Tactical Spool Holder MK3 - Enclosure Top Mount

thingiverse

This spool holder mounts directly onto a NATO (STANAG) rail and utilizes high-quality 608 bearings for smooth operation. After printing another design from this site and identifying several areas I wanted to change, I decided to create my own from scratch using AutoCAD and Fusion 360. Although it may not be technically a remix, I chose to give credit for the initial design idea. To assemble this spool holder, you'll need to print – 1 x Locking Frame 1 x Floating Frame 2 x Keeper Plate 1 x NATO Rail You'll also require – 4 x 608 format bearings (I used these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L7PIURQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) 4 x M5x18mm socket head cap screws 4 x M3x18mm socket head cap screws 1 x M3x50mm socket head cap screw 4 x M5 nuts 5 x M3 nuts 2 x #8 x ¾” flat head wood screw for rail mounting (hard to find metric here) Notes: - The NATO rail was taken from actual design drawings so it is dimensionally correct. The NATO/STANAG/Picatinny rail is already a well-designed feature, so I decided not to reinvent the wheel! Although the rail is roughly 155 mm in length, it could easily be extended to accommodate more than one holder etc. If this is preferred, let me know and I can update the design. - Using two locking frames is also an option, but one floating frame offers greater flexibility in width. - I experimented with several grooved bearing cover designs for the rollers, but extensive drag testing showed that the bearing alone was the best choice. As a side note, if you want really smooth bearings, remove the seals from the bearing, wash out the factory grease with IPA, and then apply a tiny amount of thin oil (Remoil, etc) on the bearing before popping the seals back in. - The M3x50mm screw does an excellent job of locking the base into the rail groove and securing it, but be careful not to overtighten. - The bases may fit a bit tight on the rail initially – this is by design. Simply run the base back and forth on the rail several times and it should be perfect! - Print with the screw head / nut holes facing down. There are supports already designed into the holes that will easily pop out with a small screwdriver, etc.