Nerd Mechanics: 10 Ways You Can Create Custom Tools Via 3D-Printing!

The best part about 3D printed tools is customization and availability in remote regions, from industrial projects to the dainty printing rig in your workshop. They add a great atmosphere to your workshops, and you hardly ever have to bother going to the hardware store.

Since additive manufacturing is so pocket-friendly, we thought we would share some tech-savvy ideas for custom tools that can make your workshop the envy of your neighborhood!

Here are 10 incredible ways 3D printing can get you custom tools that even many hardware stores won’t have in stock!

1. Jigs & Fixtures

3D printed jigs and fixtures are a great way to ensure that you get the job done right. Jigs are ideal as securing supports, while fixtures allow for guiding and securing work surfaces. Add some CAD innovation, and you’ve got yourself a vise!

2. Saw Fences

3D printed in parts and elementary assembly. Fences guide machining saws on work surfaces to ensure accurate cuts and can act as jigs too.

3. Tool Handles

Does a damaged tool handle hold some sentimental value? Rather than dispose of a much-loved handle-damaged tool, just 3D print a custom handle for it! Be it a hacksaw, screwdrivers, or hammers, fabricating a custom handle saves you from having to buy an expensive replacement and keeps your sentimentality intact.

4. Centre Finders

Perfect for flat surfaces. These need basic assembly after printing, while some are print-ready. Some designs have a center trench for intersecting; some designs clamp onto the surface and guide to center; a drill bit center tool helps the drill angle ideally on curved/pipe surfaces. There are so many designs to choose from!

5. Custom Molds

Epoxy is the rage with molded home accessories! 3D printing allows for well-crafted molds for your projects that ensure a reduced carbon footprint while upgrading your abode. Depending on your needs, we can also provide input on what mold you may need.

6. Fastener Tool

Tired of manually having to sort fasteners by length and diameter? This tool is a 3D printed block with marked and measured grooves you can compare against and sort. It’s a very nifty piece of equipment guaranteed to keep your work floor fastener-free.

7. Fillet Gauge

Vernier calipers can help measure the widths and depths of objects but not fillets. This tool may look like a certain masked vigilante’s knife, but it is designed to measure fillets to standard for translating the measure to CAD software.

8. Sliding Bevels

This 3D printed tool gauges and transfers angles to work materials for tracing and cut-outs. Ideal for gauging DIY tiled floor installation in tricky corners in your workshop!

9. Lockable Contour Gauge

Unlike the bevel, this tool measures curved edges to transfer onto the material for cutting to specs. It is ideal for floor tiling, carpeting around round fixtures, and paneling around intricate corner pads.

10. Digit Spanner

What’s the point of a wrench when you can’t reach a tight space to apply the torque needed? This sturdy tool can fit over your finger while the v-slot fits onto basic bolt sizes to be screwed in place.

Love the riveting ideas but lack a 3D printer? Finding it hard to find a reliable 3D printer in Detroit, MI?

Don’t fuss about it! At CAV Tool, we know best how to bring your custom projects to life. We provide comprehensive solutions for your workshop and manufacturing needs. We also accept custom CAD designs and offer the best prices and advice on materials. Do get in touch for a free quote today. Happy 3D Printing Fellow Nerds!

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