Excitingly, you can easily find the original 1913 patent of the fractal vise in Hand Tool Rescue’s video via Google’s patent search. The devices work by a series of nested arcs, with each successive arc about half the size of the one preceding it. When the end jaws press against an object, the free-moving dovetail joints allow each arc to rotate and form to the object’s organic shape.

When you watch it work, the concept is so simple – but definitely ingenious. It’s incredible that the tool hasn’t remained popular over time. But, fortunately, the expired patent means that the tool is ripe for democratic manufacturing as makers like Laws easily create, share, and reproduce reproduced the century-old vise.

The design itself is very impressive. Laws says that he only followed the Hand Tool Rescue video to inform his design, copying the unique device’s composition, and ignored the patent files. Parametric design was used to base the model around a set of variables – meaning the entire design will adjust if a user changes those variables. But Laws further complicated his revitalization with three secondary goals: no support material, minimal plastic, and constrained jaws that couldn’t disassemble during regular use.

To minimize plastic, Laws avoided a large base or 3D printable lead screws for the vise. Instead, a list of commonly available parts to source is provided in the Thingiverse file’s description and a minimal base is included in the design that just serves to house the bearings and lead screw.

Due to the dovetail joints and nested arcs, supportless printing would prove difficult, as some aspect of the design always needs support when printed as full pieces. To overcome this, the larger arcs were split in half and are printed vertically. This preserves the design’s essential angles and overhangs, as well as allowing for stoppers to be attached during assembly that effectively constrain the jaws.

“I have no doubt the original metal version is superior to this,” Laws says of his design, “but you just can’t get one. So, this democratic manufacturing means that anyone with a 3D printer can have their own.” If the few fractal vises that are available for purchase don’t strike your fancy – or you’re just keen on a project – Laws’ design is certainly the way to go. In his video, he goes on to say he’s excited to see what community remixes make of his design, and points to the open-source release of not only the STL files required for 3D printing, but also the completed assembly’s source CAD.

Unique tools are a popular theme on 3D printing repositories like Thingiverse, so there are plenty more useful devices like the fractal vise. We’ve gathered a few of our favorites for you to peruse below.

Do you have another 3D printed tool in mind? Let us know in the comments below!

Borgey’s Fractal Vise

Before Teaching Tech, there was Borgey. Chris Borge created his own version of the Hand Tool Rescue fractal vise with an accompanying video. Both were mentioned and recommended in Laws’ video, so if you want a larger 3D-printed body on your fractal vise, or just want to see another design, check it out.

Sanding Tools

Need a better sanding block? Replacements for your hand sander just not cheap enough? Mik Bar has you covered with their design: Sanding tools – hands & machines.  The files come with a variety of blocks you can fix sandpaper to and use by hand, for some, or more attractively, attach to a drill for an automatic sander.

Quick Setup Drill Depth Stop

A much simpler design, but very practical. The quick setup drill depth stop by Highrise Workshop has been tearing up Prusa Printers. It’s made to fit snugly into the popular DeWalt drill bit case so it’s always on hand.

Hand-Screw Clamp

Creating a tool commonly used in woodworking, this hand-screw clamp by jakejake was featured by Thingiverse back in 2017. The designer warns that they won’t be as strong as store-bought clamps, but one could come in handy if you’re in a tight spot… or, we guess… if you’re not?