Kenmore Model 158.15251

**Rolloff** · 09-30-2012, 10:59

I was just given this thread injector.

It works but has a few issues, may have more, if I knew what to actually look for.

It is a fairly heavy all metal housing machine. Made in Japan. I was wondering if anyone has this unit, or has had experience with this model? Will it be suitable for DIY gear work?

It was free, and I know they can cost to get repaired professionally, but if it's capable of working the projects I'd like to take on, I'd like to get it done.

**meanmoe** · 09-30-2012, 20:03

IIRC, I'm working off a Kenmore 158 and it's seen better days but it is still serviceable.

There are still some parts available. My suggestion is to find a sewing machine repair shop. If you don't have one in your part of the woods, ask at the local fabric shop, if there is one. Usually, the repair is just a tune up with cleaning and oiling with a replacement of the belts, if necessary.

Make a list of the issues that you are having with it so the shop can address them. FWIW, I had ours cleaned and serviced (timing was off - bending needles) and I paid $60 total.

As far as being up to the job, it will handle most anything you throw at it hammock wise. I've stitched heavy duty (3k lb rated) webbing to make tree huggers. Multiple layers of nylon are no problem (just remember to pin the pieces together to keep them from slipping.

I went looking for a .pdf copy of the users manual that I purchased from one of the on line sellers of such manuals. For the life of me, I can't find it on this laptop. I know I printed a copy and stuck it in the case.

**Rolloff** · 09-30-2012, 21:43

Thanks meanmoe. Just the input I was looking for. Since I got it for free, sounds like I can afford to spend a little to make it right. Looks like I'm going to be in DIY buisness.

It's a good thing. I wasn't getting any bites on anyone willing to make up a TED Bugnet, and didn't really want to expand my hand sewing skills (roughly equal to injector skills) all that much, and torture such a nice concept/design << Thanks to Pips! and the rest of the HF crowd that helped in it's evolution.

I think I did find a downloadable PDF of the manual for this one. I'll link you if you need still need it.

**Rat** · 10-01-2012, 11:48

My main machine is a Kenmore 158.xxxxxxx as well. IIRC they are Janome built machines, pretty common and easy to find parts and get repaired.

It may just need a good cleaning and lube, but you will know better than I about that. Read the sewing machine guides by RamblinRev; this will help you make the determination as to whether it needs professional service or if you can do it.

I also posted a short tutorial on teardown, clean and lube in the DIY section of my Kenmore.

They are good machines for what we do and will go the 'extra mile' with a little patience and some common sense.

**Rat** · 10-01-2012, 11:57

Rat's sewing machine maintenance tutorial

RamblinRev also posted in this thread (post #10) and the sewing machine links to his tutorials are in his signature.
I HIGHLY recommend you read/watch them; they are very informative.

**Rolloff** · 10-01-2012, 14:17

Big time thanks guys. meanmoe, Rat, RamblinRev,Big Time

Looks like I could be on to something with this one.

*Visions of TED's and Down goodness dancing in my head*

**meanmoe** · 10-01-2012, 21:41

Originally Posted by Rolloff

Big time thanks guys. meanmoe, Rat, RamblinRev,Big Time

Looks like I could be on to something with this one.

*Visions of TED's and Down goodness dancing in my head*

Yes, DIY is addictive.

**gmcttr** · 10-01-2012, 23:06

Definitely start with a clean and oil per the manual and learn about thread tension. Make sure both the upper thread route and the lower are correct. That's probably all it will need.

It's a keeper!

**psyculman** · 10-02-2012, 04:38

I've been using a 158.17200 for a couple of years. It is ok, but not as powerful as my old Singer of 1960. Shouldn't have gotten rid of that!
The local retired Sears repair man tunned mine up, and said it was the best Kenmore ever made, from Japan, and, all metal parts. I like it, but wish it had more power for strapping and multi-layered stuff. Sharp needle and oil seems to get it done. We're not making wedding dresses.

**TerrellNelson** · 06-27-2013, 07:04

Originally Posted by psyculman

I've been using a 158.17200 for a couple of years. It is ok, but not as powerful as my old Singer of 1960. Shouldn't have gotten rid of that!
The local retired Sears repair man tunned mine up, and said it was the best Kenmore ever made, from Japan, and, all metal parts. I like it, but wish it had more power for strapping and multi-layered stuff. Sharp needle and oil seems to get it done. We're not making wedding dresses.

Surely it is not as good as Singer of 1960.. I did same mistake of getting rid of it and now I am still searching for it..