openGrid Gadget - Generic Holder/Clip Generator

An open-source gadget clip generator for openGrid. This model creates clips and small holders that screw into openGrid self-expanding snaps. It can work as a flexible clip - allowing the object be taken from the front - or as a more conventional holder. Optional features include a front tip for easier insertion, a knurling pattern to increase friction, extra stem that accomodates hourglass-shaped objects, and so on.

Several example .stl files are included, with the parameters used to generate them in the file names. I usually print these with PETG. Depending on how flexible you want the holder to be, you can also print with PLA or TPU.

Customization guide:

1. Choose "snap_thickness". Select "Standard" or "Lite", based on the snap version you are using.

2. Measure the object. Set the clip's inner size with "clip_main_width" and "clip_main_depth".

3. Choose "clip_shape". Select "Circular", "Rectangular", or "Elliptic", based on the shape of your object. For Rectangular clips, you can tweak the shape further with "clip_rect_rounding".

4. Adjust clip retention. Use "clip_surround_angle" to control how much the clip surrounds the object. Larger values close the clip more, and 180 degrees makes the clip nearly closed.

5. Optional: adjust the clip body. Use "clip_thickness", "clip_thickness_scale", and "clip_height". A thicker clip is stronger, but also less flexible.

6. Optional: add grip texture. Use "knurling_type". Choose between "Diamond" and "Line", then adjust "knurling_texture_size" and "knurling_texture_depth" if needed.

7. Optional: set miscellaneous options:

   • - "clip_stem_length" - offset the clip farther from the board, which can help with hourglass-shaped or irregular objects.

   • - "tip_diameter" - adjust the size of the front tip that helps guide the object into the clip. Set it to 0 to disable the tip.

   • - "tip_angle" - adjust the angle of the tip.

8. Optional: create an upward-facing clip. Change "clip_orientation" from "Horizontal" to "Vertical". By adjusting "clip_entry_tilt_angle" and "clip_surround_angle", you can make the clip fit a wider range of objects.

The model is open-source under the CC-BY-SA license. Like all the OpenSCAD models I've designed for openGrid, it can be found in this GitHub repository. Feel free to use the code; feedback and suggestions are welcome.

2026-01-27 Update: Added "clip_stem_length", which offsets the clip from the board and helps with items that need extra clearance.

2025-11-22 Update: The threads now have a blunt start by default, which should help prevent cross-threading and overtightening. Blunt threads have a decorative "lock" symbol at the bottom. If you want to use this model with David's original snaps, change "threads_type" to "Basic" in the customizer.