COVID Mask Pull Spring

thingiverse

I designed a custom carrier for a compression spring, transforming it into an extension spring while keeping it safe and secure. This versatile design can be applied in various scenarios, but my primary intention was to develop a solution for securing COVID masks without elastic, utilizing standard strings like paracord or shoelaces instead of bare extension rings prone to hair entanglement. The 23/64" x 1-3/8" (9mm x 35mm) compression spring from the Sontax 200 Piece Spring Assortment was used in this project. To print it, lay the object on a 45° angle with one long edge facing the buildplate and adjust your slicer to pause at layer height after the internal pegs have printed but before the opening closes too tightly for spring insertion. As this is a print-in-place design, insert the spring during printing, ensuring it's high enough to avoid nozzle contact when resuming. A raft was used due to the small surface area in contact with the build plate and the risk of breaking the print during spring insertion. The clearances are tight, but the halves separate easily with gentle assistance from an x-acto knife and a prying instrument once the print is complete.