Throughout history, humans have completed few tasks without tools. Farmers, farriers, engineers, and even 3D printing enthusiasts all need tools. The good news is, they can 3D print their own.
Of course, functional hammers and wire cutters can’t be made on a desktop plastic-printing 3D printer. However, you may be surprised by the long list of functional tools you can print.
If you’d like to try out a new material or printing method that’s out of reach, you don’t need to change your setup – simply try Craftcloud by All3DP. There’s no minimum order necessary, just upload your files and make your selection between a variety of manufacturers, 3D printing technologies, and materials. Your designs of choice will be delivered to your doorstep.
Now, let’s take a look!
Hand Tools
Wire Stripper
Stripping a wire removes its rubber covering to expose the internal copper strands. This makes it much easier for tasks such as soldering. If you don’t have a specific tool, it can be difficult to strip wires, but this DIY wire stripper is a great alternative. The assembly uses a single-edged industrial razor blade and two printed parts to create a child-safe wire cutter with no openly exposed blades.
To use the wire stripper, simply slip your wire through the opening in the assembly, then press the top part down. Next, hold the wire, rotate the assembly around, and pull it away from the wire to rip off the rubber covering.
- Who designed it? Pentland Designs
- How popular/printable is it? This wire stripper tool design has over 5,000 views with more than 410 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Workshop Buddy
The Workshop Buddy is a 6-in-1 multitool that covers a wide range of uses around your workshop. You will find everything from a saw blade holder to a hex bit holder on this thing. Truly a versatile tool!
This is the perfect print to have around the workshop and can make a great gift for friends with a workshop. You can even print out multiple tools and color-code them so you know exactly what tools you are picking up.
Pump Hand Drill
This pump hand drill is an amazing four-piece model that actually works! Granted, it doesn’t rival the electrically powered counterpart that you’d find in your local hardware shop, but it’ll definitely prove useful when you need to make holes in light materials.
- Who designed it? speedy777
- How popular/printable is it? 77 users have posted makes of this model on Thingiverse, which usually comes printed in various materials and with a high percentage of infill. There are also 12 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Ratchet Screwdriver
This print-in-place screwdriver will drastically reduce the pain of cranking small screws for what seems like an endless amount of time. The internal ratcheting system makes screwing much easier and more efficient, and the user never has to reposition their hand. This means they can turn the screw much faster.
This model is a pretty straightforward print, even with the print-in-place mechanism inside. It requires no supports, and with a good amount of infill, it should be able to withstand plenty of handy work. The designer recommends either PLA or ABS, but for a more useful and reliable print, ABS is the superior option.
- Who designed it? johlink
- How popular/printable is it? With multiple makes, a print video, and an Instructables guide, this model is very well-documented and easy to print with a high infill percentage and a calibrated printer.
- Where to find it? Pinshape
Finger Wrench (Digit Spanner)
Makers are constantly forced to work around tight corners and hard-to-reach places. But with this ingenious finger wrench, tightening a nut in such areas is made much easier! This 3D printable model will help you tighten up every nook and cranny, even in those spots where a typical wrench won’t do.
- Who designed it? francfalco
- How popular/printable is it? Over 550 users have downloaded this model in a number of materials with a high infill percentage.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Hobby Knife
This hobby knife is a 3D printable handheld housing for a utility knife blade. You can use this tool for many tasks, like opening boxes or cutting filament. There are three printable components: the main shaft, the blade attachment pieces, and a sheath for when you’re not using the knife. Nonprintable components include the blade as well as a small screw and nut.
The creator of this design listed the model as medium in terms of complexity and printed it on an FDM printer. No other printing advice was provided, so you’ll have to use your own slicer settings. This shouldn’t be too hard, as the parts are all pretty simple and don’t contain too much detail.
- Who designed it? i3Fan
- How popular/printable is it? This hobby knife design has over 3,200 views as well as nearly 300 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Customizable Sanding Stick
This customizable sanding stick is an invaluable tool when working on certain projects. Thingiverse user mightynozzle has included four sample sticks that you can print. And, if none of those fit your needs, you can also just find or make your own, then secure sandpaper to it with the nifty printable screws.
The model doesn’t require any support material and has been printed in a variety of materials at a 50% infill or greater.
- Who designed it? mightynozzle
- How popular/printable is it? 267 Thingiverse users have posted a make of this model, and there are a whopping 680 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Contour Guide
This handy tool takes the guesswork out of modeling or measuring complex shapes or faces. Allowing the user to pick up the relief of a surface using individual blades, the shape can then be transferred either to a new material to be cut out, or measurements to be taken to be used in 3D modeling.
