3D Printed Tap Handles

[jseyfert3]

I lost my tap handles during a move. I also recently acquired a 3D printer (Prusa Mini), so I fired up FreeCAD, designed a basic tap handle, and printed it. Cool thing about 3D printing them is I can print them in any color:

The handles have threads in the model, and the threads print fine, even on FDM printers. This was the goal, to have a handle that was usable immediately after printing with no threaded inserts or running a thread tap through a hole.

Eventually I'd like to make some custom fancy handles, like the ones bars have. Maybe something like an apple with a leaf for cider, etc.

If you'd like to print your own, I have the files over on Printables: Printables

Full disclosure: I can get some small, but tangible, benefits if my model(s) on Printables are downloaded and liked enough. For example, if I get 100 downloads and 10 likes in a 30-day window, I'll get 50 points (max 200 points per 30 days). With 350 points, I can get a free roll of filament ($30 value), or similar real goods. That said, I'm posting here not to try and get rewards, but because I figured some people here may like to 3D print their own tap handles.

 

[FloppyKnockers]

Those look nice! No noticeable layer shift, super smooth! Check out the thread on 3D printing if you haven't done so already.

 

[Junker Jörg]

I created an account to download and like it. Maybe some day I will get a use out of it, but thought I’d make a small impact! Prost!

 

[jseyfert3]

Those look nice! No noticeable layer shift, super smooth! Check out the thread on 3D printing if you haven't done so already.

Thanks! Didn’t know about that thread. I posted there too. I did do a search for tap handles and found no models before I designed mine. Apparently people design them and don’t share on parts sites.

 

[sibelman]

Folks who are selling may not be enthusiastic about open-sourcing. But you may find some ideas and kindred spirits on etsy.com

Happy printing (and brewing)!

 

[redrocker652002]

My brother is really into 3d printing and did this for me. My daughter is the artist so she painted it up.

 

[jseyfert3]

Those look nice! No noticeable layer shift, super smooth!

Also late reply, but this wasn't anything special I did, except for buying a Prusa MINI+. On that 3D printing thread, there's a long discussion saying that Prusa is the way to go. I wasn't tinkering for hours or days. I got the kit so it took about 6 hours to put together, and with one little glitch that support helped me fix by re-flashing the firmware, it was very close to just turn it on and print.

I ordered the MK4 to replace it, and I suspect that after the new device bugs are all worked out, the MK4 will be even closer to "turn on and print" than most other printers to-date.

My own opinion after owning one now is that in the not-to-distant future, a 3D printer is going to become a typical home device that you will see in almost every home. Everyone will just have one.

I got my first AirTag the other day. Apple charges $28 for an AirTag ($25 in a 4 pack), but $32 for a basic plastic holder. Go figure. Now sure, you can buy 3rd-party ones for like $2/each on Amazon, but I downloaded a 3D model for a holder someone already made. Took 1.9 grams of filament to print. At $20/kg for filament, that's a mere 4 cents to print, plus another 0.4 cents for electricity.

It's like, why buy this plastic part for $10 or $2 when I can print it for pennies? It's pretty easy to use now, and in the future 3D printers will be as easy as purchase printer, select a model you want to print (if not making your own), and a single tap will send the model to the printer, which will print it. None of the slicing adjustments we have now, tech will improve and eventually these will become plug-and-play. Like a slow, crippled rendition of the replicators on Star Trek.

 

[redrocker652002]

I have been toying with the idea of getting one. Like I said, my brother is really into them and made me a bunch of tool holders, ie socket holders, combo wrench holder and brackets to hang stuff in my shop. I could see the definite use for something like that. I need to do a bit more research on them and get my head around having to learn something else that I am not very good at. LOL. Rock On!!!!!!!