How to Build a DIY 3D Printer Filament Spool Holder

If you’re a 3D printing enthusiast, you’ve probably encountered the frustration of filament spools rolling around or tangling during a print. A filament spool holder is a simple yet essential accessory that keeps your filament organized and feeding smoothly into your printer. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through building your own DIY 3D printed filament spool holder using 3D printed parts and basic hardware. This is a general guide—specific requirements may vary based on the design you choose. Let’s get started!

Filament Spool Holder for IKEA SKADIS

Why Use a Spool Holder?

A spool holder might seem like a small addition, but it solves big problems. Without one, your filament can tangle, roll off the table, or pull unevenly, stressing your printer’s extruder and risking failed prints. A good holder keeps the spool steady, ensures smooth feeding, and even extends the life of your setup by reducing wear. Whether you’re printing with a 1kg spool or a hefty 3kg one, this project is a game-changer for print quality and peace of mind.

What You’ll Need

The materials and tools depend on the spool holder design you select or create. Below is a general list based on common designs (like the ones we’ll suggest), but check your specific model’s requirements:

● 3D Printer: Any standard FDM printer (e.g., Ender 3, Prusa, etc.).

● Filament: PLA, PETG, or ABS (about 100-200g, depending on the design).

● Common Hardware (varies by design):

○ 608 bearings (often 2x, for smooth spool rotation—check if your design uses them).

○ Threaded rod (e.g., M8, length depends on spool width, typically 200-300mm).

○ Nuts and washers (e.g., M8 nuts and washers to secure the rod).

○ Bolts or screws (some designs use these instead of a rod).

○ Note: Some designs require no hardware or use different sizes—review your STL’s description.

● Tools:

○ Computer with slicer software (e.g., Cura, PrusaSlicer).

○ Wrench, Allen key, or screwdriver (for tightening hardware, if applicable).

○ (Optional) Sandpaper or a file for post-processing.

Pro Tip: Before buying hardware, download your design or sketch your own to confirm what’s needed!

Step 1: Choose and Download a 3D Model

You can design your own spool holder or download a pre-made model. Here are six great options from Thingiverse that suit different needs:

1. Universal Spool Holder

○ Description: A simple, versatile design for standard spools. It uses 608 bearings and an M8 rod.

○ Best For: Beginners or mixed spool sizes.

2. TUSH - The Ultimate Spool Holder

○ Description: A compact, modular holder with 608 bearings. It’s stackable and fits on your printer.

○ Best For: Space-conscious makers.

3. Creality (Ender 3) Filament Holder for 80mm Spools

○ Description: Optimized for Ender 3 and 80mm spools, using bearings and an M8 rod.

○ Best For: Ender 3 users with 80mm spools.

4. Mega Anti-Tangle Spool Holder

○ Description: A robust holder designed to prevent filament tangles, using 608 bearings and a wide base for stability.

○ Best For: Users prone to filament snags or working with tricky spools.

● Download: Visit the links, grab the STL files, and pick one that fits your setup. Check the design’s page for specific hardware needs.

● Custom Design Option: Use CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360, TinkerCAD) to create a holder tailored to your spool and printer. Include features like bearing slots (22mm diameter) or screw holes as needed.

Choosing the Right Design for Your Setup

Not sure which design to pick? Consider your needs:

● Spool Size: Universal, Modular, and Filler adapt to various sizes; Creality suits 80mm spools; Mega Anti-Tangle handles larger ones well.

● Printer Placement: TUSH and Filler excel for frame mounting; others work on a table.

● Ease of Use: Universal is simplest; Modular and Filler offer customization; Mega Anti-Tangle prioritizes tangle prevention.
 For custom designs, measure your spools’ width and hole diameter first!

Step 2: Prepare and Print the Parts

1. Load the Model: Open your STL file in your slicer software.

2. Adjust Settings:

○ Layer Height: 0.2mm (for speed and quality).

○ Infill: 20-30% (sufficient for standard 1kg spools; adjust for heavier loads—see Step 5).

○ Supports: Enable if there are overhangs (e.g., bearing slots).

○ Material: PLA works for lighter spools; consider PETG or ABS for added strength.

