Essential tool holder for MK3S

prusaprinters

<p>Just three tools are essential for using my Prusa MK3S printer: the 2.5mm ball-end hex key that came with the printer kit, small angle cutters, and occasionally needle-nose pliers. I wanted those to be always within reach on the printer. Everything else can be in a drawer.</p><p>This tool holder has holes for 2 pliers and the full set of 4 hex keys that come with the printer. The 2.5mm key is conveniently in the outermost slot.</p><p>There is an STL version for mounting on the right side or left side. You need only one. Choose the side that matches your dominant hand.</p><p>Other tool holders I found were either too bulky or designed to store tools I rarely use, such as the Philips screwdriver that came with the printer. I used the screwdriver only <strong>once</strong> during assembly, and never again, so I keep that in a drawer. Same for the nozzle-replacement tools and nozzle-cleaning tools - they don't get enough use to store them on the printer itself.</p><p>This tool holder can be set to be on the left or right side of the printer (mirror images). It doesn't interfere with the z-axis and doesn't stick out the side beyond the z-axis bearings.</p><p>It fits tightly, but if it slips, you may want to print it with a standoff (parameter in the .scad file) so that it rests on the power box or Einsy box, depending on which side the tool holder is installed.</p><h3>Print Settings</h3><p><strong>Printer:</strong> Prusa I3 MK3S</p><p><strong>Supports: </strong>No</p><p><strong>Resolution: </strong>0.20mm layers, 0.4mm nozzle</p><p><strong>Infill: </strong>15% gyroid</p><p><strong>Filament: </strong>Prusament PETG</p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p>As with all printer parts, print with PETG.</p><h3>Post-printing</h3><p>Snap the tool holder onto the back of the Z frame, so that the side with the 2.5mm hex key sticks out the side of the frame for easy reach, because this is the tool you would reach for the most.</p><p>Install as high as possible. It should be a tight fit.</p><p>In fact, you may find it <strong>impossible</strong> to snap on by hand! I had to use channel-lock pliers as shown in the picture to snap it on. Once the snap hook clears the frame, you can position it by hand.</p><h3>How I designed this</h3><p>This was an early design I did in OpenSCAD when I was still learning how to use it. It's a mixture of parametric and hard-coded things. The challenges were working out the internal angles for the clip mechanism, and designing and positioning the recycle logo. I had designed a stand-off to rest against the power box or Einsy box in case it was loose, but it turned out really tight and doesn't slip unless I apply a lot of force.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Category: 3D Printer Accessories</p>