Ever thought about the convenience of 3D printing your own tools? I've designed a pair of printable pliers that can be easily assembled with just a (1/4-20) nut, a bolt (0.5"), and your choice of printing material. While these may not replace your steel pliers, they're surprisingly sturdy when printed with specific settings. Ideal for quick fixes and light tasks! Two versions: one has standard handles and one flares at the bottom which may hold up to flexing under more cycles.

Included are the STEP files to allow for others to try their own tweaks of this model!

**Why 3D-Printable Pliers?**
- Quick Construction: Need a tool in a pinch? All you need is a bolt, a nut, and these designs to print your own pair of pliers.
- At-Home Manufacturing: I envision a future where we can produce a wide array of items right in the comfort of our homes. These pliers are a step in that direction.

**Print Settings:**
- Perimeters: 3-4
- Infill: >30% (3D infill such as gyroid for maximum strength)
- Materials: Whatever you choose! I am using trusty PLA+.

**Unique Features:**
- Comfortable Grip: The handles are designed to flex under higher loads, providing a comfortable, springy grip without sacrificing strength.

**Material Experimentation:**
- I’m curious about how these pliers would perform when printed with advanced materials like SLS PA 12. If any of you have the opportunity to test them with such materials, I’d love to hear your feedback!

At-Home 3D-Printed Pliers

Pliers (Hex Side).stl

**Important v2 Update:** Grab the new files for the blower housing and the impeller fan as pictured in the blue and white prints! After some experimentation, I have achieved better flow while making it quieter, reducing size of the blower housing overall and controlling the input/output at a 1.25:1 ratio to compress the air inside the chamber. The fan blades are also bigger and take up more of the internal chamber and the disk now sits flush into the bottom blower. There is room for the fan to grow, but there is a balance of stressing this lower torque motor I am using. 

Boost the performance of your rotary/Dremel tool with this 3D printed impeller blower attachment!

The impeller is designed to fit inside a turbo-style fan cover that attaches to a 0.5" sanding drum and onto your rotary tool. As the tool spins at high speeds, the impeller accelerates the airflow to provide a cooling effect and can clear away debris. It serves as a great basis for testing different impeller blade designs and geometries.

Includes two impeller styles - a black smoother blade ideal for high speeds and a more aggressive purple blade for lower rotary tool RPMs (so still pretty fast). Keep an eye out as I am definitely not done with this model!

Here is a link to a McMaster dremel head for reference:
(https://www.mcmaster.com/4344A83/)

Printed in PLA with 0.2mm layer height for optimal quality on the impeller blades - other parts can be larger layer height (~0.3mm). Uses at least 3 shell perimeters for added strength. 

**To Install:**
- Use short 1/4-20 Nuts and Bolts (I used 1/2") to secure the rotary tool into the attachment pieces. 
- Attach bottom cover loosely while the bolts are maintaining the structure. 
- Tighten the impeller on the 0.5" sanding drum, feed it through the bottom cover, and tighten the collet. 
- Finally close the assembly with the long 1/4-20 Nuts and Bolts (mine are 3").
- Give it a whirl! Hope it is useful or provides some sort of inspiration for you!

**Customization Options:**
- Remix impeller size, blade angles, number of blades
- Redesign cover for different look and fit
- Adapt mounting as needed for your rotary tool

As with most of my designs - you will find the STEP files so that you can modify yourself and see what you can come up with! 

Tags: #Dremel 

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6235496.

Turbo Impeller Blower Attachment for Rotary Tool

Turbo Fan v2.step

Turbo Fan v2.stl

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6216684.

Description:
Introducing a compact fan specifically designed for 0.5" diameter Dremel heads. Ideal for those looking to experiment with electric motors and fans, this simple yet effective design provides a quick setup for your existing Dremel tools. After several iterations, the fan produces significant thrust, making it an excellent stepping stone for more complex projects like blowers and RC planes.

Be careful and only operate under safe conditions! Cover designs coming soon.

Also - here is a link to a McMaster dremel head for reference:
(https://www.mcmaster.com/4344A83/)

Key Features:

    Easy to Install: Designed for a snug fit on 0.5" diameter Dremel heads.
    Quick Setup: Perfect for quick electronic experiments with your household Dremel tools.
    Effective Thrust: Multiple iterations have refined the design for optimal thrust.

