by wstein, publishedMar 7, 2015                       

Summary

Nut knobs are useful for many purposes in DIY projects.

All the different knobs in the gallery are made with this Customizer.

I have added some sample knobs for M3 nuts as there are most common used size for 3d printer.
The  screwdriver handle for standard 1/4" hex bits is surely a unusual application, but it works great. Especially if you need a extra small one for your project.

If you got problems getting the knob in place, simply heat up the nuts a bit (about 60-80 °C / 140-175 °F) and it easily slips in place.

Please refer the instructions to see the setting I have used for the sample files.

Instructions

I print my knobs with:
20% infill
0.2mm layer (0.3mm should also be perfect)

Tip: use the expert->cross-sectionfunction for easier customizing. But don't forget to reset it before creation.

This are the parameters of the sample STL files:

M3x3.5

height=3.5;
knurled_height=80;

M3x10

height=10;
knurled_height=70;

Mini Bit Screwdriver

hex_nut_width = 6.35;
hex_nut_thickness = 10;
height=30;
knurled_height=80;
knurled_density=42;
knurled_strong=15;
diameter_2=125;
screw_hole_diameter = 0;
bottom_thickness = 0;

Mini Bit Screwdriver  V1.1.1

hex_nut_width = 6.35;
hex_nut_thickness = 10;
height=40;
knurled_height=80;
knurled_density=60;
knurled_strong=12;
screw_hole_diameter = 85;
screw_hole_length = 95;
bottom_thickness = 0;

clamp

diameter_2=150;
knurled_strong=20;
knurled_density=30;
knurled_height=40;

wing nuts

M8
nut_width = 12.8;
nut_thickness = 6.25;
diameter_1=130;
height=20;
knurled_height=80;

M6
nut_width = 10;
nut_thickness = 4.9;
diameter_1=130;
height=16;
knurled_height=75;

M5
nut_width = 7.90;
nut_thickness = 3.9;
height=13;
diameter_1=130;
knurled_height=62;

M4
nut_width = 6.90;
nut_thickness = 3.1;
height=10;
diameter_1=130;
knurled_height=62;

M3
height=9;
diameter_1=130;
knurled_height=62;

V1.1: some smaller improvements and new parameter "Supportless Friendly" and "Screw Hole Length"
V1.2: flip very long knobs (miniature hex handle) and new hex shape
V1.5: new support of tetragon up to octagon nuts
new wing shape
error in calulation of nuts fixed (relevant on bigger ones)
V1.5.1: Global fix for latest Customizer