Very sleek looking strap buckle

Use case

This buckle for a one-inch strap can be used anywhere where you would otherwise use the common strap buckles with the two hocks, that are released by pressing in from both sides. From a functional point of view, my design probably does bring only limited added value. It can take quite significant pulling forces, but I would assume that these commercial, injection molded buckles are quite tough as well. 

The real value of this design is that it is different and very sleek. It is also not obvious for another person how it can be unlocked, which might be a slight advantage against unauthorized unlocking. If it is not clear how the buckle opens at first glance, a potential thief might not even try.

If you know how to open it, it is not fiddly at all and works very easily and quickly. Also putting the male part into the female parts works extremely well and is clearly less fiddly than these commercial buckles. 

So, how does it open?

Simply grab the upper lid, which is actually part of the female part, with your fingers from the sides, just like you would touch the commercial buckles. But then pressing from both sides is not enough to open the buckle. Now you have to lift the lid by a few millimeters to release the male part. 

Printing

Printing these parts is actually very easy. They can be printed in the uploaded orientation without support. I strongly recommend PETG due to its flexibility, but the buckle does work also in PLA. The only part that will become a bit unclean is the overhang that is later covered by the strap anyway. I have done one try with a bit of support in the middle of the overhang. That made the print slightly cleaner there and the supports were very easy to remove (see picture for how I positioned the support enforcers).

You may need the strap tensioner

Depending on your application, you may need the strap tensioners/adjusters that are shown in the photos. It is already available for quite a while here: https://www.printables.com/model/121221

Please like it if you like it

Your satisfaction is my reward. Please give me a like if you enjoy this design

Happy printing!