Twin spinner wheel for plug-in suitcase studs (parametric)

Replacement for the detachable twin spinner wheels sold as "detachable / plug-in" suitcase wheels (seller codes CL06, CL10, CL12, CL14, CL20). The suitcase keeps a steel stud in each corner. The wheel slides onto it, and a spring button clicks into a groove near the stud's tip.

This version replaces the spring button with a printed key. It has been printed, fitted and used on a real suitcase. I used PETG and TPU for tyres so it's more silent and dampens vibrations, I suppose ASA would be even better than PETG, but so far so good.

Replacement wheels are about 10 - 20 Euro. Printing these + hardware was under 1 Euro.
I've got the idea from https://www.printables.com/model/596720-suitcase-wheel-repair-kit but it was not right for my suitcase, so I made one from scratch.

Files

• final_tpu.3mf: body, key, 2 PETG hubs, 2 TPU 95A tyres. Quiet.

• final_solid.3mf: body, key, 2 solid PETG wheels.

• fittest.3mf: a body with a viewing slot and engraved rulers, plus a test stud and a printed axle. Use it to measure your suitcase before printing a final.

• luggage_wheel.scad: the parametric source.

Each plate makes one wheel unit, already laid out for printing. No supports needed.

Print

PETG, 6 walls, 5 top/bottom layers. Body 40–60 % gyroid infill, key 100 %, wheels 50–100 %. TPU tyres 100 %.

Hardware (per wheel)

• M6 × 60 bolt, partially threaded is best. I've used DIN 912-8.8, SW 5, M6 x 90 mm and cut them about 16mm, it has a smooth shaft and just enough thread for the nut and washer.

• M6 nyloc nut (or you could use threadlocker, but don't let it touch the PETG if used)

• 2 × M6 washers

Of course, being parametric you could change this to be any bolt size you would want.

Adapt it to your suitcase

Open luggage_wheel.scad in OpenSCAD, then Window → Customizer. Every setting is described there. The ones that matter:

• pin_d, cup_d, cup_h: stud diameter, recess diameter and recess depth.

• groove_below_flange: distance from the socket rim to the groove centre. Print the fit test, push it on, and read the groove position through the slot against the engraved ruler.

• drop, trail: axle position. Copy these from an existing wheel.

• lock = "screw" uses an M4 grub screw instead of the key. bearings = true adds pockets for 626-2RS bearings. (not tested in real world)

Full disclosures, I did use AI to help with the scad code.

I have a bigger trip coming up, I'll post updates if anything meaningful comes up. My only worry for now is the locking pin. The weight of the suitcase does not rest on it, holding the suitcase by the wheel does.

License

CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. You can print it, share it and remix it, as long as you credit this model, don't sell it or prints of it, and release any remix under the same license.
If you are a shop and want to sell replacements, feel free to reach out.