Never underestimate the big impact that a small item can have on your life. Owning a 3D printer means that you have a limitless number of these small but useful items on tap, and they’ll cost you mere cents to produce.
Here are a few to make this weekend (or just keep in your back pocket).
Reusable zip ties (3g)
Better than regular zip ties
Credit: Flori_ / MakerWorld
Zip ties are one of those incredibly useful inventions that are always worth keeping around, but standard zip ties are single-use and arguably not worth printing. Not everything needs to remain bound forever, and some things, like cables, benefit from being easy to unravel. The answer, in these cases, is reusable zip ties.
Though the author recommends printing in TPU, there are positive reviews from others who have used PLA for larger models (though PETG would be stronger).
Charging port cleaner (1g)
Soft enough not to damage anything
Credit: Tim Brookes / How-To Geek
I used to use the SIM tool that comes with every iPhone to clean my charging port, until I realized how much damage metal could do to the charging contacts. Ever since then, I’ve used toothpicks, but they’re often too thick and can easily break. This charging port cleaner takes minutes to print, is thin enough to clean thoroughly, and soft enough that nothing will be damaged in the process.
120dB whistle (8g)
Alert others when you need to
Credit: Federico / MakerWorld
A whistle might not seem that useful on first glance, but being able to emit 120dB of high-pitched noise has its benefits. For many, this is an essential safety device whether you’re walking alone at night, skiing, or hiking in the wilderness. Make a few loud whistles and throw them in your backpack or car.
Toothpaste squeezer (6g)
A useful print you’ll (hopefully) use every day
There are all manner of toothpaste squeezers you can download and print, but few are as simple as this one. The model consists of two parts that clip together snuggly, which you can then move down the tube of toothpaste as you use it.
NFC-ready customizable pet tag (20g)
”Paws” the print to add your tag (sorry)
Credit: 3D CRAFT HUB / MakerWorld
This simple pet tag is a fully-customizable model to which you can add your name and number, and then pick the colors of your choosing. What makes it really special, though, is the ability to pause the print and embed an NFC chip inside, so that anyone who finds your pet can get more information about how to find you.
Clips for everything (12g)
You can never have enough clips
Credit: TuTu / MakerWorld
It feels like there are a million different clip designs out there waiting to print, and there’s a reason they’re so popular. Clips are useful, can be printed on demand in a size of your choosing, and serve a variety of different purposes. Some, like the press-to-seal food bag clip, replace those prone-to-failure clips you get on bread bags. Others, like the “last” clip, claim to be the final boss of clips.
Then there are filament clips, mini clips, money clips, coffee clips, cable clips, plant clips, barbell clips, and many more.
Zipper pull lock (1g)
Make your bag a little harder to steal from
Credit: s0ren / Printables
I always put a padlock on my suitcase when I’m taking a flight, even though it feels more like theater rather than real security. This small zipper pull lock works similarly in that it keeps your bag closed at the zipper, which can help avoid accidental opening and make it a little less appealing to would-be thieves.
Threaded tire valve cap (2g)
Pick standard or novelty designs
Credit: Printed Solutions / MakerWorld
Tire valve caps might not stop your tires from leaking air, but they still serve a purpose. Without a cap, the valve stem can collect dirt and debris, which can cause enough damage to ruin a perfectly good inner tube or tire. Plus, who doesn’t want to add a touch of flair with a valve cap in a color of their choosing?
Alternatively, have some fun with novelty caps like skulls, LEGO figure heads, rubber ducks, storm troopers, cats and more.
Universal cable holder (5g)
Print in a size of your choosing
Credit: Pixl / MakerWorld
Are cable holders boring? Definitely. Are they useful? Also yes. I’ve recently declared war on cables, and without dedicated cable-tidying hardware I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere. This cable organizer can help you keep the right cables within reach, in a range of different sizes.
3D printed mesh (3g)
Make a real mesh
Credit: GIAN / MakerWorld
I had never considered that a mesh could be 3D printed until I stumbled across this collection of meshes, which has almost 12,000 downloads on MakerWorld. Because it’s thin and bendy, it’s perfect for shaping and has a range of uses. Reviewers have used the model for cosplay masks, scale models, repairing fly screens, embroidery, filtering sand, screening PC fans, and more in both PLA and TPU.
Build Volume
256x256x256mm
Printing Speed
600mm/s
The Bambu Labs P2S 3D printer is ready to go out of the box and can have you printing within 15 minutes. It features up to 20-color printing with the AMS unit, has an upgraded built-in camera for remote monitoring and time lapses, and has an enclosed body for printing even high-temperature filament.
Build Volume
256 × 256 × 256 mm
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
The ELEGOO Centauri Carbon 2 builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor and adds an affordable, effective multicolor system to the mix.
Want even more? Check out our last collection of fast and functional prints.
