The 3D printed tools worth making are simple shop helpers like speed squares, bench dogs and screw gauges, and creators who print them say even the cheapest store-bought version costs more than the filament. That is the case made by Jet L, a YouTube channel that covers practical printing projects.
Tool roundups from The Next Layer, a YouTube channel about functional prints, and Teaching Tech, a channel that tests printers and workshop prints, have each passed a million views. The Next Layer printed his battery and tool mounts in ASA for heat resistance, while Teaching Tech hand-picked free tools from Printables.
This top 10 covers the printable tools those creators say they actually use. For holders and storage, see 3D prints for garage organization and the Gridfinity guide.
Top 10 3D Printed Tools That Actually Work
Prices from Amazon at time of writing. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
1. Speed square
A carpenter’s square for marking 90 and 45 degree lines and fixed offsets. The Next Layer suggests PETG because it will get knocked off the bench, with dry filament and tuned stringing so the markings stay readable.
Watch: The Next Layer: “28(ish) 3D Printed Tools That Are ACTUALLY Useful!”
2. Bench dogs
Pegs for workbench holes. The Next Layer says imperial-size bench dogs were hard to find where he lives and cost $30 to $40 online, so he prints them to fit his folding table exactly.
3. Screw and bolt measuring gauge
A plate that tells you a screw’s diameter and length in seconds, so loose hardware goes back in the right bin. Use a color change at the right layer so the labels are readable.
4. Fillet and radius gauges
Measure rounded corners on real objects when you design your own parts. Teaching Tech showed a radius gauge by Mibler and multi-function design gauges; he used one as a feeler gauge to size a part that fit on the first try.
Watch: Teaching Tech: “12 more 3D printed tools you need for your workshop”
5. Self-centering marking gauge
Teaching Tech’s first pick: a gauge by Chris Aero Engineering Design that finds the center of a board and draws offset lines from 10 to 30 mm. It uses two M5 bolts and lock nuts.
6. Car trim removal tools
The YouTube channel Jet L calls these an obvious tool to print: the wide plastic edge spreads force and gives way before it damages your interior. His set took about 2.3 hours and 70 g of PLA, by his count.
Watch: Jet L: “8 3D Printed Tools Nobody Is Talking About”
7. Extension cord lock
A clip that keeps two cords from pulling apart. Jet L says his held firmly when tugged.
8. Drill guide with dust collector
Teaching Tech showed a drill guide by Bearlord that holds level against the wall and catches the dust when you drill mounting holes.
9. Mantis clamp for electronics
A small printed clamp by Zubirio that Teaching Tech says holds PCBs and is easy to open and close. See my 3D printed clamps post for more.
10. Small bench vise
Teaching Tech named a bench-mountable vise by Snakes his favorite, for holding delicate models while sanding and painting, perhaps with TPU jaws.
Best Filament for 3D Printed Tools
| Use | Filament | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor holders and organizers | PLA | Easy, stiff, cheap |
| Parts that get dropped or flexed | PETG | Tougher, less brittle |
| Hot garage, truck or van | ASA (or ABS) | Higher heat resistance; needs an enclosed printer |
| Soft jaws, grips, non-marring tips | TPU | Rubber-like, will not scratch |
Teaching Tech’s advice for tools that need to be square and strong: high infill and thick walls. For more on materials see PLA vs PETG.
Safety: What Not to 3D Print
3D printed tools are not rated or certified like store-bought tools. Do not use them for anything where a failure could hurt someone (lifting, climbing, electrical work, car jacks).
Best Printers for Printing Tools
| Printer | Price (Amazon, Oct 16, 2026) | Why it fits | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab P1S Combo | $549.00 | Enclosed, so ASA and ABS shop parts are practical | Check price |
| Bambu Lab A1 | $299.99 | Great value for PLA and PETG holders and jigs | Check price |
| Elegoo Centauri 2 Combo | $328.99 | Enclosed CoreXY with 4-color at a lower price | Check price |
| Bambu Lab P2S Combo | $779.00 | Enclosed, with filament drying for PETG and ASA | Check price |
| Creality K2 Combo | $549.00 | Enclosed, large bed for drawer organizers | Check price |
What YouTube Creators Found About 3D Printed Tools
- The Next Layer (The Next Layer: “28(ish) 3D Printed Tools That Are ACTUALLY Useful!”) made this list after viewers asked for a tools follow-up. He printed his Makita battery and tool mounts in ASA for heat resistance and says similar mounts exist for DeWalt, Milwaukee and Stanley. He also warned that PETG can stick so well it damages a print bed.
