Nozzle Clogged / Under-Extrusion
Creality 3D Printer
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
A clogged nozzle means filament cannot flow through the hotend properly. Signs: under-extrusion, clicking extruder, no filament coming out, or thin inconsistent lines. Try a cold pull first. If that fails, replace the nozzle.
Affected Models
- Creality Ender 3
- Creality Ender 3 V2
- Creality Ender 5
- Creality CR-10
- All FDM 3D printers
Common Causes
- Burned filament debris inside the nozzle
- Printing temperature too low — filament not fully melting
- Cheap or contaminated filament with particles
- Gap between nozzle and heatbreak causing a jam
- Retraction settings too aggressive causing heat creep
How to Fix It
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Try a cold pull (atomic pull) to clear the clog.
Heat to 200°C, push filament through, then cool to 90°C. Pull the filament out firmly — it should bring debris with it. Repeat until the pulled filament tip is clean.
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Use an acupuncture needle to clear the nozzle while hot.
Heat to printing temperature. Insert a 0.3-0.35mm needle into the nozzle from below. Push up and down to break up the clog.
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Replace the nozzle — they are cheap consumables.
Brass nozzles cost $0.50-$2. Heat the hotend to 200°C, use a wrench to unscrew the old nozzle, and install the new one.
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Check for a gap between the nozzle and Bowden tube or heatbreak.
A gap allows melted filament to pool and harden, causing recurring clogs. Make sure the Bowden tube sits flush against the nozzle when assembled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace the nozzle?
Brass nozzles last 100-500 hours of printing with standard PLA/PETG. Abrasive filaments (carbon fiber, glow-in-dark) wear nozzles much faster — use hardened steel nozzles for those.
What is a cold pull?
A cold pull heats filament, lets it cool partially, then pulls it out. The semi-solid filament grabs debris inside the nozzle and pulls it out. It is the most effective way to clean a partial clog.