- Joined
- Nov 3, 2004
- Messages
- 3,066
- Reaction score
- 1,429
- Points
- 337
- Location
- Bay Area CA
- Printer Model
- CR-10, i560 ,MFC-7440N
I've had this folding file box for like 20+ years, and I'm pretty sure it belonged to my mom before that.
One latch broke about 15 years ago, so I used it gently with just one latch... but then it broke about 7 years ago. I've been using it without a latching lid since then, which stinks because that makes the top-lid handle totally useless. Now it's fixed!!
I found this remixed thing: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2282273
I really like the lever parts, but the arm is pretty terrible and wouldn't work for my application, so into Tinkercad I went to make this:
The best part is that I didn't need to print / use the clip part of the thing. I was able to use the existing "bar" on the box (part of the broken clasp) to have the arm grab onto. I had to design the end of the arm to be thin enough to fit into the thin clip area of the box.
Initially during testing I used pieces of filament to fasten everything together. It was quick and easy for testing... but then I thought "wow, this actually feels pretty solid, I think I'm going to just use this!"
I had filament extent about 2mm, melted it, then used a piece of metal to flatten the ends flush and bigger than the holes. Worked GREAT!
I don't know how well they will hold up once I get a bunch of weight in there, but I thought it would be worth a try. The weight will be distributed pretty well between many different points, so I think it will work.
I was also wondering about using PLA in general because everyone talks about how not-strong it is... and they move to ABS or PETG... but all the bits (levers, arm, etc.) seemed more than strong enough to me... and that's with only 3 walls and 20% infill.
The latch secures so perfectly, I love it!
One latch broke about 15 years ago, so I used it gently with just one latch... but then it broke about 7 years ago. I've been using it without a latching lid since then, which stinks because that makes the top-lid handle totally useless. Now it's fixed!!
I found this remixed thing: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2282273
I really like the lever parts, but the arm is pretty terrible and wouldn't work for my application, so into Tinkercad I went to make this:
The best part is that I didn't need to print / use the clip part of the thing. I was able to use the existing "bar" on the box (part of the broken clasp) to have the arm grab onto. I had to design the end of the arm to be thin enough to fit into the thin clip area of the box.
Initially during testing I used pieces of filament to fasten everything together. It was quick and easy for testing... but then I thought "wow, this actually feels pretty solid, I think I'm going to just use this!"
I had filament extent about 2mm, melted it, then used a piece of metal to flatten the ends flush and bigger than the holes. Worked GREAT!
I don't know how well they will hold up once I get a bunch of weight in there, but I thought it would be worth a try. The weight will be distributed pretty well between many different points, so I think it will work.
I was also wondering about using PLA in general because everyone talks about how not-strong it is... and they move to ABS or PETG... but all the bits (levers, arm, etc.) seemed more than strong enough to me... and that's with only 3 walls and 20% infill.
The latch secures so perfectly, I love it!
