Roland, Since my fingers are arthritic, I use a screw driver to tighten the round hoops and a needle nose to tighten the rectangle hoop. So, I probably get them more snug than necessary. But, at least they won't fall off!! LOL Debbie Rinehart Deb'z-N-Stitches Martinsville, In. 765-342-7392 ----- Original Message ----- From: Roland R. Irish III To: amayausers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 2:46 PM Subject: [amayausers] Re: leaving the machine alone I haven't broken a hoop yet, and I really 'reef' on them when doing the heavy jackets and sweats...but I usually end up with light pressure, hoop the article, then reach underneath and finger tighten the nut until I can't turn it any more. Probably you are breaking them by forcing the hoops together when it is too tight? Roland =========================================================== The AmayaUsers Mailing List Website: http://www.amayausers.com Discussion Board: http://www.amayausers.com/boards Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://www.amayausers.com/list =========================================================== =========================================================== The AmayaUsers Mailing List Website: http://www.amayausers.com Discussion Board: http://www.amayausers.com/boards Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://www.amayausers.com/list ===========================================================