Magnetic Razor Blade Lifter

myminifactory

A double-edged razor blade lying flat can be extremely hazardous to pick up, especially in a medical setting where contamination is a major concern. I created this device to safely grasp and release these blades; it may also prove useful in various other situations. The lifter consists of a piston equipped with a small magnet on one end. With the cap fully lowered, the magnet comes into contact with the cylinder's edge. As the cap is lifted, the magnet retracts from the end, releasing the blade. Update: Modifications for v2 enable one-handed use. To prevent contaminating the lifter itself, place part of a latex glove or plastic bag over the tip. Update: The v2 ring was somewhat fragile; cap-v3 fortifies it. Instructions Print the three parts with flat faces downwards. Insert the piston into the cylinder, and attach the cap to the end rod using glue. A circular indentation on the cap aids in alignment. Glue a 1/8" x 1/16" neodymium magnet into the hole at the end of the piston.