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How to Identify a Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Crank

The wheel on the right side of a Singer sewing machine didn't change much for many years, and the differences between those used to fully drive portable machines that sat on tabletops and those used to give a starting boost to a treadle or an electric motor are subtle. Only the portable machines needed cranks, but not all portables had cranks. The crank wheels were actually supported directly on the wood base of the table models and had handles that rotated on the shafts to make it easier to turn the crank and drive the machine. The best way to identify a crank-wheel assembly is by comparison to whole machines.

Instructions

- 1
  Look for a spoked, rather than solid, wheel, and with nine heavy cast spokes rather than fine bicycle-type spokes. There should be plenty of room between the spokes to fit your fingers. A solid wheel belongs on an electric machine.
- 2
  Verify that a wheel is original by checking for normal wear, especially to the nickel plating on the edge of the wheel or the spinning part of the crank, and lighter wear to the paint on the same side of one or more spokes away from the crank. Though the crank or a grip on a spoke helps to get the machine started, many users find they can maintain momentum as easily with a rhythm of "slaps" to the edge of the wheel.
- 3
  Check the size and weight of the wheel. The hand wheels were slightly larger and heavier despite their open design, and had heavier rims than the solid wheels that later started motors, making it easier for a user to get the machine started and keep it going.

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