Hex screwdriver bit holder

Hex screwdriver bit holder 

This is an ergonomic, grip friendly bit holder. I think it has a clean design and the purpose/hope of course is that it will be pleasant to use. If any issues or if you want a modification, please drop me a comment. I hope you enjoy it! :)

If you find it useful, I'd appreciate a like/make/boost! :)

Design

Clarification: It all prints as a single piece, but with an optional filament change prepared between the tip and the rest, in case you want to switch color or filament type. You can of course print it all in a single filament as well. No supports needed.

I have (so far) made 2 versions, where the depth of the "bit well" has different depths (see separate print profiles). Wasn't sure what my preference was, so ended up with 2 different. I figure the deep one will take more force and also when using short bits, I think it sometimes is nice that the screw is very close to the tip and not “dangling” around when I put pressure on it.

I will probably have a few varations also, where I will convert a few to permanent screwdrivers (gluing the bit or printing it very tight) and a few to have a magnet glued to the bottom. I use a 6x3mm magnet. I simply fasten it (magnetically) to the bit, put glue on the magnet and push it to the bottom of the bit holder.

Specifications

The screwdriver is 125mm high and 39mm in diameter.

The shallow bit holder has a width of 6.5mm (edge to edge) and a 12.1mm depth. The deep version has a depth of 21.5mm.

Printing & Print profiles

Well, I simply print it as is according to print profile, no adjustments needed. Have tested a bunch of settings, but with the configuration of the above print profiles I simply hit print and out it comes. I have test printed the final version 4 times using Bambu Lab PLA. 2 of them have the tip in PLA CF and 2 of them in PLA Matte. All versions have the grip in PLA Matte.

Tip for printing

I noticed that between my different filaments, both when testing and when printing the final version, there can be a small difference to tolerance. I recommend that you test print the first 10mm or so, then compare it to your bits and see if it fits. If it doesn't fit, of course simply scale the model and print all of it. I could get my bits to fit all prints, but in some cases it was very tight. Probably some use of it and it will auto correct, but I think doing a calibration and test print is a simple way to get it the way you want. For my “permanently” installed bits I think it is good with the tight fit, but for the ones I put a magnet in I want some more clearance.

I printed with closed door and on my cool plate, which is how I get a lot of adhesion to the print bed. I wouldn't recommend using a textured PEI, but you probably know your printer and settings best of course. I tried printing it one time without a brim, but it tipped over after around 60%.

Explanation of print profile:

Overall

• 0.2mm layer height
• Arachne walls
• Adaptive layer height, mostly at the base to have a smooth top.
• 15mm outer brim with 0 gap

The tip

• 4 walls
• 100% infill

• Possible to choose different material/color, for example something with higher bending strength and stiffness, like PLA CF or tougher.

   

  

The handle

• 4 walls
• 8% gyroid infill

The base

• 2 walls
• 8% gyroid infill
• Slowed down walls/infill, to minimise risk of tipping the print while printing the last segment

Credits

My design is inspired by the Grabcad design by Frank.K - https://grabcad.com/library/wera-screwdriver-2 and also to the brand of the screwdrivers/bit holders I prefer to use. I used similar profile of the handle/grip to that of Frank.K's. I have made a new tip/holder partly for the design and partly to design it from the beginning to be FDM 3D printable. Also made countless of other tweaks, changes and probably mistakes. :)