembly to provide a little better access.
Get some AeroKroil (on my resource page) and spray anything and everything under the selector switch and the at all of the linkage pivots. Also, clean all the old grease from the worm gear. Then add heat. I also tend to tap everything I can reach with a small hammer. The idea is to add vibration to the pivots and linkages, allowing the AeroKroil to seep deeper and do its magic. Apply fresh grease to the worm gear (Tri-Flo synthetic).
Repeat this process everyday until it loosens up. It took a week to free up a frozen Necchi I was working on.
You might also join the VintageKenmore Yahoo group. Lots of good folks there.
Good luck and Merry Christmas!
Michael
Thank you for your reply ! ok... so I have managed to get the stitch selector dial unjammed and then had to get the zigzag working. It wouldn't zigzag AT ALL. Loosened the screw on the needle bar (not the needle part, but above it) and now it is zigzagging along just fine. I'm hoping that's all I needed to do. I did beak the little accessories box flip lid (not the one which is part of the box, but the lid above it). Boo HOO. I would so love to replace that and have no idea where to find one. Have searched online, eBay, etc., but can't find it. Should you have any idea where I can purchase one, I'd certainly love to hear from you! Love your blog site, thank you again!
DeleteAdd some oil on either side of the needle bar just above the needle. There is a channel there that the needle bar slides back and forth in (left to right looking at it from the front. Also, follow the needle bar upwards to its pivot point and oil it.
DeleteThe only way to replace that lid is to find a donor machine on ebay or CraigsList. Someone might have a spare one on the VintageKenmore yahoo group.
Hope you find one.
Michael
I have been looking for those buttonhole guides for years. Do you have any idea where I can buy some?
ReplyDeleteThey show up on ebay all the time.
DeleteSo fun to see this post, still using mine - college graduation gift in 1975 from my parents!
ReplyDeleteWonderful
ReplyDeleteNovember10, 2019 I purchased a 158.40101 at a warehouse sale in Milwaukee. It is complete with all accessories, needles, etc...except for the instruction manual and runs like a dream. Needs a little cleaning but otherwise looks like it has never been used. $10 Yes, Ten Dollars. What a find.
ReplyDeleteWHOA! - lucky you!!!!! You can't beat these dependable old Kenmores. I have a 158-14001 zig-zag, a full-size machine from the late 60's, just like the one Mom gave me as my high-school graduation gift. I love it and it works beautifully. But I have wanted a little 158-1040 for a long time and finally found an affordable one. Even so, I still had to pay close to $100 for it including the shipping. And I though THAT was reasonable considering what people are asking for them. So you REALLY did well! And don't you just love it? I had to clean mine up and oil it of course, and now it runs smoothly, quietly, and is surprisingly fast. Such a fun little machine! And it can do almost as much as my bigger Kenmore.
DeleteP.S. If you need a 1040 manual and haven't obtained on yet. Use this link: www.kenmoresewingmanuals.com. You'll have to dig down a bit to find it but I know it's there 'cause I found it. It will cost you $5.95 for a download.
DeleteMy son picked up this Kenmore 1040 at a yard sale for $12! I have cleaned it ,oiled it,replaced bobbin tire. I love how it sees but having some issues with winding bobbins. It will wind bobbin for few seconds and stop. When I manually move bobbin winder closer to wheel it will start winding again. I'm not sure how to fix this. Also my feed dogs won't drop. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming blog on that. I would appreciate any help you could give me. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThere is a set screw near the bobbin winder that will allow you to do the same thing that you are doing with your finger (holding the bobbin tire closer to the rotating spindle), but it will hold the tighter adjustment.
DeleteOn the feed dogs, open the bottom of the machine and look behind the feed dogs. Oil anything connected to them. There is also a slide, almost like a piston, attached to the drop feed dog control that gets frozen (probably your issue). You need to free that up with AeroKroil and lubricate it with Tri-Flow. Most of these machines have this issue. The animal base oils that were used decades ago actually become a glue over time.
