Ball Bearing Toilet Paper Roller

There is a problem that has plagued humanity since the invention of the toilet paper roll in 1857: when the roll is around half full, it develops an oscillating frequency when unrolled causing a <THUMP> <THUMP> <THUMP> sound. The combination of a small, static spring loaded roller with the larger cardboard tube causes extra friction. Your entire bathroom experience is then inefficient and frustrating.

When Taco Tuesday turns into Skid Marks Wednesday, you need maximum toilet paper performance out of your roll. That's why you NEED the Ball Bearing Toilet Paper Roller!

This design uses 608 skateboard bearings for a smooth and quiet roller spin. Additionally, the design of the roller has spiked splines that fit perfectly in the size of the cardboard tube and add grip. There is zero oscillating play in the rotation which means it spins PERFECTLY down to the very last sheet.

You probably think this is funny, but just print this project and try it out yourself. I promise you'll be hooked after the very first spin!

Things you'll need

• 2x 608 skateboard bearings
  • Note: New bearings sometimes need a little break-in period
• Existing spring from your current toilet paper roller
• Silk Silver PLA looks nice!
• Some tacos, burritos or 5-alarm chili for testing

I've provided STEP files for extremely accurate printing if needed, or STL files. There's also a 3MF file for Bambu printers that I've rotated, adding support enforcers and 100% infill enforcers for the bearing shaft. And of course, I always provide my FreeCAD source files if anyone would like to remix this and make it better!

Assembly

Print 2x bearing holders, right tube, left tube. Bust apart your old roller and retrieve the spring.

Use a hammer to tap bearings into the holders

Tap the holders onto the roller tubes

The right side tube has a spring holder to keep the spring centered. There are pegs and notches to keep the tubes from separating. Just slip the tubes together and twist to lock in place.

Test that the tubes press together easily with a nice spring tension. You need to have your print temperatures dialed in perfectly to create nice smooth walls on the tubes.

Add toilet paper, and insert the roller into your toilet paper holder.

Now all you have to do is TEST, TEST, TEST!