Fun 3D Printing Tools - Self Tapping Drill Bits

[Nifty]

I often print holes into my 3D things in order to either attach them to something, to each other, or attaching things to them.

So, I purchased a kit of metric "screws" / nuts and bolts:
www.amzn.to/35oGOlP



They work great, but sometimes I don't want to use a nut with the bolt. So, I've sometimes just printed a whole *slightly* smaller than the screw and tried to use the screw to self-tap into the plastic. Sometimes heating the bolt with a torch and screwing it into the plastic would also help "tap" the hole.

Well, I stumbled on these little gems and they arrived today. I tested them and they work GREAT

Self-drilling self-tapping drill-bits:
www.amzn.to/2XwqJro




I'm LOVING these things! Sure, the hold isn't going to be as strong as having a nut/washer on the other side, (or even cooler, an embedded washer), but this is a quick and easy way to get a "good enough" hold for most of the projects I'm working on!

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

Thanks for the tip, I have a set on order, I just needed replacement drills for M3 - M6 anyway.

 

[Nifty]

Well, I decided to go all-in and also ordered some of these brass inserts:
www.amzn.to/2QBLPDf

 

[PeterBJ]

The link is to amazon login?

 

[Nifty]

Whoops, it was going to my order history.

Fixed it now:

www.amzn.to/2QBLPDf

 

[stratman]

Added to my wish list. Thanks, Rob.

 

[FryingSaucer]

Well, I decided to go all-in and also ordered some of these brass inserts:
www.amzn.to/2QBLPDf

Am I correct you're planning to use as inserts in a model? How do you get them embedded in a print?

 

[Nifty]

Am I correct you're planning to use as inserts in a model? How do you get them embedded in a print?

Yup! I plan to use either a soldering iron, or maybe just heat it with a small torch while holding it with pliers.

... and as always, Stephan to the rescue:

 

[The Hat]

Well, I decided to go all-in and also ordered some of these brass inserts:

I would normally use a bolt with a nut and countersink the nut in a slightly larger hole on the back, but I can see the merits of using these Embedded brass nuts instead, so I ordered a pack from AliExpress… ... Thanks @Nifty...

 

[Redbrickman]

A good tip when using them is to put the insert in with the soldering iron just a little above the surface then quickly press it against a flat surface to make a neat flush and square finish.

Some inserts are better designed than others too and this video compares them

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-UF4tv3Hvc