11 Must-Have 3D Printed Tools for Makers and Hobbyists

3D printing isn’t just about making cool models and figures—it’s also an incredible way to create practical tools for your workspace. If you’re a maker or hobbyist, 3D printing can help you design custom tools and accessories that fit your exact needs, making your projects more efficient and your space more organized.

Here are 11 must-have 3D printed tools that can make a big difference in your workflow.

Tool Holders and Organizers

Any seasoned maker knows that a cluttered workspace slows you down. One of the most practical things you can print is a custom tool holder.

Whether it’s a wall-mounted system for screwdrivers and pliers or a drawer insert that keeps everything neat and easy to find, 3D-printed organizers are simple to design and customize to your needs.

You can even print pegboard attachments if that’s your style, giving you flexibility in how you arrange your tools.

Filament Clip

This is one of those “Why didn’t I print this earlier?” items. Filament clips are tiny but invaluable, especially when you’re storing spools between prints.

A small, 3D-printed clip can keep your filament from unraveling, which not only helps with organization but also prevents annoying tangles that can ruin a print.

They’re super easy to print, and once you have a few, you’ll wonder how you managed without them.

Soldering Helping Hands

If you’ve ever soldered small components, you know how tricky it can be to keep everything in place. A “helping hands” setup with adjustable arms and alligator clips is one of those tools that makes soldering much easier.

The great thing is you can print a base and arms for this tool, which can be customized to your preferred length and height.

Add a heavy base or stick it to your workbench for stability, and you’ve got yourself a solid, adjustable soldering assistant.

Caliper Holder

If you’re serious about 3D printing or any type of precision work, you probably use digital calipers. And if you’re anything like me, they’ve fallen off your desk more times than you’d care to admit.

A 3D-printed holder can keep your calipers safe and always within reach. You can mount it on your wall or desk for quick access.

It’s a simple print but saves you the frustration of misplacing or damaging your calipers.

Drill Bit Organizer

If you’ve ever spent 10 minutes rummaging through a drawer to find the right drill bit, you need this. A 3D-printed drill bit organizer can keep all your bits sorted by size and type. Whether you mount it on a wall or keep it in a drawer, it’s a game changer for staying organized.

You can even label each slot for quick identification, saving you time on every project.

Spool Holder

A good spool holder can make all the difference when it comes to filament management. A well-designed 3D printed spool holder allows for smooth, consistent feeding of filament into your printer.

You can print one that’s wall-mounted, sits on your desk, or rotates on ball bearings for less friction.

This one is more about function than form, and keeps your filament dry. Once you have it set up, you’ll notice how much smoother your prints can be.

Measuring Tape Holder

Let’s face it: measuring tapes have a mind of their own and tend to disappear right when you need them. A 3D-printed measuring tape holder keeps it accessible and easy to grab when you’re in the middle of a project.

You can make a clip-on version for your tool belt or a wall-mounted version near your workspace.

It’s another simple print, but it makes a big difference in keeping your space organized.

Angle Measuring Tool

Sometimes, you need to check or create angles on the fly. A 3D-printed protractor or angle gauge can be an invaluable tool for your projects.

You can print one with adjustable arms or even just a basic flat tool to measure the angles of cuts or parts.

It’s a great way to make sure your projects are as accurate as possible without spending extra on store-bought tools.

Customizable Wrenches

One of the coolest things about 3D printing is the ability to make tools that fit your exact needs. A customizable 3D-printed wrench can be sized to specific nuts or bolts, so you’re never left without the right tool.

While they may not replace your heavy-duty metal wrenches, they can be incredibly useful for lighter jobs or those moments when you just need something in a pinch.

Print a few sizes and keep them handy—they’re surprisingly useful.

PCB Holders

For electronics projects, a PCB holder is a must. It keeps your circuit board stable while you’re soldering or working on components.

A 3D printed PCB holder can be adjusted to fit different sizes of boards, and it’s easy to add in slots or grooves for wire management.

This is one of those tools that you’ll use more often than you think, especially if you’re into DIY electronics.

Screw and Bolt Storage Trays

Keeping screws, nuts, and bolts organized is key to staying efficient in any workshop. A 3D-printed storage tray with compartments for different sizes and types can help you stay organized and cut down on time spent searching for the right part.

You can even print stackable trays to maximize space.

Go the extra mile and print these in different colors to make sorting even easier.

Conclusion

3D printing isn’t just about the projects you create—it can also help you build the tools you need to make those projects happen.

Whether it’s a tool holder, soldering assistant, or something as simple as a filament clip, printing your own tools can save time, reduce frustration, and give you exactly what you need.

So if you’re a maker or hobbyist looking to improve your workflow, give these 3D-printed tools a try. They’re easy to make, customizable, and they’ll make your projects run a whole lot smoother.

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