Nozzle Clog Flowchart
A step-by-step nozzle clog diagnosis path for partial clogs, heat creep, filament grinding, bad filament, worn nozzles, and extrusion problems.
Identify the clog type
A full clog stops extrusion. A partial clog causes thin lines, clicking, under-extrusion, rough layers, or random gaps.
Do not immediately raise temperature without checking filament path, idler tension, and nozzle condition.
Quick diagnosis path
Symptoms this guide helps with
- clogs
- under-extrusion
- extruder clicking
- grinding filament
Likely causes
- Partial nozzle clog
- Heat creep
- Bad/wet filament
- Worn nozzle or debris
Fast checks before changing settings
- Extrude filament manually
- Inspect filament path
- Check temperature stability
- Swap nozzle if cleaning fails
Safest first fix path
Common causes
Moisture, dust, worn nozzles, overheated filament, heat creep, low-quality filament, and debris can all cause clog-like symptoms.
A nozzle swap is often faster than hours of tuning when the nozzle is damaged or contaminated.
Recovery path
Unload filament, inspect the tip, clean or replace the nozzle, verify extruder grip, then run a small extrusion and first-layer test.
Save the cause and fix in Profile Vault if the problem repeats.
Quick checklist
- Extruder gear checked
- Filament path clear
- Nozzle cleaned/replaced
- Temperature verified
- Small extrusion test
- Profile note saved
Turn the failure into a repeatable repair.
Continue the diagnosis, save the repair settings that worked, and explore the Characters & Creatures collection that includes Failed Print Gremlin.