8 Ways How to Fix a 3D Printer Partial Clog

Partial clogs happen when a blockage or obstruction occurs in the nozzle or filament path. This causes the filament to come out curly, which leads to failed prints. I decided to write this article to explain the best ways to fix this issue.

To fix a 3D printer partial clog, you should perform a cold or hot pull, use compressed air to blow away stuck debris, use a cleaning filament, or use a needle to break up the clog. Alternatively, you can replace the nozzle if all these methods fail.

This is the basic answer for how to fix a 3D printer partial clog. I will provide more details on each method, so continue reading.

How to Fix a 3D Printer Partial Clog

Below are some of the main ways to fix a 3D printer partial clog:

1. Cold pulling
2. Hot pulling
3. Use compressed air
4. Use a nozzle cleaning or acupuncture needle
5. Use a cleaning filament
6. Use a heat gun or blow torch
7. Remove the nozzle and clean it
8. Replace the nozzle

1. Cold Pulling

The most common way to fix a 3D printer partial clog is to do a cold pull, also known as atomic or filament change. Cold-pulling is an effective method of pulling out debris and residue in the nozzle. Here is a step-by-step process of doing it:

• First, heat the nozzle to the printing temperature for the filament you will use for the cold pull, for example, 200°C for PLA. You can do this from the printer’s control panel.
• Now cut the filament using a pair of wire cutters to around 45° angle and load it into the nozzle until it oozes out a little.

These BLEDS Flush Cutters from Amazon will do the trick, or you can use the flush cutters that came with your 3D printer if you still have it.

• Allow the nozzle to cool down, in this case to about 90°C, while pushing the filament down on the nozzle.
• Once it has cooled down, in one swift motion, pull the filament out while holding it firmly.
• Check the tip of your filament. It should be relatively cone-shaped and should not contain any dirt or debris stuck to it. If not, just cut off the dirty or discolored section of the filament and repeat the whole process until the filament looks clean.

One user stated that you need to disconnect and heat the extruder drive to fix clogs in your nozzle. After that, start cooling and cold-pull the filament once the correct temperature is attained.

He added that if the pull works without breaking the filament, all the material in the nozzle would be removed along with any trash.

Several users have also recommended cold pulling before attempting to replace your nozzle. They found it to be an effective method of removing the partial blockage in the nozzle.

Here is a video that can guide you through the process of performing a cold pull.

2. Hot Pulling

Another effective method of fixing 3D printer partial clogs is to do a hot pull. A hot pull is very similar to a cold pull, only that you don’t wait for the nozzle to cool down. You can follow this procedure:

• Heat the nozzle to the approximate temperature for your printing filament, say approximately 200°C for PLA or 240°C for ABS.
• Cut the filament and manually load it into your printer and clogged nozzle.
• Push the filament down on the nozzle until nothing comes out, and hold it there for approximately 2-3 seconds.
• Finally, in one swift motion, pull it out and inspect the end of the filament. If dirt, filament residue, or debris is stuck on it, cut that part off and repeat the process.

One user said the hot pull method fixed his clogged 3D printer. He added that it was easier and faster than the cold pull.

I’d recommend this video by 3D Print – Tech Design for more details on how to carry out a hot pull correctly:

3. Use Compressed Air

You can also fix 3D printer partial clogs by using compressed air. Using a can of compressed air or an air compression tool can help direct airflow into the nozzle opening to blow away any loose debris or clogs.

I recommend the NEIKO Air Gun Compressor, which has a long needle nozzle attachment for higher efficiency.

However, you should ensure that the nozzle is at room temperature or slightly warmer before starting. Additionally, take extra caution not to damage delicate components of your 3D printer when using compressed air.

A user said they successfully removed a partial clog after he used the wrong nozzle size (0.4mm instead of 0.6mm). He started by heating the nozzle and then using a compressor pistol to remove the filament using air pressure.

4. Use a Cleaning Filament

Using a cleaning filament is another recommended way of fixing partial clogs in 3D printers. Cleaning filaments often contain additives that help dissolve and remove debris, making them a convenient option for nozzle cleaning.

To fix the partial clog, you’ll need to insert the cleaning filament into the extruder and allow it to pass through the nozzle. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. Once the cleaning filament has done its job, you can remove it and continue with regular filament.

