Custom Elastic/Drawstring Threader (OpenSCAD)

This generator will make all common size elastic threaders (also known as tape threaders and bodkins). It will also make a drawstring threader for round cord.

How to use the Generator

You may customize just about every dimension to create what you need.

• Total Length

  • The total overall length.

• Thickness

  • The total overall thickness.

• Wall Thickness

  • The width of the plastic on either end of the slot.

• Slot Opening

  • The total space for the elastic thickness.

• Slot Width

  • The width of the opening for the elastic thickness.

• Slot Separation

  • The space between the slots

Usage Notes

• The device will have 2 slots for the tape/elastic. Some commercial ones have 3 slots, but I couldn't figure out why, so I kept it simple with 2.

• The slots will have gripping teeth if the size permits. The teeth take up 1/3 of the opening. So, if you set you opening to 3mm, the teeth will be 1mm tall, and the net space for the elastic will be 2mm.

• You can calculate whether your threader will fit your casing by adding the Slot Width and 2 Wall Thicknesses.

• Wall Thickness is a trade off between structural integrity and casing fit.

• If you are having trouble making you threader fit the casing, consider:

  • Thinner Wall Thickness

  • Possibly a shorter slot width with a taller opening, and slightly folding the material to fit the slot.

• You may create a threader for round cording by setting Slot Opening and Slot Width to the same size. It will create a round hole with no teeth.

• I couldn't find any instructions on how to attach the elastic to the threader, but I found that starting in with the slot closer to the pointed end and coming back out the other seemed to give a better grip.

Printing Notes

• I recommend PETG for strength and flexibility; although any material is fine.

• It is an easy print with no support required, and usual/normal settings are OK.

• Your teeth will likely have better definition if you use smaller layer height. {I found the teeth to be less sharp at .32}

Files included

I have included files for some standard size elastic: ¼", ½", ¾", 1". And a 4mm hole which should work for many round drawstrings.

Using OpenSCAD and the Customizer

 If you are new to using OpenSCAD and changing parameters, I’ve included my tutorial that may help.

Please note that you do not need to know anything about programming. All you need to do is move some sliders on the screen.

Note: Use OpenSCAD version 2021.01 for full Customizer compatibility.

Note about JSON file

I've included my settings so you can see examples. If you want to use it, here’s the steps:

• The settings file is a ".json" file (as required by OpenSCAD).

• Printables does not allow this type of file to be uploaded.

• I have added ".txt" to the end to make it a text file for upload.

• You need to rename it by deleting ".txt" from the end.

  • You need to show file name extensions.

  • You safely may ignore any warning about making the file unusable.

• Place it in the same folder that you put the main .scad file.

  • The base part of the names must also be the same.

  • For example: "Generator.scad" and "Generator.json"