The printing process for this model is pretty simple but will take some time as the blades are all individual prints that need to be assembled within the frame. Good bed adhesion is a must, as the long and thin blades will be prone to warping. Any material of your choosing should work for this project as no strains or forces act on the finished part, but to maintain rigidity, a high infill is recommended.
- Who designed it? Tjalf
- How popular/printable is it? With over 6,300 likes and 16 documented makes, this model should be easy to print when keeping in mind how to avoid warping.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Fully Assembled Wrench
This 3D printed wrench definitely has limits in regard to functionality, but it’s simply too cool to be excluded from our list of 3D printable tools.
This wrench prints in one fully assembled piece, and although you can’t do much tinkering with it, it’ll still show off what your 3D printer is capable of.
- Who designed it? barspin
- How popular/printable is it? 494 makers have printed this model in a variety of materials, with plenty mentioning the use of support structures.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Bicycle Tool
Anyone who rides a bike knows that taking good care of it is important for safety and comfort, and you can’t always find everything you need in your local shop. This tool helps clean the cassette and prevent its parts from becoming damaged. It’s light, practical, and very welcome in a bike maintenance kit. On the model page, you can also find more tips on how to carry out the entire cleaning process in detail.
This tool is available in six different thicknesses ranging from 2 mm to 3.25 mm in 0.25 mm increments. Many comments show makes in PETG, but you can also print it in PLA. The important thing is to print it with 100% infill. Even then, it will be quick to make, taking less than 2 minutes to print in some cases.
- Who designed it? SteveJohnsen
- How popular/printable is it? This friendly tool has over 71 likes, more than 260 downloads, and 10 shared makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Tape Gun
Gone are the days when you would need to run to a hardware store to get a tape gun in your hands. With a 3D printer (and a few parts and screws), you can quickly and easily make your own at home. It may sound silly, but in reality, this actually makes a huge difference and avoids waste. An interesting thing about this project is that you can customize the size to fit the tape you want to use, so there are no gaps or limitations.
Most of the parts of the original design are made of PLA, while the blade, tongue, and applicator, are made of PETG to increase resistance and strength and make them less brittle. Everything prints without supports, except the handle. The infill varies between 30% and 100% for small parts and the blade, and the author recommends keeping the orientation of the parts while printing.
- Who designed it? Phio79
- How popular/printable is it? With 90 likes, more than 300 downloads, and 9 makes, you can easily print your own!
- Where to find it? Printables
3D Printing Tools
Caliper
Whether you enjoy 3D modeling or need to troubleshoot your slicer settings, everyone with a 3D printer should have a set of calipers around. Calipers are useful tools for checking filament measurements and making accurate parts in CAD software. These 3D printed calipers utilize a very simple two-piece slide and groove design.
The original file measures 23.5 cm long. If you’re working with a smaller print bed, a shorter size file is available since you can’t scale this model type. You can either print the model with the units or print a blank slate and then print the units out on a piece of paper and glue them to the model. The .pdf file with the units can be found in the model’s description.
- Who designed it? Bedrock_
- How popular/printable is it? Over 25,000 people have downloaded these calipers, with 12 sharing their makes!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Fan Dust Rake
After hours and hours spent printing, your 3D printer fans are bound to gather a lot of dust and debris. Using your hands to clear out the dust can only do so much. This nifty little print will give you a better grip so you can get clumps of dust out that you normally couldn’t reach.
The print comes with a small built-in brim at the end to prevent the teeth from curling. The designer recommends makers cut off this brim with their flush cutters. Peeling the brim off could potentially bend or break the rake teeth.
- Who designed it? MattBoyer
- How popular/printable is it? This is a very popular print, with over 7,400 downloads and 512 makes shared by the community.
- Where to find it? Printables
Nozzle Swapping Tool
This simple tool makes swapping nozzles on your 3D printer much easier, eliminating the need to align a wrench and ensure the nozzle doesn’t fall on your hand while it’s hot. This print makes use of any bits you already have that fit your nozzles, giving them a good grip for fast nozzle swapping and replacement.
The designer recommends printing in PETG, as PLA may warp when facing the temperatures that the nozzle can output. If you’re having a hard time getting your bit to fit in the handle, try warming the handle up with a heat gun to slightly soften the material before inserting the bit.
- Who designed it? AndersK
- How popular/printable is it? 158 people have already downloaded this model. You will find 3 shared makes as well!
- Where to find it? Printables
Filament Cutter
If you have a filament printer, this is a must-have tool. Whether you want to swap the filament or need to insert a new roll, it’s always easier if the end of the filament is cut at a 45-degree angle so that it’s pointed and resistant.