A user who wanted to remove partial clogs from his nozzle was told to get a cleaning filament to help remove any gunk from his hotend. Additionally, using it after every filament change would help him prevent clogs.

The eSUN Cleaning Filament was recommended because you can purchase 100g rolls. You can also use it with various FDM printers.

Check out this video which shows how the eSUN cleaning filament works.

5. Use a Nozzle Cleaning or Acupuncture Needle, or a Similar Tool

A simple method you could use to remove partial clogs from 3D printers is using nozzle cleaning needles, acupuncture needles, wires, or a similar tool. However, the tool you use should be able to fit through your nozzle opening.

You can use the TASTE3D 3D Printer Nozzle Cleaning Needle from Amazon.

The process involves heating the nozzle to the printing temperature of the filament that caused the clog. You then carefully insert it into the nozzle opening and gently wiggle and move it.

Inserting needles and other tools help to break up the clog. After that, you can push in a filament by hand to remove the clog through the nozzle opening. It is advisable to repeat this process until the nozzle is clear.

One user was inquiring what he should do once he got a clog that caused his print to fail. In response, someone said they heated their nozzle and cleaned it with an acupuncture needle to fix the problem.

6. Use a Heat Gun or Blow Torch

Applying heat can help to soften and remove filament residue and partial clogs. First, use the heat gun or blow torch to heat the nozzle gently. The heat softens the clog until it can flow out or is easier to remove.

The SEEKONE Heat Gun from Amazon should work great for this purpose.

One user mentioned that it has nice controls and attachments for easier use. They used it mainly for smoothing 3D prints and also said to be careful since it heats up quickly.

Set the heat gun to low to avoid damaging the nozzle. Once heated, you can scrape any remaining nozzle clog using tweezers, needles, or a similar pointy tool. You should be careful not to damage the nozzle or other components.

Additionally, do not handle the nozzle with bare hands, as it may burn you. You can hold it with a tool like the Craftsman Pliers. Once heated, manually clear the nozzle using a needle.

I would also recommend the JM-FUHAND Heat-Resistant Gloves when removing the hot nozzle and burning it using a blow torch to avoid getting burnt.

One user said that for a clog in the brass nozzle tip, you should preheat the hotend and remove the nozzle. After that, use a blow torch or flame to heat the nozzle, and you will see all the plastic burn off. You should be good to go after reinstalling the nozzle.

Another user said that a suitable method you could follow was to put the nozzle in a clamp and then heat it with a soldering iron. Once it is heated, pull the plastic out using tweezers.

7. Remove the Nozzle and Clean It

Sometimes the clog may be severe and cannot be cleared using other conventional methods. In this case, you may have to remove the nozzle from the printer to clean it properly.

To start, unscrew the nozzle with a socket wrench while holding the heat block (the part that houses the nozzle) with a spanner.

You can find this useful Nozzle Replacement Tool on Amazon. It is perfectly designed for 3D printer nozzles, preventing you from getting burnt.

Note you have to do this with the printer turned off and unplugged from the power source. After the nozzle comes off the printer, you can clean it using the methods I mentioned earlier (e.g., a heating tool and needles).

Alternatively, you can use a suitable solvent like acetone or isopropyl alcohol. Let the nozzle soak in the solvent before rinsing with water. This dissolves the stuck filament. Complete this procedure using a needle or tweezers to remove any remaining residue or partial clogs.

A user mentioned that one of the best ways of fixing a partial clog if you’re using PLA or ABS filament is to soak the nozzle in acetone because it would dissolve the plastic.

Check out this video if you want to know the various ways you can clean a nozzle after removing it from your 3D printer.

8. Replace the Nozzle

If the above methods fail, you can replace the nozzle to fix the 3D printer’s partial clogs. This is because nozzles can wear out or get damaged over time.

Nozzles may also have a buildup of hardened filament or debris that may be difficult to clean. Replacing them with a new one will remove any potential obstructions causing the clog.

Multiple users with different 3D printers, such as the Qidi X-One, Flashforge Creator Pro, and Wanhao i3, said they experienced PETG clogging with the stock nozzle. However, after installing a Micro-Swiss nozzle, the clogging stopped.

Another user suggested that replacing the nozzle was better than trying to unclog it. This is because replacement nozzles were cheap, and saving the nozzle was not worth the risk of bigger clogs or messy prints.

I found this video by Ricky Impey very resourceful if you want to change a nozzle on your 3D printer.