How do I get my sewing machine apart? I have all the screws out but it's tight around the wheel and I can't get it apart.

A parts diagram may be helpful:

Model 15816800 KENMORE KENMORE SEWING MACHINE Parts

I suspect there may be some other bolts from the top that fasten to the base.

However, given that your machine may have seized (is there brown gunk inside the machine?), you may be able to address the issue without taking the entire machine apart.

Wheel on right side that controls the needle up and down is very tight...

Sounds like the motor might be having problems. I would take it in for a proper servicing.

you may have to buy some small screw drivers, either at walmart
or harbor freight,, they're called stubby's,, or off set screw drivers
that's what I use.

here's a link for a free manual
http://www.brother-usa.com/ModelDocuments/Consumer/Users%20Manual/UM_LB_6770_LB6770%20PRW_LB_6770THRD_EN_1446.PDF

not knowing your machine make or model, I can only suggest that you are having "tension" issues. Most machines have tension control located around the wheel, sort of like a second very thin wheel. This type usually requires that you would hold the wheel in place while moving the 2nd wheel to make the adjustment.

Other machines have the tension control looking like a push button. Maybe in the middle of one of the other tenstion wheels. pushing that button in while turning that and/or other control wheels would help that.

I may also be that your machine just needs to be oiled. Fabric stores will have this oil and it is specially formulated for sewing machine parts. More is less w this type of oil.

T ake a look all around and even under the machine, hopefully you will find a number for tech support for your machine.

Good Luck and Happy Sewing!

contact the one you bought the machine from & tell them how
tight the hand wheel is & see what they recommend

it could be a part has worn or broken, esecially when the hand wheel won't turn,, it needs to be serviced

XR-52 (and probably similar) has 9 screws on the back and bottom that needto be undone - be sure to keep track of which screw goes where becausethey're almost all different. One other screw is under the "nose" piece which holds the front shell to the back - it just needs to be loosened. After you haveremoved the 9 screws and loosened the one I mentioned you start at the bottom and pry apart carefully of course, noticing that the last part comes apart at the top where the three wheels go thru the back shell. In order to take off the front shell you need to remove two more screws, also fairly obvious. Reassembly is opposite order being sure when you get ready to put the back on that you align the three wheels at the top first, then work down to the bottom, replacing all the screws. That's really it - not rocked science. Just be sure not to over-tighten screws going into plastic. Have fun!

I was having the same problem, it was the bobbin, have to keep trying different brands till you find the one that works, the one that comes with it does not, for me anyways.

Open the face plate and bobbin area to see if there is a thread jam.

there is also a single screw on the bottom of the machine as well as one behind the bobbin winder, the last 'hidden" one is on the back side of the machine behind what woudl be the reverse button.