3D printing has come a long way from just making miniatures, figurines, and other toys. While those fun projects still have their place, the technology has expanded into more functional parts that are now accessible to consumers. But can 3D-printed tools actually be useful in everyday situations? Today, we’re going to find out by 3D printing and testing hand tools like a hammer, screwdriver, wrench, and pliers.
Why 3D Print Hand Tools?
You might be wondering, why would anyone 3D print a hand tool when you could simply buy one? Here are some reasons why:
• Cost-Effective: Printing your own tools can save you money, especially for one-time-use or specialized tools that might be expensive otherwise.
• Customization: You may need a tool that fits specific dimensions or has unique features, something you wouldn’t find in stores.
• Accessibility: If you live in a remote area or it’s late at night and the hardware store is closed, 3D printing could be the quickest way to get the tool you need.
• Rapid Prototyping: For those who like to design their own tools, 3D printing offers the ability to quickly prototype and test different designs.
What Makes a 3D Printed Tool Work?
The key to a successful 3D printed tool boils down to one thing: material selection. Ideally, you’d want to print tools using carbon fiber-reinforced filament or polycarbonate, materials that can withstand significant force and pressure. Unfortunately, most hobbyist printers aren’t equipped to print with these types of filaments. So, for this test, we’re using PETG, which is a more durable alternative to the commonly used PLA filament.
We’ll also be printing at 100% infill (even though many STLs recommend 50%), ensuring maximum strength. Additionally, we’ve used a layer height of 0.2 mm for better layer bonding.
Testing the Tools
Now, it’s time to put our tools to the test by simulating common household tasks, such as assembling furniture or installing molding. Here’s how each of the printed tools performed:
The Wrench
We started with a simple task: turning a bolt into a wooden furring strip. Right away, the first wrench broke, with pieces snapping off almost immediately. The second wrench turned the bolt slightly, but eventually slipped under pressure. Despite tightening the wrench, it wasn’t able to turn the bolt effectively.
Verdict: Both wrenches failed to perform under real-world pressure, largely due to the limitations of the PETG material.
The Screwdriver
Next up was the screwdriver. Because we used a standard metal bit inserted into the 3D-printed handle, the tool was functional. However, the handle itself was too small to provide adequate comfort or control. It worked, but only because of the metal bit.
Verdict: While it got the job done, the comfort and usability were compromised. Plus, without the metal bit, this would have been another failure.
The Hammer
Our 3D-printed hammer weighed a mere 4.8 ounces, compared to a traditional 8-ounce hammer, making it significantly lighter. We started with small nails and worked our way up to larger ones. Unfortunately, the hammer only made it halfway through the largest nail before breaking.
Verdict: The lightweight PETG hammer couldn’t withstand the force needed for even basic hammering tasks.
The Pliers
The needle-nose pliers were able to pull nails and turn bolts, but they lacked the strength and grip of traditional metal pliers. After some use, they started to come apart, making them unreliable.
Verdict: The pliers worked in a pinch but weren’t durable enough for extended use.
Final Thoughts: Are 3D Printed Tools Worth It?
So, what’s the takeaway from this experiment? 3D printing hand tools using PETG was mostly a failure. While we were able to get some tools to work in limited situations, they weren’t strong or reliable enough for regular use. The hammer broke, the wrenches failed, the screwdriver relied on a metal bit, and the pliers fell apart after a few tasks.
If you were stranded on a desert island with only a 3D printer, some filament, and a solar panel, you could print some tools in a pinch. However, after this test, I’d probably break down the 3D printer and use its metal components to make more durable tools!
If we had used a stronger filament like carbon fiber-reinforced filament or polycarbonate, the results may have been different. But with the PETG that most hobbyists have access to, I’d recommend sticking to store-bought tools. For just a few dollars, you can buy reliable hand tools that will last far longer than their 3D-printed counterparts.
When Should You 3D Print Tools?
That said, there are still times when 3D printing tools might be useful. For example, if you need a tool in the middle of the night, and there’s no way to get to a hardware store, you could print something simple to get by. Or if you’re working on a project that requires a specialized tool, 3D printing can be a cost-effective way to prototype.
But for now, if you’re looking for tools that can handle everyday tasks reliably, you’re better off heading to your local hardware store.
For more on 3D printing, DIY, and maker projects, make sure you follow Maker Build It. And remember, keep on making!