Modular Tool Rail System

thingiverse

This is a modular rail system that lets you keep small tools within easy reach. The tool holders come in different types, which slide into the rail. Choose the ones you want based on your tool needs. I have four of these set up at various workstations and pick the tool holders depending on what tools I need most in each area. **Update**: 2020-07-29: Added link to a compatible oil bottle holder **Update**: 2020-06-13: Added an endcap for the rail **Update**: 2020-03-20: Added a deburring tool holder. Check out the table below. **Mounting the Rail System** The rail can be attached using screws through the provided holes to a wall, cabinet, or other surface. You could also use adhesives depending on how permanent you want it to be. I found one case where I wanted to attach the unit to a tube (a metal table leg), so I made a tubular mounting system too. There are many variations that might be needed for this, including the diameter of the tube and how far the mount should stick out. I provided the STL used in my model, but you'll probably need to go into it and change parameters to fit your needs. **The Components** | Category | Name | Description | |---------- |-------------------- |------------- | | **Rail** | | The rail itself. Pick a length that suits your needs. | | | Rail-200mm.stl | 200mm Rail | | | Rail-240mm.stl | ... | | | Rail-280mm.stl | ... | | | Rail-320mm.stl | ... | | | Endcap.stl | Afix to the end of the rail to keep holders from sliding out. | | **Holders** | | Print the ones that are useful to you | | | Caliper Holder.stl | Holds inexpensive digital calipers such as [these](https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Caliper-Adoric-Calipers). | | | Oil Bottle Holder | A compatible design by [@guidomz](https://www.thingiverse.com/guidomz) which can be found [here](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4556553)|| | **Tube Clamp** | | *Optional*: Use to attach the rail system to a tube. Two parts that clamp together around a tube. | | | Rear Hub.stl | | | | Front Plate-200.stl | Use with the 200mm rail | | | Front Plate-240.stl | ... | | | Front Plate-280.stl | ... | | | Front Plate-320.stl | ... | **Customization and the Model** I provided a Fusion 360 file with the rail, all the holders, the tube clamp, and various sketches to use as the basis for new components. You can easily add new holders using the components and sketches provided. Also, check the User Parameters (Modify -> Change Parameters) to update key settings like the length of the rail. if you create new components that you post on thingiverse, please let me know and I will link them from here so others can find all the holders that work with this system. *Note*: there is a component in the model named "Dovetail Attachment". I provided it as a jumping-off point for holders that you want to be removable, but not mount with magnets. It uses a dovetail mounting system that allows the holder to slide up and off the rail. **Related**: If you're using this tool holder, you might be interested in this [vise](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4563901). The original design is really cool and I remixed it to open/close quickly using multi-start threads. *Acknowledgement*: **Update**: I'm 99.999% sure that [this is the model](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1335846) that inspired this design. I changed my model to be a "remix". Thanks to [s_kohls](https://www.thingiverse.com/s_kohls/about) for finding it and to [LAY3RWORKS](https://www.thingiverse.com/Lay3rWorks/about) for the great original design.