So, I wanted to create my own Fidget Toy… not just another dummy button, but a proper working mechanism. I went through multiple prototypes and designs to end up with the Fidget Counter. It is really clicky and snappy and addictive… You can use the pusher/button or just play with the gear - it goes in one direction only. Assembly is easy, just follow the instruction. I hope you will like it!
Keyring hook you can print in any color you like and attach to the main body.
Printing Notes:
Please make sure your filament is dry! Wet PLA is becoming very brittle and may cause the tension springs to break quickly. During my tests with dry filaments, I have not experienced any broken spring so far, however, please consider PLA is not the best material for such use and may break anyway after extensive use. Main Tension Spring is designed in a way it can be printed separately and quickly replaced if necessary.
If you are experiencing corner lifting problem when printing the case, use the profile with brim.
For both springs I suggest avoiding Matte PLAs or any other filament with additives since those tends to deform much more than a Basic PLA which works well and is springy enough. PETG or ABS should work even better for this purpose.
I have tested this model extensively with standard 0.4 Nozzle and 0.08mm Layer Height using Bambu Lab and Polymaker PLAs.
Assembly Guide
Install the parts in order described:
First put Gear Tension Spring [1, violet] - Make sure it is properly aligned with the post. It is press fit so with just a little push it will slide into its place.
Then goes Big Gear [2, orange] - Be careful with the spring you placed; you will need to pry it a bit to place the gear. It should fit the axis just a little loose, so you can spin it freely but just in one direction. It is supposed to click.
Next Small Gear [3, green] - Same as big one it will fit axis with some play and both gears should now work together but again just in one direction.
Then fit Pusher Tension Spring [4, blue] - It should slide in nicely with not much force required.
Lastly install Pusher Button [5, yellow] - Fit it into place so its bottom will seat on the tension spring and the arm will fit the small gear. Now you can test the whole mechanism even without the top cover.
Finally, if everything works, you can close the cover. Line it up (watch out for the pusher since it may be pushed by the tension spring to side) and with a little force it will snap.
Changelog
07/05/2024 - Skeleton Cover Mod released.
10/05/2024 - Designer Profile split into version with and without brim.
11/05/2024 - Tolerance for Small Spring increased by 0.1mm to allow easier mounting/demounting.
Can you please share some details which parts does not fit? If it is the top case this is by design, it have to snap, so both parts of the case will not fell apart.
This one is supposed to be press fit with not much force (it is not supposed to be loose though). If this is not the case first please check if the orientation is correct (with instructions). If orientation is ok, check the part for any over extrusion and clean it with the knife.
[2 Color, 1 Plate, 1 Swap] .16mm lyr, 2 wall, 20% fill rect
I actually installed a piece mistakenly before a gear so I had to bend that springy piece back almost cutting it, to insert the gear..... but all I had to do was use a lighter or soldering iron to heat the piece back in and let it cool down bent way more than it needed so when I bent it back it worked fine. so these springs can actually be cut and repaired in pla if you really need hah. I got Both Buttons to still work and click!
ya I have made more of these and assembled them correctly and wow ia the click impressive. this is even better than the one that requires a pen spring. hey imagine if you added a simple counter wheel to this that fit inside this same design. also I may wanna add like my own addition of a u shaped hook to one side so I can wear this as a necklace
@iLoveGears Please use the profile without brim (second one), there will be no issues. I have added brim just to make sure there will be no corner lifting problem, but it is not mandatory. You can also scrape the brim easily with a knife.
[2 Color, 1 Plate, 1 Swap] .16mm lyr, 2 wall, 20% fill rect
Amazing fidget. I’ve been looking for a “pen click” fidget for so long and this one is just it. I must admit that i had some trouble during assembly with the first lever, but just a little bit of sanding fixed the issue.
@Toxin_Labs Thanks, I am glad you like it! Today I have updated the small spring model so it should be easier to fit. It can not be too loose though....
This is my favourite fidget toy. Perfect click and it's nice to watch the gears turn. The click does seem to get softer over time though. I printed in PLA+.
Fast 2-color! Only one filament change - 0.16mm, 15%
This print was amazing. it printed fast but still was strong enough to make a satisfying click. I gave a red and black one to my friend and he loved it. His little brother liked it too so I printed the one in the photo for him. Thank you so much!
I printed it with 0.2 layer. It works fine. I made a small button on it, it was more enjoyable to print :))
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