Grandpa's Favorite Spring Loaded Filament Clip

Updates:

• (8/30/23):  Added open/closed double-wings versions, which some people had requested because they found the clip tilted in unevenly wound spools.  Also added a mostly cleaned up Fusion360 and STEP files for these variants (in case people want to see my terrible skills and mock me).
• (9/1/23):  Added “TightFit” options for the above two double-wing versions that reduces the flexible arm clearance.  Use these if you find the arm too loose for your liking.
• (9/4/23):  Added 4x “Nameplate” options for the double-wing and tight versions that let you fit names like "PLA", “ABS” or “PETG” onto the clips with the text-embedding tools in slicers.

Why this remix?

I liked many of the ideas in the popular “Grandma's” clip, but I wanted a clip compatible with all types of filament, and found that I was struggling with certain types of stiff filament to easily feed the filament through, particularly with very stiff filaments.

To resolve this problem, I introduce a spring loaded arm, allowing the filament to be fed forward easily.  In this case, the arm bends slightly as well as the filament.

Printing/Use Instructions

Printing is easy!  I recommend trying the Double Wing  (GrandpasClip_DoubleWings.3mf) and/or Double Wing TightFit (GrandpasClip_TightFit_DoubleSidedWings.3mf)  variants first if you don't know what to try.

• Lay flat on the bed (should import this way)
• Print at 0.2 layer height.  
• I recommend PLA or PETG. 
• No supports are needed despite the air-gap to allow the arm to be compliant.  The design takes this into account.  

Shown here printed in Prusament Galaxy Silver PLA.

After printing , press the long end of the arm toward the curve to free the arm.  You'll get a tiny satisfying “snap” as the arm is freed from the very weak bond with the layers below.

Versions

Comes in a few variants (open/closed) with wide, double-sided, or narrow tabs, as you prefer.  These styles somewhat mirror that of the Grandma's clip styles (open/closed).

1. Open: you capture the filament on the left side of clip by inserting it in-place from on top.
2. Closed (more secure): you capture the filament on the left side of clip by running it through a hole in the clip.  This one theoretically can remain on the filament while it's being printed, depending on your feeding setup.
3.  Double Wing (recommended):  These have tabs on both sides to help stabilize the clip on the roll.
   1. Tight Fit:  These double-wing versions have the clearance narrowed between the arm and the curve (from ~1.2 mm to 1.0 mm) for a firmer grip on the filament.   You may want these if you print the clip from PETG or the filament you're gripping with the clip is slippery.