I found I broke more (or bent them) when I had my quilt sandwich too tight in the hoop. When I use the hoop with the quilt very loose and pliable, I don't have as much trouble. I put the hoop on with the tightener set on a loose setting at first, then stick my fist thru the middle from the back side until I am happy that the quilt is loose enough in the hoop, then I tighten the hoop to hold the quilt so it doesn't slip.