Ratchet Hex Driver

thingiverse

I'm creating a fast, single print ratchet with a double conic shape, inspired by NASA's ratchet design. You can find the original design on Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1038181. My goal was to make this 6-spring internal hex bit ratchet with storage even faster. It now includes storage and a clean, streamlined look that I hope you'll like! You should also check out my other innovative project - a 3D printer I designed - on Reach3dPrinters.com. Here's what you need to know to print this: Rafts: Don't bother printing rafts for this. Supports: No support is needed; this ratchet will print fine without them. Resolution: I recommend .2mm resolution. Infill: To get the best results, fill 50% or more of the model. Print Notes: Keep in mind that this ratchet works best with no supports. The bottom edges will determine whether it prints cleanly from the outside and inside. A little slope in the hovering ring may need extra care to print right. My printer settings worked perfectly for me - I printed at .2mm layers, 30-40mm/s speed, and completed it within two hours and twenty minutes. The post-printing steps are pretty easy. Simply push the inner hex shaft towards the ratchet's body from the top until you hear it click out. From then on, this should move easily to ratcheting mode! To switch directions simply flip over the ratchet to get backtracking underway. Remember to take note of those driving direction arrows.