True Spring Filament Clip ⧸ Tangle Free Storage
Print Profile(2)
Bill of Materials
Description
A filament clip that solves the three most common problems of traditional filament clips.
Plastic Fatigue
Most filament clips rely on a printed flex geometry to generate clamping force. Repeated use and elevated drying temperatures gradually reduce the clamping force as the plastic permanently deforms.
True Spring Solution
The clamping force is generated by a real steel compression spring. The printed parts only guide the movement.
No Plastic Fatigue. Constant tension.
Filament Stress
Many filament clips bend the filament sharply by securing it through spool holes or around the spool rim. Brittle materials may break after long term storage.
True Spring Solution
The filament is secured close to the spool core with a large bending radius, minimizing unnecessary stress while keeping the filament securely retained.
Tangle Risk
Some clips secure the filament directly to the wound filament. This can increase the risk of accidental tangles when the spool is handled carelessly.
True Spring Solution
The filament is retained independently of the wound filament. Nothing is attached to the filament winding itself.
Hardware
The clip uses two inexpensive compression springs.
You can either use a compatible spring from the BOM or simply try the spring from an old ballpoint pen. Many common pen springs fit perfectly.
No screws.
No glue.
No tools.
Everything simply snaps together.
Printer Tolerance Test
Every printer and every filament behaves slightly differently. Since this model relies on precisely fitting moving parts, I strongly recommend printing the Printer Tolerance Test first.
The test consists of one plunger and six labeled test sockets with clearances of 0.05 mm, 0.10 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.20 mm, 0.25 mm and 0.30 mm.
The correct fit should move smoothly with minimal friction while having as little play as possible.
Don't feel like running the calibration?
Simply print Print Plate 1 (0.15 mm clearance). It provides a good fit for most printers and materials.
Temperature Testing
Successfully tested after 24 hours of continuous filament drying:
- PETG - 45 °C
- ASA - 65 °C
- ASA - 80 °C
- PC - 85 °C
For comparison, I tested a popular Flexi Filament Clip under identical print settings, using the same material and identical drying conditions. After 24 hours at the respective drying temperatures, the flex geometry had permanently deformed and the remaining clamping force was no longer sufficient for reliable reuse.
If you have ever dried filament while using this type of clip, you probably know exactly what I mean.
Recommended Materials
PETG works perfectly for everyday use.
For frequent filament drying or elevated temperatures I recommend ASA or PC.
Assembly
Printed parts and two compression springs.
Insert the filament clamps.
Insert the springs.
Insert the Double Plunger and press firmly.
Finished, enjoy.
Boost Me (for free)
Support for this model helps fund 3D printing in a local school in Lower Saxony, Germany. Contributions go toward printers and filament for student maker and robotics clubs, including preparation for "Jugend forscht" competitions. Likes, follows, and boosts help increase visibility and indirectly support hands-on technical education.
Translation Notice: I am not a native English speaker. I write all descriptions in English to ensure the best automated translation into other languages. To make the text smoother and more readable, I use language tools to refine my wording.
Bill of Materials Notice: Hero Shot models are usually printed in Bambu Lab PLA Basic, primarily Pumpkin Orange, Purple and Matte Charcoal Black. The Bill of Materials contains the recommended filament for the model, which may differ from the filament used for the photos.
Purchases made via the BOM support my work through the Maker World Commission Incentive at no extra cost to you.
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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