H11 Headlight Bulb Socket

If you've ever had to try to remove an H11 headlight bulb from an FCA vehicle, you've probably run into problems with accessing the bulb and once you get to it, it's difficult to apply enough torque to loosen it while your hand is contorted.

I'd seen some people recommending cutting sections of plastic pipe to fit over the back of the bulb to make this easier but when I tried, it just kept slipping off. So, I decided to solve this problem. 

This socket fits a 3/8" ratchet, has cut outs for the plug and the plug clip. The snug fitting straight sides ensure it won't slip off as you apply pressure.

To avoid layer adhesion issues I tried printing this laying down, but I ran into issues. The torque of the ratchet head would cause the layers to separate down the socket. I considered solving this with a worm screw style hose clamp, but I was inspired Small Batch Factory's video where they used bolts to negate the issue of layer separation when force is applied across them. 

This design uses 3x M3 hex socket head cap screws and nuts to reinforce the layers. When printed vertically these screws serve to keep the layers from shearing. I did use PLA and so far it seems to be holding up fine.

This made a huge difference for me in getting these H11 headlight bulbs replaced, I hope it saves someone else the hassle too.

Parts List:

• 3x M3 hex socket head cap screws

• 3x M3 nuts

Print Settings:

• Material: PLA

• Layer height: 0.20mm

• Convert holes to polyholes: On

• Wall loops: 10

• Sparse infill density: 30%

• Sparse infill pattern: Gyroid