Singer Featherweight Replacing a Latch

I show you how I repair a latch on a Singer Featherweight. The split rivets are steel and are hard to unbend. I show how I unbent the rivets to minimize disturbing the Tolex liner. I prefer to restore antique items with as many original parts as possible. The repair is also applicable to the other split rivet attached parts such as the hinge and locking mechanism.

[@YarraYindi9]

I wish these questions would be answered in a timely manner. Great video and info, but I too, need the parts. Been searching and no luck.

[@YarraYindi9]

Wow. That the rivets are strong is an UNDER statement...lol. They are like railroad spikes in strength. It took me 2 1/2 hours to get 6 rivets out with 6 to go!

[@janniewilliams3569]

Thank you so much! I have my mother's singer feather weight and the original case, and one of the latches is broken just like in your video.
Where do I order this part? Thanks, again.

[@deepblueharp]

Jannie, the bad news is that there isn't a supplier. The good news is that there is only one latch design. So, if you find one on the internet, it will fit. If you can't find one with the rivets, then you can use screws. There are specialty screws that look like they have a smooth button top and use a nut on the inside.

[@gentillygirl83]

Could you tell me the size of the rivets ?

[@jimwhiteside3719]

1/2" long and 3/16" diameter

[@terriewaskow6343]

Where can you order the latches?

[@jimwhiteside3719]

I order the latches from EBay. There are no distributers. You have to buy from someone who has salvaged a case for parts.

[@user-gl8jk8kr9j]

what is the rivet head style?

[@jimwhiteside3719]

Round and slightly rounded.

[@user-gl8jk8kr9j]

@@jimwhiteside3719 are all the rivets on a featherweight case the same size and shape? I am trying to restore a case for my 1943 featherweight. I removed all of the Tolex and will have to replace the bottom of the case. Do you know where I can get replacement feet for the case and the hardware to hold the leather d-ring handle onto the case?

[@jimwhiteside3719]

@@user-gl8jk8kr9j All the rivets are the same. There isn't any place that sells new or replica hardware. With vintage guitar amps, there are sources that sell hardware for Fenders, Marshall, etc. Because there is a huge demand. No so for vintage Singer machines. I normally surf the web for cannibalized parts. Otherwise, I resort to using small decorative hardware that looks nice. Rather than rivets, a screw can be used (generally stronger, easier to install and more reliable anyway.) Sorry that I don't have a better source for parts. If you find one, please share it here for everyone.