Solder Feed Tool

thingiverse

This custom creation is based on an image seen online of a tool that feeds solder to wires being held by the tool. The original tool, made of aluminum, costs approximately $80 and is listed as an ez solder tool. The special components needed for this 3D printed version are two springs used in 3D printers and a fine tooth gear. The springs are similar to those shown at https://tinyurl.com/y54oykfc, which are about 22mm long and approximately 8mm in diameter. These springs allow the posts to be retracted for placing the wire into position from each side, as seen in the video. The gear required is a 40-tooth fine extruder gear, typically found on a NEMA17 motor that feeds filament to the hot end of the printer, available at https://tinyurl.com/y3nhz8sg. These components can be sourced from Amazon and other suppliers of 3D parts. A video demonstrating the tool in action is provided at https://youtu.be/zTKR6UXY0TY. Similar items may also work effectively. If feeding solder from a coil presents issues, it might be necessary to cut the solder into lengths that fit inside the handle and replace them as refills when one is expended. In my case, the tool with a coil of solder has been working well so far. When printing, only the posts might require a raft due to their small size. I did not use supports for any part of the prints and used 1.75mm PETG filament in draft mode. The outer shells are relatively thin, so they could be strengthened by beefing them up. Note that solder larger than approximately 1.5mm diameter may not fit into the feeder chamber.