Hi! I was told at a quilting class that if you put batteries in the Side-Winder it gives it a little heft - did that! Have been using mine for over a year now and love it. Watch closely the way you wind your thread around. I wish I could help you more, but I honestly have not had one single problem with mine and I love it. Sits right out here and is at my beck and call when I run out of thread! Edie :)