The lubricator is disposed at the picking end of the picking element return device and has a guide duct for receiving a picking element prior to the next pick. The lubricator has oil mist nozzles which face only those surfaces of the picking element which will rub on the guide teeth in the next pick.Very low-quantity lubrication or lean lubrication is feasiable and soiling of the fabric by lubricant is obviated. The lubrication effect is sufficient to obviate metal abrasion between the picking element and the guide teeth so that soiling of the fabric by abraded metal can be avoided.