There are many successful makes posted on Printables, including cutters in different materials like PLA, PETG, and even ABS. It will just take a few nuts, screws, and washers with a blade for you to assemble this useful tool.
- Who designed it? PhilippHee
- How popular/printable is it? This handy tool has almost 500 likes, more than 1,500 downloads, and 61 makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
3D Printer Tool Stand
Every maker or handyman knows that the organization of tools is key to a successful project. This 3D printer tool stand is a great model that will help tidy up your workstation. So, the next time you need those pliers or a wrench, you know exactly where to find them.
The designer advises printing this model at 0.2-mm layer height and 10% infill without any supports.
- Who designed it? Stig_
- How popular/printable is it? With 159 makes and 14 remixes, this model has helped many makers organize their 3D printing tools.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Deburring Tool
The deburring tool is a great model to have around your 3D printer, as it’s often used to remove brims and elephant’s foot from prints. This replacement handle is the perfect solution for those who have either lost or broken their deburring tool handle.
Makers who do not already have a deburring tool can print this handle and purchase a pack of deburring blades to save on buying the entire tool. The handle prints in two halves and is held together with two M3x20 mm screws with nuts. The designer has left a link to the exact hardware needed in the description.
- Who designed it? Lehaiver
- How popular/printable is it? This tool is loved by many, with over 1,000 likes and 11,410 downloads!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Tool Accessories
Handle for Hex Key
What’s better than a handle for a hex key (also known as an Allen key or wrench)? Well, a customizable handle for a hex key sounds pretty nifty!
Regardless of the size you need, simply enter some specs into Thingiverse’s Customizer app and print it for your go-to tools.
- Who designed it? JohnSL
- How popular/printable is it? 37 makers have printed this model in various materials, and 477 have posted remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Drill Guide
This handy guide will help you to drill holes accurately at either a 90- or 45-degree angle. With two sets of differently sized holes at the two angles, this should work for most hobby-sized drills and remove the guesswork when drilling angled holes.
For this print, it’s important to use multiple perimeters and a high infill percentage to ensure that it’s strong enough to withstand the actual wear of the drill. Makers of the part also state that good cooling is necessary to ensure that the 45-degree holes print cleanly with no drooping.
- Who designed it? Helasius
- How popular/printable is it? With over 4,400 likes and 6 documented makes, this model should be easy to print with good cooling and a high infill percentage.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Wall Drilling Guide (& Dust Collector)
Drilling into a wall can create a mess, as it tends to generate a lot of dust and other debris. This tool can be used to collect dust while you’re drilling into a surface, especially a wall. The design contains a hole for a drill bit and has a bucket-like container beneath the bore to catch dust and debris.
As seen in the image above, the whole model has a flat surface, making it easy to align on a wall. While drilling on a perpendicular surface is made easy, this tool isn’t the best for angled drilling jobs.
There aren’t any available printing tips to help you make this drilling gadget. For this reason, you’ll have to come up with your own slicer settings.
- Who designed it? aleung
- How popular/printable is it? This drilling guide design has over 3,900 views, more than 1,000 downloads, and 2 shared makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Center Finder
One thing many makers have in common is a desire for perfection. This 3D printable center finder can help you achieve that. With the help of simple geometry, this 3D printed tool finds the exact center of whatever board or beam you’re working with.
While the creator doesn’t specify many printing tips, comments from other makers state that opting for four walls will lead to a sturdier model.
- Who designed it? Mobilow
- How popular/printable is it? 21 Thingiverse users have posted makes of this model in various materials and printer settings.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Tool Handle
To make threads in metal and similar materials, it’s necessary to have the right adapter tool to manipulate the turning. This printed part may look simple and flimsy, but don’t be fooled. It can save you a lot of time and money if your adapter is lost, broken, or loose, but you still have the ends. It can also be useful for other tools with different tip types from 1 mm to 7 mm, such as the hex, for example.
One advantage of this material is that it’s lighter and softer to the touch, making it more comfortable in some cases. In the printing recommendations, the author notes that the tool can be printed with 40% infill, without additional supports or adhesion.
Gripping Tools
Cross Tweezers
Remixed from another model to adjust the sizing and tip, this design is a set of tweezers that can be printed in place, thereby requiring no assembly. Featuring a cross in the structure of their tongs, these tweezers leverage the filament material’s natural rigidity to squeeze an object.
Unfortunately, there are no available print settings that you can use to slice this model. For this reason, you’ll have to come up with your own, which shouldn’t be too hard. Make sure you use a high infill density and layer height to ensure the tweezers come out strong. After printing, be careful when removing the raft, brim, or other support material so as not to damage the tweezers.
