Hold Down Post for Bird Feeder Tray (Planter Saucer)

UPDATE Aug. 4, 2023 : Add a new and improved Nut. The original version worked well for quite a well, but eventually broke, so I made a stronger and easier to use version(see cover photo).

UPDATE Feb.21, 2026 :  Added a stronger version of the Bottom part (FeederLock05 -Bottom). The original version worked well for a couple of years before it cracked and the "screw" part broke off. The new version is slightly thicker at the base, and has an added chamfer where the screw section connects to reinforce that area.

A “planter saucer” (a circular plastic tray usually placed under a plant pot) can be used as a bird feeding tray to hold bird seed, but it needs to be fastened down or the wind will blow it away. This print allows the tray to be held down, but still easily removed for cleaning.

Here is how I used it (see photos) :

The Bottom part is screwed down to a piece of pressure treated wood, which was in turn screwed down onto a tree stump. I large plant saucer with a 1-¼" hole in the middle (I made the hole with a Forstner bit, but a hole saw would also work.) The saucer is placed over the threaded post, and then the Nut part is screwed down over the post to hold the tray in place. Note that I also drilled a few small holes in the tray for water drainage.

Print Instructions

Print in PETG (recommended for outdoor use) using the 3mf file provided; otherwise :

• 0% infill

• 3 perimeters

For the new improved FeederLock05 -Bottom :

• 40% grid infill

• 4 perimeters

Nut version V03 :

• 15% rectilinear infill

• 2 perimeters

CAD

The OnShape CAD files for this are here :

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/14ce8cdcaef6ad2f8462b501/w/1dd45202a9e671d29a269a4b/e/8f73cef679f1b67755a4ebf9?renderMode=0&uiState=6487622cd18b442a271b7438