3. Slice and Print: Export the G-code and print. This typically takes 2-4 hours for a pair of side pieces.

After printing, remove supports and smooth any rough edges. Test-fit any hardware (like bearings) and sand if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Hardware

Assembly varies by design, but here’s a general process for holders using bearings and a rod (e.g., most of the ones listed):

1. Insert Bearings (if applicable): Press 608 bearings into their slots. They should fit snugly—use glue if loose or sand if tight.

2. Add the Axle: Thread a rod (e.g., M8) through one bearing, the spool, and the second bearing. If your design uses bolts or screws instead (e.g., Filler’s frame mount), follow its instructions.

3. Secure It: Add nuts (and washers, if included) to the rod’s ends. Tighten just enough to hold steady without locking the bearings. Spin the spool to test smoothness.

Check your design’s notes—some may bolt to the printer frame or require no rod!

Step 4: Test and Adjust

● Mount the Holder: Place it near your printer, on its frame (e.g., Filler or TUSH), or as designed. Ensure stability.

● Feed the Filament: Thread filament into your extruder and run a test print.

● Fine-Tune: Adjust tightness or add weight to the base if it wobbles or tips.

Step 5: Considerations for Larger Spools (e.g., 3kg)

RepRapper 3kg Spool Holder

If you’re using a larger spool, like a 3kg one, extra care is needed to ensure your holder can handle the weight and prevent damage:

● Design Strength: For custom designs, use thicker walls (3-4mm minimum) and a wide, sturdy base. A 3kg spool falling could damage your printer or workspace, so prioritize stability.

● Material Choice: PLA may crack under heavy loads—opt for PETG or ABS for better durability.

● Infill: Increase to 40-50% for added strength (compared to 20-30% for 1kg spools).

● Reinforce Weak Points: If your holder flexes or cracks during testing, reprint with higher infill or add supports (e.g., braces or a thicker rod).

● Test Thoroughly: Load the 3kg spool and gently shake the setup. If it feels unstable, widen the base, add weight (e.g., glue coins underneath), or redesign entirely.

Note: Pre-made designs like Mega Anti-Tangle may handle 3kg spools better—check user comments on Thingiverse or test cautiously.

Managing Spool Spin: Preventing Over-Unspooling

If your custom spool holder spins too freely (especially with bearings), the filament might unspool excessively, creating loops that tangle or jam your printer. Here’s how to manage it:

● Add Friction: Introduce controlled resistance to slow the spin. Options include:

○ Wrapping a rubber band or foam strip around the rod or bearing edge.

○ Adding a small printed brake (e.g., a clip that lightly presses the spool).

● Adjust Tension: Tighten the nuts on the rod slightly to reduce bearing freedom—just enough to stop freewheeling without locking it.

● Design Dampening: For custom designs, add features like a slight taper in the bearing slot or a friction pad in the CAD model.

● Test with Load: Spin the spool by hand with filament attached. If it unwinds more than a few loops, tweak the friction until it stops when the extruder isn’t pulling.

This balance ensures smooth feeding without runaway unspooling—crucial for long prints! 

Safety Tips for 3D Printing with a Spool Holder

● Secure It: Anchor the holder to prevent tipping, especially with heavy spools.

● Heat Check: Keep filament away from your printer’s hotend or heated bed to avoid melting.

● Inspect Regularly: Look for cracks or wear in the holder over time—replace if it weakens.

Step 6: Customize (Optional)

● Add a Guide: Print a filament guide for smoother feeding.

● Paint It: Sand and paint for style.

● Scale It: Modify for multiple spools if needed.

Upgrading Your Spool Holder Over Time

As your skills grow, level up your holder:

● Filament Tracker: Add a digital scale underneath to monitor remaining filament.

● Dust Cover: Design a lid to keep spools clean in dusty spaces.

● Multi-Spool System: Expand to hold several spools for multi-material prints.

Resources and Community Inspiration

Want to dive deeper? Check out:

● Spool Size Charts: Search online for filament brand specs.

● CAD Tutorials: Learn Fusion 360 or TinkerCAD on YouTube.

● Community: Share your build on r/3Dprinting or Thingiverse for feedback.

Troubleshooting Tips

● Spool Won’t Spin: Loosen hardware or check bearing alignment.

● Parts Don’t Fit: Adjust tolerances in your slicer and reprint.