Recommended Material:
This fan performs best when printed in PLA or ABS, balancing durability and flexibility.

Installation Guide:
While installation is straightforward, a guideline is provided to assist in a hassle-free setup.

Take your Dremel tool to the next level and embark on more advanced projects with this compact fan attachment.

Dremel Fan (0.5in Mandrel)

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6213658.

Rope Hook made to fit with 1/4-20 bolts and nuts found at home goods stores. Just press fit the nut into the recess and it is ready to use!

To make this as strong as possible for a quick print:
Parameters: 3 or 4 shells
Infill: >15%
Layer Height: 0.3mm


Rope Hook (1/4-20 Bolt)

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6230469.

Description

Need a simple wall hook? This one's easy to install and looks great on any wall. Just use your favorite adhesive strip on the back, and you're good to go.

Instructions
    1. Clean the wall area.
    2. Stick on an adhesive strip.
    3. Press the hook onto the wall.
    4. Wait a bit, then start hanging stuff.

As with most of my designs, I have included the STEP file so you can modify to your liking. Let me know your thoughts or if you have any other ideas you want created!

Adhesive Strip Hook

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6214948.

Introducing a straightforward solution to organize your tools! This screwdriver holder is specially designed to attach to small wooden crates, specifically those measuring 18x12.5x9.5 inches. Whether you're a professional or just like to keep things tidy in your garage, this holder secures two screwdrivers within arm's reach.



Screwdriver Holder | Wood Box

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6218060.

Description:

Introducing an improved version of my Dremel fan designed for 0.5" diameter Dremel heads. This update features a sharper, toroidal blade-inspired intake scoop that delivers increased thrust.

Features:

    Improved thrust performance
    Easy Installation: Just like the previous version, this is still a quick fit design.
    Material Recommendation: Best when printed in PLA or ABS. 

Also - here is a link to a McMaster dremel head for reference: 
(https://www.mcmaster.com/4344A83/)

Safety Note:
Please operate under safe conditions. Future cover designs are in the works to enhance safety.

This update was inspired by the engineering community’s feedback and my own desire to optimize performance. Looking forward to hearing what you think!

Dremel Fan - Semi-Toroidal

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6246270.

This is an enhanced version of my last rope hook, optimized for special use cases. It includes a recess for a 1/4-20 nut and features a separate functional rope hook for additional connections.

**Features & Recommendations**
- Integrated 1/4-20 Nut Recess: Provides secure assembly.
- Additional Functional Rope Hook: For multi-purpose use.
- Lock Washer Effect: Plastic compression if you overtighten.
- 3D Printing Settings: At least 3 perimeters and 15% gyroidal infill. PLA recommended.

Download the STEP file for customization. Feedback and questions are welcome!

Double Rope Hook

**Description:**
Are you a fan of Settlers of Catan? Ever misplaced a game piece or wished you could personalize your set with custom colors? This 3D model pack is for you! It includes roads, settlements, and cities, designed to fit seamlessly with your existing Settlers of Catan board in their classic design.

**Features:**
- Customizable: Alongside STL files, STEP files are included so you can make further customizations to suit your personal taste. 
 - Comprehensive Set: This pack includes everything you'll need—roads, settlements, and cities.

**Technical Specifications:**
- File Format: STL, STEP
- Material: PLA/ABS compatible
- Layer Height: 0.2mm recommended
- Infill: 10-20% recommended
- Supports: Not required

Note: These designs are intended for personal use.

Settlers of Catan - Replacement Pieces

City.stl

Mechanical Engineer
Envisioning a world of printing anything you want right from home. Most of my models come with the STEP files so that you can play around with modifying the models to your liking. My only stipulation is please share your results to inspire and help others. 

Activity related to collaborating with others on models

Likes, comments, and activity from your community

A roundup of models that we think you'll like

For when we think someone might have posted your content as their own

New content from your premium memberships

Emails and messages from designers you follow

<div class="markdown"><p>Mechanical Engineer
Envisioning a world of printing anything you want right from home. Most of my models come with the STEP files so that you can play around with modifying the models to your liking. My only stipulation is please share your results to inspire and help others.</p></div>

xhls