Machine Oiling, Maintenance and Unusual Sounds: How do I keep my tufting machine running smoothly and fix strange noises?

October 03, 2026

Most tufting machine problems, including motor slowdowns, high-pitched sounds, squealing, jerky motion and skipped stitches, come from not enough oil. Regular oiling is the most important thing you can do for your machine. Add regular cleaning, a quick check for loose parts and proper storage, and your machine should stay in good shape for years. Unusual sounds are almost always early warning signs, and most can be fixed quickly. Deal with any new sound promptly, because left alone it usually comes before a more serious mechanical failure.

Which Oil to Use

• Sewing machine oil (best option)
• 3-in-1 multipurpose oil (good substitute)
• Any other light lubricating oil
• Never use WD-40 or heavy grease

When to Oil

• Before each use, every session, whatever model you have. Don't skip it, even for short sessions.
• During long, all-day sessions: re-oil every 2 hours.
• Unplug the machine before oiling.

How to Spread the Oil

Use these steps for every model:

1. Apply oil to the points listed for your machine below. For a full oiling service, apply 2–3 drops to the metal bars around each white square bearing, and oil all bearings and moving parts.
2. Rotate the white gear by hand a few times.
3. Turn the machine on so the oil spreads evenly.
4. Add more drops as needed until the machine runs smoothly. You can't over-oil the moving parts, so don't be shy.
5. Wipe off any excess so it doesn't leave residue on your fabric.

Oiling Low-Pile Machines (AK-I, AK-II, All DUOs, KRD-I)

This section covers the AK-I, AK-II, all DUO machines and the KRD-I. As a general rule, oil every part of your low-pile machine that moves. Focus on:

• The metal bars in front of the white square bearings (top and bottom)
• The metal bars behind the white square bearings (top and bottom)
• The rotating bearings at the ends of the upper and lower machine bars
• All visible moving metal-on-metal contact points and other pivot points
• The needle bar and any areas showing friction or wear

AK-I oiling diagram: oil the metal bars in front of and behind the white square bearings.

Oiling the High-Pile Machine (AK-III)

High-pile machines such as the AK-III run faster than low-pile machines, so oil them before every use. As a general rule, oil every part that moves. Focus on:

• All metal bars in front of and behind the white square bearings
• The blade assembly near the needle (an extra oil point that only the AK-III has)

You can also learn more in our machine maintenance guide.

Cleaning

Dust, lint and stray fibers can clog your machine faster than you'd expect.

• After every use: Remove lint and dust with a soft brush or compressed air.
• Regularly: Use a small brush or compressed air to clear fiber buildup from the scissor channel.
• Weekly: Wipe down the outside of the machine with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.

Checking for Loose or Worn Parts

Vibration from tufting can loosen screws and other parts over time.

• Check all screws and bolts now and then, and tighten any that feel loose.
• Pay special attention to the needle, footplate and motor housing.
• If the white plastic covers rattle, tighten the 4 nuts that hold them in place.
• Look at the needle regularly for bending or dull tips. A damaged needle punches less cleanly and can damage your cloth.
• If something seems off, read the manufacturer's guide before making any major adjustments.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Slowdowns, high-pitched sounds or jerky motion? Oil the machine using the steps above.
• Skipped stitches? Oil the machine first, then check whether the needle is dull and replace it if needed.
• Thread breaking? Make sure the yarn is threaded correctly and the tension is set properly.
• Machine jamming? Clear out any debris and rethread the yarn correctly.

Troubleshooting Unusual Sounds

Oiling is the first fix for most sounds. If a sound is still there after a full oiling, use the sections below.

High-pitched squealing

Work through these steps in order:

1. Oil the machine. Bearings running dry are the most common cause, and oiling fixes most squealing.
2. Still squealing or squeaking after oiling? Check the scissor area. This applies especially if the noise is rhythmic and happens even when the machine runs in the air without tufting. Add oil to the less obvious spots:
   • Put a drop of oil at every point of metal-to-metal movement or rotation.
   • Oil deep inside where the back of the scissors rubs against the scissor opener, around the scissor rivet.
   • Add a drop under the needle, where the scissors rub.
3. Check for a yarn jam. Look for yarn caught in the white gear (AK-I and AK-II) or pink gear (Duo), or in the square bearings that control the tufting action. Turn the power OFF and carefully remove the yarn by hand. Re-oil, then test by hand before powering on. If the yarn or the square bearings stay stuck, email support@tufttheworld.com for troubleshooting help or to send your machine in for repair.
4. Check for an electrical problem. If there's no yarn jam and oiling (including the scissor area) didn't help, the problem is most likely electrical or an internal mechanical issue. Email support@tufttheworld.com for troubleshooting help or to send your machine in for repair.

Grinding or crunching

Likely causes: debris in the mechanism, gear misalignment, or dry bearings.

Fix: Oil the machine and inspect it for debris. If the grinding continues after oiling, send the machine in.

Rattling from the covers

Likely cause: the nuts holding the white plastic covers have loosened.

Fix: Tighten the 4 nuts that secure the white plastic covers.

Clicking while running

Likely cause: some machines click normally. Otherwise, the needle or gear alignment may be slightly off.

Fix: Oil the machine. If the clicking is new or loud, inspect the needle and gear alignment.

Machine louder than normal

Likely cause: the machine is running dry and needs lubrication.

Fix: Give it a full oiling service, as described above.

Machine beeping

A beeping machine usually can't move freely because something is blocking it. Common causes are yarn caught in the mechanism or a bent piece of metal.

1. Turn the machine OFF and unplug it.
2. Rotate the mechanism a full 360 degrees by hand and watch where it gets stuck.
3. Clear any stuck yarn and look for bent parts.
4. Check the scissor opener and closer. If they are set incorrectly, the machine can bind up and beep.
5. Oil the machine before you use it again.

Sound changed after dropping your machine

Your machine may have been dropped or knocked off the frame. If it now sounds rougher or lower than its normal high-pitched hum, something inside has most likely been bumped out of position, even if it still tufts. This is usually an easy adjustment, but it's hard to diagnose from a video alone.

We recommend sending the machine in so we can check and realign it. See Sending Your Machine In for Repair for packing and shipping steps.

Storing Your Machine

• Keep it in a dry, dust-free area, or cover it with a dust cloth.
• Keep it away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
• If you're storing it long-term, run the machine now and then so the parts don't stiffen.

A little maintenance goes a long way. Regular oiling, cleaning and checks will help you avoid costly repairs and keep every tufting session running smoothly. Happy tufting!

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