BI Spool Holder Remix for Thrust Bearing

thingiverse

I love that the Boots spool holder is an exceptionally clever design! Its low profile makes it stand out, and the bearing provides a silky smooth payout experience. However, I was a bit concerned when I realized the 608 bearing is subjected to loads in a horizontal orientation. While there's not too much sideways pressure on the bearing, it's still not ideal for prolonging the life of roller skate bearings. I had to print an additional base for the holder initially because the small (8mm) peg that supports the bearing snapped off when the spool leaned slightly too far in one direction. So I remixed this design with a larger platform to accommodate a thrust bearing (XP51105), which I purchased on Amazon for $2.67. The bearing sits flat on the base and over the middle column, keeping it centered. A 4mm bolt threads down into the central hole, and if you have a large washer under the head of it, you can tighten the bolt to apply just enough "drag" to prevent the filament from unwinding into a heap.