Pile Height Adjustment & Factory Settings

October 03, 2026

Pile height adjustment controls how far the needle protrudes through the cloth, which determines how tall your pile will be. It is frequently requested and is often involved in other issues such as the needle not appearing to work.

Issue Reference Table

Important Notes

• The Duo machine has a dedicated pile height video — always use the Duo-specific video, not the AK-I version
• Stay on the side of the gear your machine shipped on: even-numbered holes for machines that shipped at 14mm, odd-numbered holes for machines that shipped at 15mm
• Grounding bars on the machine sides affect rotation behavior after trigger release — these are related to pile height settings

Factory Settings — Bar Measurements by Model

If you have changed your pile height settings and cannot remember where you started, these factory measurements allow you to return to the out-of-box configuration. Measurements refer to the upper and lower bar positions on the pile height adjustment mechanism.

Before You Adjust: Document Your Factory Settings

Before changing pile height, swapping scissors, or making any other adjustment, take lots of photos and measurements of your machine as it is. We also recommend filming yourself as you make the changes. Incorrect changes can stop the machine from tufting correctly, and this record lets you return it to its original setting.

DUO machines come in different versions (for example, the Medium pile version), and adjustment steps differ by version. Use the video for your specific version in the showcase shared with your purchase, and contact support with your order number or email if you're unsure which version you have. If you'd rather not make the change yourself, we can do it for you, or help over a video call.

Changing Pile Height on the DUO: Stay on the Side Your Machine Shipped On

Which side of the gear you use depends on how your machine shipped. New DUO machines, and all new low-pile models, ship set to 14mm, which sits on the positive (even-numbered) side of the gear. On these machines, stay on that side when you change pile height: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 16mm. If your machine shipped set to 15mm (the odd-numbered side), stay on the odd side instead: 9mm, 11mm, 13mm and 15mm.

Some older quick-start and pile height videos show the change being made on the odd-numbered side. Apart from which side of the gear you use, the adjustment is exactly the same, so follow the video using the positions for your machine. Moving the pivot point over to the other side is possible but much more challenging, and it isn't necessary. The machine works across its full range of pile heights, including the lowest setting (8mm).

You'll find the DUO pile height video, plus the threading and cut/loop switching videos, in our DUO Vimeo showcase. The link and User Manual are emailed to whoever placed the order, and the User Manual also covers pile height. If you received your DUO as a gift, or it arrived without a manual, email support@tufttheworld.com with your machine model and we'll send you the manual and video links.

Don't Adjust the Top Bar Nuts

The nuts on the top bar of your machine should never need to be adjusted. Don't use pliers on them, because that chews up the nuts and can strip threads. Make pile height changes with the slider mechanism only, following the video guides shared with your machine. If you're unsure, contact support@tufttheworld.com before you adjust anything. Replacement slider parts are available, and they come in several sizes, so tell us your machine model when you order one.

How to Tell Which DUO Pile Height Version You Have

The DUO comes in low, medium, and high pile versions. To identify yours:

• Gear color: Low pile DUO machines have a pink gear and gear cover.
• Check the large round gear at the bottom of the machine. The threaded bar attaches to a numbered hole. If the factory setting is 14 or 15 mm, it's a low pile machine. Medium pile machines are set at 30 mm and high pile at 40 mm.

Not sure? Email a photo of your machine to support@tufttheworld.com and we'll identify it for you.

Machine Fires On Its Own (Auto-Firing)

If your machine keeps running after you release the trigger, or starts firing by itself, the grounding bars on the sides of the machine have most likely slid out of position. The grounding bars tell the machine when to stop and return to its home position.

1. Turn OFF and UNPLUG the machine.
2. Open the grounding bar adjustment video in the Vimeo showcase shared with your purchase.
3. Rotate the grounding bars back to their normal position.
4. Tighten the bolt securely with the Allen key included with your machine.
5. Test the machine and repeat small adjustments if needed. The position can take a few tries to get right.

If the machine still fires on its own after several adjustments, contact support@tufttheworld.com. We can have you send the machine in and set the grounding bars for you.

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