The 3D printed hardware worth making is the low-stress kind, such as knobs, spacers and hinges, and Reddit users report printing a snowblower knob instead of paying about $25. Users in r/functionalprint say printing makes sense when you cannot buy the right part or need something custom.
Keep metal on hand too. The Next Layer, a YouTube channel about functional prints, recommends a kit of M2 to M5 bolts, nuts and washers plus heat-set inserts.
This roundup ranks the hardware worth printing, flags what to buy instead, and links to a guide for each part.
Top 5 3D Printed Hardware Parts Worth Printing
Prices checked on Amazon Oct 16, 2026. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
| Rank | Part | Why print it | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knobs | Discontinued or odd shafts; cheap to replace | Knobs |
| 2 | Spacers and standoffs | Any exact height in minutes | Spacers |
| 3 | Drawer handles | Custom style and spacing | Handles |
| 4 | Hinges (light duty) | Boxes, lids, cases | Hinges |
| 5 | Hooks and cable clips | Fit any spot | Hooks, clips |
Hardware to Print Carefully (or Buy)
| Part | Verdict | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Screws and bolts | Custom sizes only; buy steel for strength | Screws, threads, nuts and bolts |
| Shelf brackets | Light loads only; PETG and many walls | Brackets |
| Drywall anchors | Emergency use, light items | Anchors |
| Washers | Fine for spacing, not for clamping loads | Spacers and washers |
The Metal Hardware Kit to Keep on Hand
- M2 to M5 bolts with matching nuts and washers (YouTube channel The Next Layer’s advice)
- Brass heat-set inserts
- M3 and M4 T-nuts for aluminum extrusion
- Neodymium magnets (keep them below about 80 °C or they lose strength)
- Springs and 608 bearings
| Use | Filament | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor, light load | PLA | Stiff and easy, but creeps under constant load |
| Constant load, bumps, flex | PETG | Tougher; resists creep and impact better |
| Hot garage, car, outdoors | ASA | Heat and UV resistant; needs an enclosed printer |
| Grip, soft contact | TPU | Rubber-like |
Safety: 3D printed hardware is not rated like store-bought hardware. Never use it where a failure could injure someone or damage something valuable: overhead loads, TVs, cabinets, ladders or anything you climb on.
Best Printers for Printed Hardware
| Printer | Price (Amazon, Oct 16, 2026) | Why it fits | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab P1S Combo | $549.00 | Enclosed: handles PETG and ASA hardware | Check price |
| Bambu Lab A1 | $299.99 | Accurate auto-calibration for good-fitting parts | Check price |
| Elegoo Centauri 2 Combo | $328.99 | Enclosed CoreXY with 4-color at a lower price | Check price |
What YouTube Creators Found About 3D Printed Hardware
These are findings from popular YouTube videos, paraphrased from their transcripts and credited. They are the creators’ experiences and claims, not my test results.
- The Next Layer (The Next Layer: “Make USEFUL 3D Prints with THIS List of Hardware”) recommends keeping M2 to M5 bolts, nuts and washers plus heat-set inserts on hand. He said not planning ahead once cost him about $30 in overpriced local screws, and he warns that magnets heated past about 80 °C can permanently lose strength.
- Lost In Tech (Lost In Tech: “Well, it turns out you CAN use screws in 3D Prints! But…”) tested screws driven straight into prints. The right hole size mattered most, and the most common failure was the screw spinning in the hole. He found PLA worked best in his tests but warned that it creeps over time, so the application matters.
- On Reddit, r/functionalprint users said printing makes sense when you can’t buy the right part, when it doesn’t need to be very strong, or when you need something custom. Several said they would not print O-rings, hinges for heavy doors or plastic wrenches.
Screws in 3D Prints
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardware can you 3D print?
Knobs, handles, spacers, light-duty hinges, hooks, clips and custom-size bolts. Buy steel for anything structural.
Is 3D printed hardware strong?
It can be surprisingly strong in tests, but plastic creeps and varies print to print. Use it for light loads.
PLA or PETG for hardware?
PETG for parts under constant load or impact; PLA for stiff, precise, light-load parts.
Should I print screws?
Only for custom or large sizes. Standard metal screws are cheap and far stronger.
Sources
- The Next Layer: “Make USEFUL 3D Prints with THIS List of Hardware”
- Lost In Tech: “Well, it turns out you CAN use screws in 3D Prints! But…”
- r/functionalprint: List of 3D printable things for household hardware
- Amazon product listings for the printers linked above, October 16, 2026
Related: 3D Printed Threads, Nuts and Bolts | How to 3D Print Replacement Parts | 3D Printed Tools | PLA vs PETG for Beginners
Notes and disclosure
Note: Printer prices come from Amazon listings on October 16, 2026 and change often. The ideas below come from popular YouTube creators and Reddit threads, credited where used. My own hands-on results will be added after my planned test prints.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase an item through the links on this page, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel.