You might try a different spool of thread just to see if it is the tensioner or the thread. I had a bad spool of gudbrod. It didn't break but was loaded with the fuzzies in some sections. It really takes very little tension to do the job. Personally I just use a fly tying bobbin and run the thread thru it an let it hang. I just give it a little snugging every 5-6 turns. Works for me. Allyn