3D printed spacers are one of the easiest useful prints: they take minutes and come out the exact size you need. One Reddit user in r/functionalprint printed nine identical spacers to lift IKEA TV stand doors off the carpet, and said the plastic held fine because the load was all compression.
Printed spacers and metal washers usually work together. The Next Layer, a YouTube channel about functional prints, keeps M2 to M5 bolts with matching metal washers and nuts on hand for printed projects.
Here is what to print, how to size it, and where metal washers are still the better choice.
Popular 3D Printed Spacers
Prices checked on Amazon Oct 16, 2026. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
| Type | Used for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture leg spacers | Raising IKEA feet, leveling | Compression load is fine for plastic |
| PCB and motherboard standoffs | Electronics mounting | PETG or ASA near heat |
| Woodworking spacer blocks | Setting fence and blade gaps | PLA for stiffness and accuracy |
| Bike and headset spacers | Cockpit tweaks | Not for load-critical parts |
| Shims | Doors, cabinets, toilets | PETG; it resists cracking |
| Washers | Spacing and cosmetic covers | Use metal for clamping loads |
How to Size a 3D Printed Spacer
- Hole: the screw diameter plus 0.2 to 0.4 mm
- Outer diameter: at least 2.5 times the hole for strength
- Print flat with 100% infill or many walls for small parts
- Batch print: print all you need in one plate
3D Printed Washers vs Metal Washers
Printed washers are fine for spacing and filling gaps, but plastic creeps under a tight bolt, so the joint loosens over time. For anything clamped tight, use a metal washer and print the spacer around it.
| 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 |
Best Printers for Small Parts
| Printer | Price (Amazon, Oct 16, 2026) | Why it fits | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab A1 | $299.99 | Accurate auto-calibration for exact sizes | Check price |
| Bambu Lab A1 mini | $249.00 (LED lamp kit bundle) | Small parts fit easily; low cost | Check price |
| Bambu Lab P1S Combo | $549.00 | Enclosed for PETG and ASA standoffs | Check price |
What YouTube Creators Found About 3D Printed Spacers and Washers
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”) keeps M2 to M5 bolts with matching metal washers and nuts on hand, because many printed projects call for them. It’s a reminder that printed spacers and metal washers usually work together.
- On Reddit, an r/functionalprint user whose IKEA TV stand doors scraped the carpet printed nine identical spacers for the screw-in feet. Because the load was all compression, he said the plastic held fine. Others list chair spacers and standoffs among their most useful prints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 3D printed spacers strong enough?
Under compression, yes. Plastic handles squeezing loads well.
Can I 3D print washers?
For spacing, yes. For clamping loads use metal washers; plastic creeps.
What infill for spacers?
100% for small spacers, or 4+ walls for larger ones.
PETG or PLA for spacers?
PETG for durability and heat; PLA for precise woodworking spacer blocks.
Sources
- The Next Layer: “Make USEFUL 3D Prints with THIS List of Hardware”
- r/functionalprint: household hardware list
- Amazon product listings for the printers linked above, October 16, 2026
Related: 3D Printed Threads, Nuts and Bolts | How to 3D Print Replacement Parts | Useful Things to 3D Print for Your Home | 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.