Scissors & Cutting Mechanism Issues: Why Isn't My Tufting Machine Cutting?

October 03, 2026

Scissors are one of the most common reasons tufters contact us. Problems range from yarn not being cut at all, to yarn getting trapped, to scissors wearing out over time. This guide covers scissor-based cut-pile machines, including the AK-I and DUO, the KRD-I and the AK-5. It also covers knife-based cutting, such as on the AK-III.

Golden rule: after any scissors replacement, you must always re-adjust the opener AND the closer.

Quick Symptom Guide

• Not cutting, or making loops instead of cut pile. Likely causes are yarn that's too soft, dull or worn scissors, scissors adjusted incorrectly, or fibers built up in the scissor channel. Work through the checks in order below.
• Yarn getting trapped between the scissors and the needle. A gap is letting yarn slip behind the scissors. Tighten the set screw under the scissors a few turns (see Closing the Gap Between Scissors and Needle).
• Scissors opening too much, or yarn catching. The scissor opener is adjusted too wide. Reduce the opening width with the opener adjustment.
• Scissors grabbing yarn and pulling it back into the machine. The scissors aren't closing cleanly, or the opener and closer are out of alignment. Adjust the scissor opening mechanism using the 'Scissor Opener Adjustment' video.
• Replaced the scissors but still not cutting. The opener and closer weren't adjusted after the replacement, or the new scissors are slightly different. Always adjust the opener AND the closer after any scissors replacement.
• Scissors rusty or stiff after shipping. Moisture during transit can oxidize the scissor metal. Apply 2–3 drops of 3-in-1 oil directly to the scissor joints, then work them by hand.
• Wrong size scissors received. High-pile scissors are longer than medium- and low-pile scissors. Confirm your machine model and pile height setting, then order the correct replacement.
• Machine stalls mid-stroke. The most common cause is a lack of oil (see below).
• Scissors stuck open, ripping the cloth, or covering the needle hole. See the dedicated sections below.

The 360° Hand Test

Many of the fixes in this guide start with this simple check, so it's worth learning.

1. Turn OFF and UNPLUG the machine. Remove the yarn.
2. Slowly rotate the lower gear by hand through a full 360 degrees. On most machines this is the white gear, the big gear on the bottom. On the DUO it's the pink gear.
3. Watch the scissors. They should pull back into the machine and open, then come forward out of the needle end and close completely at their forward-most position.
4. Rotate a few times. The scissors should fully open and fully close on every rotation.

Scissors that don't close all the way won't cut the yarn cleanly. You may see any of these signs:

• Uncut or bunched tufts
• A tiny strand of yarn left uncut
• Yarn pulling back through the cloth on the back stroke

If you see any of these, adjust the opener and closer before replacing anything.

Machine Not Cutting Cleanly or Making Loops Instead of Cut Pile: Checks in Order

Is your cut-pile machine leaving loops or uncut tufts, cutting unevenly, or producing choppy, fuzzy pile? It usually doesn't need a factory reset. The yarn is often the cause rather than the machine, and the scissors often just need adjusting. Work through these checks in order:

1. Test a few different yarns. Not all yarns cut equally well. Super soft yarns are hard to cut because the fibers bend against the scissor blade instead of being severed. They often don't tuft cleanly, and they dull the scissors quickly. Tufting machines work best with coarser yarns, especially wool. Our machines cut both acrylic and wool, so a coarser rug wool makes a good benchmark. If the problem goes away with another yarn, the original yarn is the issue. You can read more about ideal tufting yarns in our yarn collection.
2. Clean out the scissor channel. Fibers can build up in the scissor channel. As part of regular maintenance, brush shed fibers out of all parts of your machine.
3. Oil the machine. Oil every two hours of tufting with high-quality sewing machine oil or 3-in-1 oil. Oil points are similar across models. Check your user manual for your machine's exact points.
4. Do the 360° hand test (above). If the scissors don't fully open and close, adjust the scissor opener or closer (see below). This adjustment can come up again, so it's worth learning. The scissor parts and adjustment are the same on the DUO and our other cut and loop machines. That means the DUO "scissor adjustment" video in your machine's Vimeo showcase applies to them too.
5. Check the pile height adjustment. The scissors can malfunction if the machine was adjusted incorrectly or over-extended during a pile-height change. Check the bolt attached to the white gear. It can fall out of adjustment, especially if the pile height is set too tall. The bolt should be securely fastened at the center-most point of the gear. DUO owners, see DUO: Scissors Not Cutting After Changing Pile Height below. If you're not sure how to adjust the pile height on your machine, or you want to return it to factory settings, contact support@tufttheworld.com. We'll send step-by-step guidance for your machine type.
6. Check for dull scissors. Several yarns may fail even though the scissors open and close fully. In that case the scissors may need replacing. Scissors dull over time, especially if you tuft often and with fibers other than wool. A machine that still cuts wool but struggles with acrylic is a common sign of worn scissors. Swap in the spare pair that came with your machine, then re-adjust the opener and closer (see Replacing Scissors below). New scissors will help, but if you keep using very soft yarn they may dull again quickly.
7. Feed yarn through an eye hook. Put an eye hook at the top of your frame and run your yarn through it. This isn't about tension. It gives the machine enough slack so yarn feeds smoothly without snags.
8. Check the foot adjustment. If the foot wasn't micro-adjusted correctly, the scissors can't cut at the right point of contact while you tuft. Contact support@tufttheworld.com for step-by-step guidance on adjusting the foot on your AK-I.

On a brand-new machine, the scissors are very unlikely to be worn out. Scissors normally last a long time. Rug wool is ideal for tufting machines, and we've used some of our machines for many years, mostly with wool, without ever replacing the scissors. If a new machine still cuts poorly with several yarns, the scissors may be faulty. Swap in the spare pair that came with your machine and contact support.

Not comfortable adjusting or replacing the scissors yourself? Contact us. We can walk you through it on a video call, or you can send the machine in and we'll make the adjustment.

Adjusting the Scissor Opener & Closer

The scissor action is mechanical:

• The opener pushes the scissors open on each stroke.
• As the open scissors move back and forth, they hit a metal piece at the front of the machine, the scissor closer, which makes them close.

If the scissors look stuck or jammed, the closer may need a micro-adjustment to push the blades together.

Opener / Closer Adjustment Steps

1. Turn OFF and UNPLUG the machine.
2. Locate the opener/closer adjustment. The 'Scissor Opener Adjustment' video shows where it is.
3. To reduce the opening width (yarn getting trapped), tighten the opener screw slightly.
4. To increase the opening width (yarn not passing through), loosen the opener screw slightly.
5. After adjusting, cycle the scissors manually by rotating the white gear by hand.
6. Check that the scissors open and close smoothly without catching.
7. Power on and test with the yarn that was causing problems.

Important: If your machine has never had its opener/closer adjusted, the screw may be very tight. Use the correct Allen key (hex wrench) from the tool kit included with the machine. Adjust only a few turns at a time, and test after each change.

Scissors Leaving a Strand Uncut? Check the Closer Before Replacing

If your scissors seem dull or leave a tiny strand of yarn uncut, they may simply not be closing all the way.

1. Turn OFF and UNPLUG the machine.
2. Rotate the machine by hand and watch whether the scissors open and close fully.
3. If they don't close completely, find the scissor closer piece at the front of the machine. Loosen its bolt, move it slightly toward the back of the machine, and tighten it again.
4. Rotate by hand again to make sure it runs smoothly. If the machine binds up, the scissors are hitting the closer too hard, so move it back a little.

Getting the Settings Right (Opener Breaking or Scissors Wearing Out Fast)

If your scissor opener keeps breaking, or your scissors wear out or fail early, the opener or closer is usually set incorrectly.

• Opener: Set it so the scissors open all the way, and no further. If the opener is set too far forward, the scissors hit it too hard, which makes the opener fail early.
• Closer: If the closer hits the scissors too hard, the scissors wear out early.

If you've changed any settings, returning them to factory settings often fixes the problem without sending the machine in. A spare scissor opener comes in your machine's parts bag, and you can order replacements by contacting support.

AK-I and KRD-I users: contact us at support@tufttheworld.com for guidance on adjusting your scissor closer.

DUO Still Making Loops With Scissors Installed

If your DUO has the scissor mechanism installed but still makes loops instead of cut pile, check that the scissor closer is present. Without it the scissors won't cut and the machine keeps tufting loops. Scissor closers are sold as a replacement part. To get the correct part, contact support with your order number (or the email you ordered with) and a photo of your machine.

Closing the Gap Between Scissors and Needle

If yarn is slipping into the gap between the scissors and the needle, tighten the set screw underneath the scissors.

