What’s the Difference Between Tufting Guns?

There are many tufting guns on the market, but the main differences come down to two key factors:

• Pile height
• Cut or loop pile

Other things to consider are tufting speed, weight, and overall build quality.

Pile Height

Electric tufting guns are perfect for standard rugs with pile heights up to around 21 mm. If you want extra-high piles, you’ll need an air-powered machine, which can produce much taller loops and cuts.

Cut or Loop

A cut pile machine has a small scissor built into the needle, which cuts each loop as it passes through the fabric. A loop pile machine leaves the yarn uncut, creating loops that you’d need to trim manually if you want a cut finish.

Some models, like the cut and loop machines, offer both options and allow you to switch modes by removing or deactivating the scissors.