Tie Wrap Screw Anchor

This is a screw-in anchor that secures a tie wrap to a surface. This kind of part is commonly available at a hardware store, but I didn't have any at home when it came time to hang some holiday lights outside. Designing and printing it was faster, and certainly more enjoyable.

Design parameters:

• RH6: Hole is sized for a #6 pan/round head screw. I specifically used a Paulin #6x1/2" Drill-X self-tapping metal screw (link). This is the original version.
• RH8: Hole is sized for a #8 pan/round head screw. Will also work with a #6 screw.
• CS8: Hole is sized for a #8 countersunk wood screw. Will also work with a #6 countersunk wood screw.
• All: Tie wrap slot is sized for a 4.8mm x 1.2mm tie wrap to comfortably slide through.

Features:

• The tie wrap slot ends in a smooth 90 degree curve. This allows a lot of variation in the size of the object being secured without putting too much pressure on the anchor.
• The screw will turn in the hole smoothly, but the hole is tight enough that it should hold the screw while someone passes it to you on a ladder for you to install upside down. (This doesn't work with the RH8 or CS8 version using a #6 screw.)
• Update 2023-02-28: There is a new R3 version that has a recessed wire channel. (Thanks for the idea, Luc)

Printing tips:

• Choose the version you'd like (R2 without the wire channel or R3 with the wire channel, and screw type).
• Print as oriented in the .stl file.
• No supports should be needed.
• If you need strength, print it with PETG.

Testing results:

• I tested original RH6 version this with a 1/2" screw and a 14" zip tie rated at 50 lbs tensile strength. The screw ripped out of the wood without damaging the zip tie or the printed part. (Printed in PETG.)
• I tested the original RH6 again with a 3/4" screw and the same zip tie. The zip tie broke. The part was undamaged.
• I repeated the test with the RH8 (using #6 and #8 screws) and CS8 (using #6 and #8 screws). In all cases, the zip tie broke. One part failed during setup because it was over-tightened and cracked.

Notes:

• My design is fully parameterized. If you'd like a version with different sizing, just message me.

Updates:

• 2022-10-26: Added a new version (R2) that has the screw size written on the bottom of the part, for easy identification of the #6 vs #8 pieces.
• 2023-02-28: Added a new version (R3) that has a recessed wire channel.