Attaching a Magnetic Light to a Plastic Machine

You've probably seen this magnetic LED gooseneck light. It was designed for a metal machine, not a plastic one. I have an old computer desk. The door to the CPU cabinet had a magnetic closure, but the magnet was missing. I got the bright idea to remove the steel plate and attach it to my sewing machine so I could use this light.

Tools

3/32" bit and drill

Magnetic cabinet hardware

Gorilla super glue

Phillips head screwdriver

If drilling through the plastic housing really scares you, use a drill stop. The housing is only about an 1/8" thick.

Hold the plate against the back of the machine and mark where the hole is.

Place the bit in the center of the hole. Put a little pressure on the drill and tap the trigger one time. Release your pressure. It's only necessary to prevent the bit from slipping. Wait until the bit stops spinning and tap it again. Let the speed and blades on the bit cut through the plastic. Continue tapping the trigger until the bit goes through the housing and stop. Pull the bit out.

Apply super glue to the back of the plate. There may be tiny nibs. Those are designed to grip onto wood and prevent the plate from slipping. Don't worry about them. The front of the plate will have an indentation for the screw to rest in so it sits flush with the plate. Hold the plate onto the machine and apply pressure. The glue should set pretty quick.

Screw the screw in. I intentionally drilled a hole a little smaller than the screw. The screw will bore the hole and bite the plastic.

The light will stick to the plate. If your sewing machine is modified with parts from a hardware store, you might be a Redneck!!