1. Turn OFF and UNPLUG the machine.
2. Locate the set screw underneath the scissors.
3. Tighten the set screw a few turns clockwise. This pushes the scissors closer to the needle and closes the gap.
4. Don't over-tighten. The scissors must still move freely.
5. Cycle the machine by hand to check that the scissors engage correctly.
6. Test with yarn. If yarn still gets trapped, also adjust the scissor opener.

Yarn Bunching or Catching at the "V" of the Scissors

If yarn bunches up in the scissor area as soon as you start tufting, check the scissors before assuming the machine needs repair:

1. Turn the machine off and remove all yarn.
2. Rotate the machine by hand using the big gear on the bottom, a few times over. The scissors should fully open and close as the needle pushes forward.
3. If yarn is catching between the scissors and the underside of the needle, close the gap with the set screw (see above).
4. The scissors may open and close correctly while yarn keeps catching right in the middle of the "V". That means the scissors are worn and should be replaced. Use the spare set included with your machine, follow the scissor replacement video, then re-adjust the opener and closer.

If you'd rather not replace them yourself, you can send the machine in for repair. You cover shipping both ways.

Scissors Stuck Open / Won't Retract Into the Needle

If your scissors sit open too far, they may not be able to retract back into the needle, and the machine won't cycle properly.

1. Turn OFF and UNPLUG the machine.
2. Gently squeeze the scissors closed by hand or with pliers.
3. Rotate the machine by hand and check that the scissors now retract into the needle smoothly.
4. If it cycles well by hand, power on and test.

If the problem keeps coming back, the scissor closer may need adjusting (see Adjusting the Scissor Opener & Closer above).

Machine Stalls Mid-Stroke or Scissors Cut Inconsistently

Your machine may stop mid-stroke with the scissors still in the cloth while the motor keeps running. Or the scissors may leave uncut loops (accidental loop pile). The most common cause of both is a lack of oil.

1. Oil the machine first, as described in the checks above.
2. Do the 360° hand test. If the scissors don't open and close completely, they likely just need a quick adjustment.
3. Replace the scissors if needed. A spare set is included in the box with your machine.

Every yarn behaves a little differently when tufted. If problems continue after oiling and adjusting, contact support.

DUO: Scissors Not Cutting After Changing Pile Height

Your DUO may stop cutting yarn (the yarn stays in the fabric uncut), or the scissors may ride out of their channel, especially after a pile height change. Work through these steps with the machine off and unplugged:

1. Set the scissor opener and closer. Get the scissors closed first, which is easiest when they're fully extended. Then rotate the machine by hand and watch the scissors retract and extend. They should just barely open all the way and just barely close all the way.
2. Check how far they open. The scissors should open enough to touch the edges of the underside of the needle. That way they're open enough to grab the yarn when they reach the hole.
3. Check that the scissors ride under the needle. At the lowest pile setting, there may be a gap between the scissors and the needle. Adjust the tiny set screw under the scissor channel to push the scissors up.
4. Extend the lower bar if needed. Moving from the shortest to the highest setting can need extra adjustment so the scissors close more. Loosen one side of the threaded rod and rotate the piece with the bearing one full turn. Then check whether the scissors close more. If not, rotate one more turn. Alternatively, move the point on the pink gear from 8mm to 10mm.

Tip: Take measurements, photos and videos before you adjust, so you can return to your original settings later. Every machine is slightly different, and 1–2 mm can be the difference between cutting and not cutting. The pile height video and the scissor adjustment video in our Vimeo showcase both show this process. Still stuck? Contact support, and we can set up a video call.

Replacing Scissors

Check your spare parts bag first. Machines ship with a small ziploc bag of spare parts, including an extra set of scissors and a replacement scissor opener piece. If a part breaks or wears out, look there before ordering.

Before replacing scissors that aren't cutting, do the 360° hand test. If the scissors don't fully open and close, another part has likely shifted. A quick opener/closer adjustment may fix it, with no new scissors needed.