- Teaching Tech (Teaching Tech: “12 more 3D printed tools you need for your workshop”) hand-picked free tools from Printables, grouped into marking and measuring, holding and clamping, and drilling.
- Jet L (Jet L: “8 3D Printed Tools Nobody Is Talking About”) argued that even the cheapest store-bought tool costs more than printing one. He also showed a screw-holding sheath for a drill and said it helps with screws that aren’t magnetic.
More Tool Videos
3D Printed Tools for Mechanics and the Garage
The 3D printed tools that help mechanics most are custom organizers, and one mechanic who reorganized his whole toolbox ended up with more space than he started with. That build came from Build Something, a YouTube channel that argues every mechanic should own a printer.
For parts inside a car, ASA is the material to use because it handles about 200 °F and UV, according to All about the build, a YouTube channel that prints car parts and tools.
Here are 7 prints that make car work easier, plus which ones to skip.
Top 7 3D Printed Tools for Mechanics
1. Custom toolbox drawer organizers
Foam-style cutouts printed to fit every wrench and socket. See socket and wrench organizers.
2. Socket rails and trays
Magnetic or post rails that travel to the car. Size labels make missing sockets obvious.
3. Trim removal tools
Soft plastic pry tools that give way before your interior panels do.
4. Wheel fitment and measuring tools
The YouTube channel All about the build printed a wheel fitment tool in PETG to check offset and clearance before buying new wheels.
5. Car interior parts
Delete plates, gauge pods and clips. Print them in ASA for heat. More in 3D prints for car accessories.
6. Battery and tool mounts
Hang impacts and batteries on the wall: 3D printed battery holders.
7. Hose, cable and fluid helpers
Funnels, cable clips and hose hangers. Keep printed parts away from fuel and hot engine parts.
What Mechanics Should Not Print
- Wrenches, sockets or breaker bars that take real torque
- Jack pads, wheel chocks or anything that supports a car
- Parts touching fuel, brake fluid or exhaust heat
| 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 |
What Creators Found Printing Garage Tools
- Build Something (Build Something: “Why Mechanics NEED a 3D Printer”) printed custom organizers for his whole toolbox. He says it took almost 3 kg of filament and a few weeks, and he ended up with more space than he started with. He recommends free hobby CAD such as Fusion 360 and cheaper printers to start.
- All about the build (All about the build: “Five 3D Printed Car Parts and Tools That Actually Work”) recommends ASA for interior parts because it handles about 200 °F and UV, plus a filament dryer. They printed a full dashboard cluster in about 7 hours at 5% infill with three walls.
- John Malecki (John Malecki Unscrewed: “I Tested 50 Viral 3D Printed Tools”) tested 50 viral printed tools. He liked a push stick with a magnet, a good reminder to keep printed tools to light-duty jobs.
Car Parts and Tools That Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you 3D print tools that actually work?
Yes, for light-duty jobs: marking, measuring, gauges, guides, small clamps and trim tools. Do not print tools that take high force or protect you from harm.
What filament is best for 3D printed tools?
PETG for most tools because it is tougher than PLA. Use PLA for stiff, precise gauges, ASA in hot spaces and TPU for soft jaws.
Where do I find free tool files?
Printables, MakerWorld and Thingiverse. Many creators link their files in the video description.
Are 3D printed wrenches safe?
Not for real torque. A printed wrench can snap and hurt your hand. Print wrench holders and organizers instead.
What is the most useful 3D print for a mechanic?
Toolbox drawer organizers. They save time on every job.
What filament for car parts?
ASA for interior parts that sit in the sun; PETG for garage tools and organizers.
Do printed trim tools scratch?
They are softer than metal, which is the point; they flex or wear before the trim does.
Sources
- The Next Layer: “28(ish) 3D Printed Tools That Are ACTUALLY Useful!”
- Teaching Tech: “12 more 3D printed tools you need for your workshop”
- Jet L: “8 3D Printed Tools Nobody Is Talking About”
- Switch and Click: “23 Things That Are Actually Worth 3D Printing”
- Amazon product listings for the printers linked above, October 16, 2026
- Build Something: “Why Mechanics NEED a 3D Printer”
- All about the build: “Five 3D Printed Car Parts and Tools That Actually Work”
- John Malecki Unscrewed: “I Tested 50 Viral 3D Printed Tools”
Related: 3D Prints for Garage Organization | Gridfinity for Beginners | How to 3D Print Replacement Parts | 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.