Abstract: Lateral pins (20) are used to provide a tufting machine modular gauge assembly that allows damaged or broken gauge elements (10) to be replaced individually. The modular gauge assembly consists of a gauge bar (25) with a plurality of modular blocks (15) removably attached to the bar. The modular blocks are six sided with a detent (110) and fastener mechanism (65) for attaching the block to the gauge bar. The gauge elements may be attached to the block by dedicated screw-pins (145) or by a lateral pin (20) that pastes through all the gauge elements within a block. The lateral pin may either pierce the gauge elements (at 70) or abut the gauge elements. Abutting pins may be malleable and segmented and secured in position by set screws.

Abstract: A needle plate module is provided with fingers having a bent portion received in a lateral channel portion enabling standard screw sizes to the fingers into the module over a wide range of finger gauge spacings.