Knobs for bolts and nuts - parametric with CAD

General

Parametric CAD design for knobs can be used for any size hex nuts and bolts. Choose knobs suitable for epoxying onto a bolt or nut or a “captured” design where the bolt or nut holds the knob in place without adhesive. Extra texture is provided for adhesion of epoxy in the hex head area with grooves and dimples. 

Print Instructions

Print with hex pocket up, no support needed.

1/4" SAE bolt & nut ready-to-print files included

Mesh files provided for these popular sizes and standard 1/4" or 9mm knob height, use Fusion 360 and provided parameters to create endless variations

Captured vs Epoxy-In

Because the “captured” knob designs pinches plastic between the fastener and clamping surface, this should be used for in low strength/force situations only. Some filament materials like PLA are highly susceptible to deformation under constant pressure, other materials like ABS/ASA can be more suitable for higher strength and durability “captured” knobs.

Main Parameters

• BoltDiameter - Clearance hole size for bolt [nominal bolt size, e.g. 6mm for M6]
• BoltHeadFlatsDiameter - Bolt or Nut wrench size (wrench size)
• BoltHeadHeight - Thickness of nut or bolt head
• Captured - use 1 for “captured” knob, 0 for “epoxy-in”
• ForceThroughHoleForNut - use 0 for “epoxy-in” bolt knob, 1 for epoxy in nut knob
• KnobHeight - total height of knob
• Grooves - number of finger grip grooves around knob  

Instructions to generate knobs for other fastener sizes:

• Launch Fusion 360
• Pick File > Open… 
• Choose the .f3d file
• SHIFT-P  [Modify > Change Parameters]
• Update values for BoltDiameter, BoltHeadFlatsDiameter, BoltHeadHeight parameters (follow number with mm for millimeters or double-quotes for inches)
• Choose 1 or 0 values “Captured” and “ForceThroughHoleForNut”
• Export as .3mf or .stl 
  • Right click top item in browser
  • Choose Save As Mesh
  • Pick OK
• Enter filename, Save