Replacement Notes

• Watch the 'AK-I and Duos Scissor Replacement' video in the Vimeo showcase. You don't need to remove the front cover.
• AK-5 owners: the spare pair of scissors in the small zip-lock bag that ships with your machine replaces the scissors on the machine. The AK-5 scissor mechanism is exactly the same as the DUO's, so the DUO scissor adjustment and replacement videos apply to the AK-5 too.
• After replacing the scissors, re-adjust both the opener AND the closer.
• If the closer block hits its maximum position after you install new scissors, you need to adjust the opener and closer.
• Never change the needle bar lengths when adjusting or replacing scissors, or at any other time. Changing the bar length changes the way the machine works. If you're following a video, make sure it's the one for adjusting and changing scissors.

Sharpening

You can sharpen dull scissors yourself, or take them to a shop that sharpens knives and scissors.

Buying Replacement Scissors

Order spares if your scissors open and close fully but still won't cut, or if you've lost your spare parts. We sell spare scissors (a few dollars each) and opener pieces. Contact support@tufttheworld.com and we'll email you an invoice to set up your order.

• The DUO Low, Medium and High Pile machines each use different scissors, so order spares that match your exact model.
• Needles rarely break, so most tufters don't need to buy spare needles.

Replacement how-to videos are included in the video set sent with your machine, and we're happy to help with installation.

Replacing and Adjusting the Scissor Opener

If the scissor opener breaks or wears out, we sell replacements. Contact support@tufttheworld.com with a photo of the part and your machine model.

Don't forget the screw: the opener is held on by a small, special screw. If yours is lost or damaged, tell us when you order so we can include one. It's a McMaster-Carr part (likely 92000A113), sold in packs of 25.

If the scissors still aren't opening after you install the opener:

1. Turn OFF and UNPLUG the machine.
2. Loosen the bolt that attaches the scissor opener assembly to the machine. This is not the small screw holding the opener itself.
3. Slide the opener forward a small amount, then re-tighten.
4. Rotate the machine fully by hand and check that the scissors open and close properly.

Caution: don't move the opener too far forward. If it sits too far forward, the machine will strike it too hard and break it. Make small adjustments and re-check by hand each time.

Knife-Based Machines: Not Cutting in Cut Mode

If your machine is in cut mode but isn't cutting the yarn, start with the knife (blade):

• Have you recently removed or changed the knife? Make sure it's reinstalled in the correct position. The video set you received with your machine shows the correct position.
• Check that the knife sits flat. Once installed, the knife should sit perfectly flat against the piece it bolts onto, with no gap between them. If you see a gap, loosen the knife, reseat it, and tighten it again.
• If the knife hasn't been touched, it's probably dull. Sharpen or replace it.

Sharpening: the blade needs regular sharpening. Depending on how much you tuft, plan on roughly once a month. Take the knife to any professional knife or scissor sharpening service, or sharpen it yourself with standard sharpening techniques.

Replacement: your machine's tool set should include a spare knife. You can also order replacement knives from us at support@tufttheworld.com.

AK-III: Checking Knife Placement

If your AK-III isn't cutting cleanly, check where the knife sits while it's mounted on the machine:

• Turn the machine off and unplug it.
• Rotate the mechanism by hand until the needle is at its lowest position.
• Look at the knife. Its tip should sit close to the needle.
• For a step-by-step guide, see the knife placement section (around 24:26) of the AK-III Needle Change 2021 video in the Vimeo showcase you received with your machine.
• If there's still a gap between the knife and the needle, try removing the small, thin washer.
• Make sure all three pieces of the knife set are installed, including the piece that goes inside the needle chamber.

If the problem continues, email support a photo of the knife on the machine with the needle at its lowest position.

Scissors Ripping the Tufting Cloth

If your cloth is being torn or shredded while you tuft, new scissors may not fix it. Cloth damage is often caused by something else on the machine, not the scissors themselves.

• First check that the scissors open and close fully when you turn the white gear (pink gear on the DUO) by hand.
• Make sure you're pressing the foot firmly against the cloth. See Why Is Tufting Cloth Coming Through the Front of My Rug?
• Check the foot-to-needle alignment and your pile height setting.

If the cloth still rips after these checks, contact support with a photo. The machine may need to be sent in for repair.

Scissors Covering the Needle Hole (Can't Thread)

If the scissors cover the needle eye and you can't thread the machine, the machine isn't returning to its home position. This is usually because the grounding bar has shifted slightly. It's an easy fix: follow our grounding bar adjustment video to reposition the bar so the machine returns home and the needle eye is clear.

Still Not Cutting?

If none of these steps solve the problem, contact us at support@tufttheworld.com. We're happy to help, including over a video call.

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