Cheap Grow Light Stand Using Plant Stakes

thingiverse

I was looking for an affordable way to set up a grow light so I could start growing plants indoors, which would later be transplanted outside. We had some leftover Panacea brand plant stakes that were 4' long and 7/16" in diameter, so I decided to turn them into a tripod using this 3D printed fitting at the top to hold the stake legs and the grow light. Since each stake costs less than $2, the total cost of the stand came out to be less than $10. The stakes have a UPC number 093432897966 plastic coating and are Item # 89796L. The texture on them makes it easy to insert them into the fitting with friction, allowing for easy disassembly when not in use or needed. There is an embedded nut that holds the bolt securing the light fixture. Mine is quite heavy, so I wanted to make sure it was secure. It uses a 5/16-18 "thin" nylock nut (cavity is 13.5mm across the flats and 9mm tall). You have to stop or catch the print before the cavity gets closed over to be able to drop it in. If you use a nylock nut, be sure to orient it so that the bolt sees the metal threads first. I printed mine upside down with the flat surface facing downwards so the nut can be dropped in with the nylon facing upwards - when it is oriented properly and on its legs. The plastic thread at the top of the part is 1/4-20, allowing you to attach whatever else you might need. I had some 3/8" clevis pins that were close enough to the right dimensions for me to use them. It’s a bit overkill but it was what I had on hand. Be careful not to overload the hanger as it is just plastic. Something similar could be made out of metal strap or something to make it stronger. I printed the hanger on its side with lots of fill and 4 shells so the filaments would be in the direction of pull instead of where the layers of filament might separate if print layers don't adhere well to each other. It seems very sturdy but something to keep in mind is that it could still be improved. On carpet, the pointy ends of the stakes provide a natural grip and make this a very strong tripod stand. Adding a little bit of Velcro to hold the cord would give you a slick and cheap light stand. A number of these could be alternated with every other stand turned 180 degrees to hold a row of lights in minimal space.