Fixing things is one of the best reasons to get a 3D printer, and it might just give you the push you need to learn how to model things for yourself. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are some examples of how a 3D printer can come together and save you money.
Print parts that are no longer on sale
Sometimes a device or tool breaks down and a replacement part cannot be found. If the item has enough life left in it, such as a power tool with a broken button but fully functional motor, you can try to model a replacement part and repair it yourself.
Someone jumped on Reddit and posted a vintage can openerat least two people in the comments were having a similar problem (and one even requested the print file to fix for themselves). Another changed a door lock and winding mechanism Movie camera of the Soviet era (good luck finding parts for it).
Without functional 3D printing, these items will be sent to pieces for display or, worse, to the landfill.
Affordable OEM parts
I admit that my main inspiration for writing this article is the number of fixes for coolers that have been posted on Reddit over the years. It’s a problem many of us face: a bracket or rack breaks and becomes functionally useless, and then the manufacturer charges an unreasonable fee to replace it.
A 3D printer can help you repair door shelves a bracket and some plexiglass, PETG and wood chipsor even by reuse existing broken design. The same applies to freezers holds a broken door. In the past I have paid to replace parts like this, but now that I have a 3D printer, I prefer to spend some time on the challenge and improve my modeling skills.
Toys and other items not “worth” repairing
If, like me, you’re not too fond of the disposable commodity mentality where things are thrown away rather than repaired, you may need to switch to 3D printing. Children’s toys are especially relevant here, replacement parts are not offered, even in durable objects.
Take the humble NERF gun for example. A Reddit user identified the problem based on a missing piece of plastic, guessed what the plastic part would look like, and printed a working replacement. He created another 90º bracket for a broken set of doorposts (and now have a model for the opposite side, when that’s gone).
Luggage is another example and a user a changing the handle of the suitcase. If you go this route, make sure you print it with something tough, because you know how these baggage handlers are.
High fashion items
I have replaced the door pin on my dryer twice in its ten year life. Not only was it a mistake by the manufacturer to use plastic, but it is a very wearable item that constantly rubs and can break as it affects the grip on the inside of the door. Next time I start the printer.
Hinges are another item that wears out a lot, so you may be in the same situation as another Reddit user who had a cracked dryer door hinge. person posted a picture Three years after modeling and replacing the part with PETG printing and it’s still going strong. They even improved the design with some extra screws for reinforcement.
The microwave oven is another commonly used household appliance. Often the latch fails before the electronics. When the door no longer closes, the microwave oven is as good as useless. A replacement latch can help, and you may not even need to model yourself.
Buttons are another part that can crack, split and fall off. A thrift store find in excellent condition except for the missing button. As long as you can understand how assembly works, there’s nothing stopping you from printing yourself.
Sure, the replacement might not be as rigid as the injection-molded original, but once you find a solution, you can reprint it (and maybe next time use PETG or ABS).
Things your landlord won’t fix
Before buying the place I live in now, dealing with landlords and property managers was the bane of my existence. Fixing things was such an ordeal that I picked my battles carefully and endured everything else. A 3D printer fits the bill perfectly, as fixes can be as temporary or as inexpensive as you like.
When renting, you can’t necessarily set aside the space and work on constant maintenance. So you’re left with “temporary permanent” fixes that stay in place until they fail or you move. For example, a clearance for hinges to prevent the door from dragging on the floor. The other is a print assembly for an inexpensive doorbell replacement that fits an older model.
Minor improvements to items you don’t want to replace
Sometimes there are things around the house that do the job just fine, but require a little tweaking to eliminate friction or a point of failure. A good example is a faucet that looks good, but it swings a little too much when you move your head.
Another example would be a Wi-Fi signal booster to better cover or sensors and other smart home improvement devices.
Essentials that can’t wait
As someone who can’t work without glasses, I don’t know what to do if something happens and I had to wait two weeks for a replacement pair to show up. That explains why I see so many Makes 3D printed glasses mostly posted on the internet broken arms.
Another good example of an item that usually can’t wait is a key with a plastic cover. This usually requires the use of a pair of pliers to apply enough force to the key to turn the lock. One Reddit user did this by stopping printing midway adding a key channel, then print on it.
Mass scream r/functionalprint A community on Reddit where I find a lot of design inspiration. You may also be interested in hearing if you feel it is necessary how to use a 3D printer to upgrade your power tools.