- Who designed it? Hedo3D
- How popular/printable is it? This design of 3D printable tweezers has 21 makes, nearly 700 downloads, and over 2,100 views.
- Where to find it? Printables
PCB Workstation with Articulated Arms
This is an ingenious model that deserves its featured status on Thingiverse. It’s a PCB workstation that comes equipped with articulated arms, making it perfect for when you’re working with electronics. So, if you’re working on a PCB and need an extra hand (or eight), be sure to print this essential tool!
- Who designed it? giufini
- How popular/printable is it? Five people have printed this model, and seven others have made remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Yet Another Machine Vise
This fully 3D printable model is a perfect addition to any maker’s workshop! By simply turning the big knob in the back, you can clamp down and hold on to whatever it is you might be working on. Keep your DIY projects in your grasp with this machine vise.
While there are many different suggestions from the creator and makers alike, to maintain rigidity, in addition to considering the material and infill percentage, it may be useful to look into the strongest infill patterns.
- Who designed it? TheGoofy
- How popular/printable is it? This popular model has 851 makes and 54 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Hand-Screw Clamp
The hand-screw clamp is a popular model on Thingiverse for good reason. While its durability obviously doesn’t match that of a standard wood-working clamp, it does demonstrate 3D printing’s capabilities, and it’s extremely fun to build and do some light clamping with.
This model requires zero support structures, so after printing, no post-processing is needed before hopping into the assembly. Admittedly, this clamp can’t handle very much stress or strain, especially when printed in PLA. So, to put it in the designer’s own words, “Don’t get too crazy with it!”
- Who designed it? jakejake
- How popular/printable is it? 279 Thingiverse users have posted makes of this popular model, which is usually printed in multiple colors, while 19 have shared remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Fractal Vise
This complicated-looking model is a perfect addition to any project that requires a steady part to work on. The compound gripping mechanism, which is made of many smaller rotating parts, allows the vise to grip any oddly shaped part with ease and creates a steady base to work on.
The parts for this model are pretty simple to print and can be done in your material of choice, as long as the mechanical properties can withstand what you’re throwing at the vise. As with most of the models on this list, key points for a successful print are having a high infill percentage for strength and making sure that there’s little to no elephant’s foot, given that the extra material will change the tolerances for the moving parts.
- Who designed it? TeachingTech
- How popular/printable is it? With over 11,000 likes and 33 documented makes, this model should be easy to print with a high infill as it requires no support and is made of mostly basic shapes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Bench Mountable Vise
Certain projects demand that pieces be well-fastened or fixed in place. For this purpose, this model can help a lot. Composed entirely of printed parts, you won’t need anything else to make this vise. You’ll just need some filament and a 3D printer.
There are models available with two, three, and four jaws. The creator recommends using PETG and PLA for accuracy and ease of printing. The assembly requires aligning the jaws, which can be done with another alignment tool included in the kit. It’s also recommended to lubricate with oil at the end to ensure everything operates smoothly.
- Who designed it? Sneaks
- How popular/printable is it? With over 14,000 likes, 30,000 downloads, and almost 300 makes, you can definitely make this project for yourself.
- Where to find it? Printables
Organizational Tools
Metric Screw Measuring Jig
If you like to build things, you’re probably familiar with the pain of not knowing what size screw to use. This 3D printable tool is great for measuring metric screws through an integrated set of threads and labels. The jig can measure screws from M2 to M5 in size and 4 to 50 mm in length.
To make the characters on the model more readable, you can perform a mid-print filament switch. The designer of this tool also points out that you can use a Sharpie to color the letters and numbers if you don’t want to switch your filament.
The designer suggests using a smaller (than normal) layer height to get more accurate threads on the model. You should also use other settings, like a lower print speed, to achieve a more precise design so that your screw size readings are accurate.
- Who designed it? cmh
- How popular/printable is it? This measuring jig for metric screws has 2 community prints, over 1,000 downloads, and more than 7,000 views!
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Magnetic Parts Tray
This handy organizing tool can securely house all of your small parts for any project you’re working on. With magnets under the individual tray divisions, this tray can hold small metal parts in place and keep them organized with ease.
If you intend to print the magnet version, you will have to actually embed them mid-print. The print should be paused at a Z-height of 2.65 mm in order to place the magnets into their holes. The printer will then print over the magnets, sealing them within the design. Important for this process is to apply some glue stick or hairspray onto the top of the magnets to allow the newly extruded material to stick to the metal surface.
License: The text of "The Best 3D Printed Tools for 2024" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.