Here is a video that describes freeing up the feed dog piston. It is a different model, but the idea. https://youtu.be/P5lxPfmpLYM
DeleteDear Michael, Back in May 2017, Kelly asked you about the little plastic piece that holds the thread spool pin in place on the 1040. Were you ever able to help her out? The same piece on my 1040 has broken and I'm looking for a replacement. Because I don't the name of the part, I don't know what to search for. I'd be especially grateful for your help. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful machine! It brought back memories of when I got my first sewing machine, a Kenmore model 1040,in 1972. I have used it for years and suddenly have a problem. The clutch knob on the handwheel is frozen and won't turn so I can thread my bobbins. Do you know what might be causing this and how to fix it?
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful machine! It brought back memories of when I got my first sewing machine, a Kenmore model 1040,in 1972. I have used it for years and suddenly have a problem. The clutch knob on the handwheel is frozen and won't turn so I can thread my bobbins. Do you know what might be causing this and how to fix it?
ReplyDeleteWould you by any chance have an extra thread spindle for the 1040a? I have owned this machine since I bought it with my high school graduation money for 120.00 and love it! My late husband broke it trying to put it away incorrectly. Can you help me out?
ReplyDeleteI have had the 158.10402 for 40 years and love it!! Just had it serviced and cleaned and works wonderfully well. I have misplaced some of the items that originally came with it, like the manual, and so will download what you've provided. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteWhat is procedure for removing Handwheel? Thanks
ReplyDeleteI am having a bit of trouble with my sewing machine. It's the same model as shown here. My thread bunches underneath and then it won't sew anymore. It's stuck. I've tried adjusting the tension on the bobbin and on the knob on the side. I noticed the loops look loose and the under side of the stitching is super loose. I'm at my wit's end. Is there something that needs replaced or is it user error? I'm not experienced. I found this on Craigslist and this online manual is how I learned to use it. I can go s few stitches then it bunches and gets stuck and then there is tons of thread to have to cut thru to get it un attached to the machine. Thanks in advance for your help.
ReplyDeleteI would first get under the needle plate and clean everything in the bobbin case area. Oil any moving parts. Clean the thread tension mechanism (first thing I do to all machines - take it completely apart, clean and reassemble. Here is the most important thing... install a new needle. I've seen so many thread birdnests occur simply due to a bad needle. Hope that helps.
DeleteLooking for an accessory box. Any suggestions on where I can get one? I just got mine yesterday for $9.99! Today I will get it cleaned up and serviced.
ReplyDeleteebay... goodwill online, habitat, craigslist, etc. You might have to buy a parts machine to get it.
DeleteHey! We have a Kenmore portable sewing machine model 158-10401. Could I email you or you email me so we can talk about prices? Just wondering what the thing's worth!
ReplyDeleteThey are typically worth from $100 -$300 depending on condition and original parts and accessories. Did you know that you can do a search them on ebay and then in the left column click "SOLD" and it will take you to a page that lists what all the similar machines/parts/etc. have sold for in the last 6 months.
DeleteI have a question - I notice you have twin needles with this machine, but the machine only has one spool pin. Can you really do twin needle sewing on it? I have a 1050 and was wondering about that.
ReplyDeleteHi MKB, I've never used a twin needle in my life, but I did some searching on YouTube that answers your question and the answer is yes. You place the second spool of thread on the bobbin winder.
DeleteI haven't tried it on the bobbin winder, not sure it is the correct diameter, but it seems to me that you could use a table mounted thread holder, or a peel and stick spool pin mounted on the top of the machine.
Just not the threading shown in the video; there is a slight difference in the threading.
Here is the video: https://youtu.be/ojVrmfWCErU
Hope that helps,
Michael
I have the same sewing machine but the only plastic part on top of the machice is broken. Do you know where I can get one?
ReplyDeleteI had the same broken part and couldn’t find where to buy a replacement part. Probably the only fix would be to find someone selling their machine. I ended up selling mine. That was tough….
ReplyDeleteBought a 158.1040 a few months ago from my local Sewing & Vac shop. Paid $300 which I thought was fair as they had gone through and done all the work on it. Gifting it to my daughter who wants to learn to sew for herself and home. I wonder, is it possible to replace the lightbulb with an LED lightbulb?
ReplyDeleteI just replaced the lightbulb on mine with an LED lightbulb - worked like a charm.
ReplyDelete