SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2025-05-21T06:17:08Z

I would recomended Filament Storage Solution (Airtight Container with Desiccant), most filaments (especially PLA, PETG, Nylon, TPU) are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from the air, which degrades print quality. Store them in airtight containers with silica gel desiccant packs. A dedicated filament dryer is even better but more of an investment.

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2021-04-26T17:49:27Z

n2ri wrote:

this metal brush issue must be a E3D hot end thing as the old printers used external heaters like original SD2,3,4 and I used very thin phosphor bronze rods from local hobby store to clear my old SD2 nozzles while hot as no internal electric only the soft plastic sleeve to consider

no actually there was a very specific brand/model being sold with a metal brush and shortly after that practice started there were all sorts of problems being reported.

For the record, it was NOT SD.

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2021-04-26T16:34:39Z

this metal brush issue must be a E3D hot end thing as the old printers used external heaters like original SD2,3,4 and I used very thin phosphor bronze rods from local hobby store to clear my old SD2 nozzles while hot as no internal electric only the soft plastic sleeve to consider

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2020-07-20T09:43:26Z

Every kit should have a nozzle cleaner:

I found this little nozzle cleaner essential to keep my nozzles clean. It is easy to use and keeps my hands away from the heat.

If you prefer there are also acupuncture needles.

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2020-07-17T12:16:18Z

I really like this multimeter. It is less than $25 and works for what I need. A multimeter is a must!

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2020-07-16T20:47:13Z

As Heartless said there is a very real risk of damaging something. The problem with printers is that the logic switches ground instead of power. So as long as the machine is on there is power at every component in reference to ground. On some machines the heatblock could be ground so when you are using the wire brush if it hits an exposed lead on the heater and the block at the same time it will short power to ground. At best it does nothing but a reset. It could however blow a fuse or worse blow a MOSFET.

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2020-07-16T12:15:09Z

Every time you use a metal brush you run the risk of shorting the hotend out.
Yes, it can be done IF done carefully, but that one time you are in a hurry, that is when it will get you.

there are many cases of a certain brand being killed by using the supplied metal brush on the nozzles.. google it

use a stiff bristle toothbrush and you wont short anything.

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2020-07-16T10:14:26Z

heartless wrote:

and for the love of God, DO NOT use metal brushes on your nozzles!!!!!!
you are just asking for trouble doing that.
get a cheap toothbrush.

Please elaborate. What does it do? I have been doingiti for 3 years without a problem.

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2020-07-05T13:47:16Z

I have to agree with Heartless on this one.
The Chinese have a way of manufacturing and marketing tool shaped objects that are useless and the shape is often not even there.
Many of the components of these kits can be picked up at the dollar store. Yes that quality.
If you are committed to this hobby get the best tools you can afford and store them where you can find them.
There are many styles of Allen keys all have advantages and disadvantages. WiHa brand and bondus both work well.
also i suggest that one not shop for tools mail order it is difficult to evaluate fit and finish of the tool from a photo. That is if the seller is even shipping the tool that is pictured.
Also impossible to know how the tool fits in the hand.
Most stores even Harbor freight sells multiple tool quality levels.
The quality of Chinese imports has improved and harbor freight now has a lifetime warranty and they will replace broken tools as will home depot husky brand and Lowes Kobalt and Craftsman .
There is nothing more frustrating than fighting to get tools to work.

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2020-07-05T12:49:25Z

expensive for cheap crap. don't buy these "kits" for the convenience of them. Seriously.

assemble your own kit of quality tools that will last.

for calipers, I personally recommend these: EZ-Cal by iGaging

RC car tool kits usually have all of the actual tools you might need at around $25 for a basic set - hex drivers, screw drivers, some even have wrenches.. add a good pair of needle nose pliers and you should be in good shape.

hobby knives are easy to come by and also relatively cheap.

and for the love of God, DO NOT use metal brushes on your nozzles!!!!!!
you are just asking for trouble doing that.
get a cheap toothbrush.

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2020-07-04T17:48:28Z

Interestingly, I found several tool kits on Amazon.

Tool kits:

They are the expensive side but appear to be a good choice if you are just starting out.

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2020-07-03T00:56:35Z

carl_m1968 wrote:

Do not clean the nozzle with a metal brush while power is applied. It will blow the 12 volt surface mount fuse on the mainboard and it is a paint to replace. Heat the nozzle the turn off the power and clean while still hot.

That ^^^

or better yet, just get a stiff toothbrush.. no metal involved, no worries.

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2020-07-03T00:55:25Z

I got this out of my wife's kitchen drawer.

https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Small- … amp;sr=1-2

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2020-07-02T19:04:39Z

Plastic razor blades. That's really cool Carl.

I would add a digital caliper to the list. Invaluable for calibration tasks.

I have a set of needle files that are helpful to clean up small prints.

Re: What tools do you suggested to those new to 3D Printers?

2020-07-02T18:16:58Z

Do not clean the nozzle with a metal brush while power is applied. It will blow the 12 volt surface mount fuse on the mainboard and it is a paint to replace. Heat the nozzle the turn off the power and clean while still hot.