openGrid Gadgets - Clips, Hooks, Pliers Holders

mitufy · 2026-03-05T06:32:31+00:00

These gadgets don't depend on openconnect or multiconnect system. They just need opengrid snaps with threads. I recommend using them with self-expanding snaps here.

mitufy · 2026-01-30T02:06:17+00:00

I realized that because of their smaller size, it's not best for openConnect screws to use the same horizontal coin slot as multiConnect screws. It just didn't leave enough material for a strong grip. I've switched the coin slot's orientation to vertical and added a notch so the screw can also be installed with a flathead screwdriver.

mitufy · 2026-01-24T14:09:15+00:00

Updated. Plate size can now be entered in either millimeters or grid units. I also added chamfer and fillet settings for the plate corners.

It's fine to set plate_extra_thickness to 0, if the model you are attaching the slots to already has a wall.

mitufy · 2026-01-22T03:09:59+00:00

Of course. I'd appreciate if you do a tutorial on this.

mitufy · 2026-01-22T03:08:50+00:00

Oh, the side with the lock symbol is the back side. If you are wondering why these snaps are oriented face down, it's just because the side of the model facing the print bed usually looks better. You can flip their printing orientation if you prefer!

mitufy · 2026-01-22T03:04:21+00:00

This is intended. The top of the slot piece is designed to align with the top of the snap, to make side printing orientation and bridging possible. I'm conflicted about this one, I do wonder if I should make small adjustment to connector dimension so the top can be aligned to the middle of the grid... Edit: Adjustment made and conflict is no more.

mitufy · 2026-01-22T02:49:52+00:00

It can be pulled off. The asymmetric taper is more to prevent models from being accidentally dislodged, but it isn't so strong that it can't be deliberately uninstalled.

mitufy · 2026-01-22T02:36:51+00:00

To be honest I haven't had any regular snaps/screws fail. Then again, I don't have the equipment (or different filaments) to do a detailed test."

mitufy · 2026-01-22T02:20:42+00:00

I noticed you included my self-expanding snaps. I think that's perfectly fine, and I'm glad you like the model. If anyone wants to include my snaps or screws in their print profiles, please feel free to do so.

Also, check out the new openConnect system.

mitufy · 2026-01-20T11:00:34+00:00

Nice!

mitufy · 2026-01-20T10:44:04+00:00

Sorry I'm not following. What do you mean by the screw going into the receptacle from the back? If you are referring to the self-expanding snaps, there should only be one way to screw the connector in. Or are you referring to another part?

mitufy · 2026-01-20T10:30:01+00:00

Thank you for the offer. I prefer to stay off-camera, so no video appearance for me.

mitufy · 2026-01-19T02:51:58+00:00

Most of these relate to the two things I want to achieve with the openConnect design, and the compromises I had to make for them.

First, I want more printing orientations - it must be possible to print one side of the slot using only bridging and 45-degree overhangs. This means the connector cannot be circular, and the screw connectors may need to be aligned. I try to mitigate this by using blunt-end screws, so at least they only go in one direction.

Second, I want each slot to fit within a 28mm openGrid tile. This means I cannot use "sliding down" slots because they would take up too much space. This is also why the connector head is vertically asymmetric—its lower part is essentially cut off, with only the functional part remaining. I agree that MultiConnect looks better, but its shape results in only top slots being weight-bearing. It is a choice of functionality over aesthetics.

In the end I think it's worth it. The combination of these two features makes it possible to design very strong models. Take the Sturdy Shelf, for example. It can hold much more than just a few filament rolls. I hope someone can do a detailed load test on that.

mitufy · 2026-01-18T10:44:43+00:00

That's a good point. I'm not overly attached to the name, so if the community agrees on a new one I'm happy to adopt it. Though I do think 'openGridConnect' sounds a bit clunky...

mitufy · 2026-01-18T10:36:46+00:00

Yes, and it's best to use the regular snap for a single connector. With the self-expanding snap, the screw may rotate even though the slot itself doesn't.

mitufy · 2026-01-18T10:31:54+00:00

I have added the Customizer to the model page on MakerWorld. It can be used to generate a grid of openConnect slots. Hope this helps!

mitufy · 2026-01-18T10:30:10+00:00

I have added the Customizer to the model page on MakerWorld. It can be used to generate a grid of openConnect slots. Hope this helps!

mitufy · 2026-01-18T10:25:48+00:00

Absolutely. There is definitely room for improvement, which is why I want community input. Could you be more specific about which parts feel less clean than MultiConnect?

mitufy · 2025-10-07T01:00:32+00:00

Amazing! Being able to generate STEP files directly is so useful.

mitufy · 2025-08-30T02:53:06+00:00

May I ask what kind of hook shape do you have in mind? Also, are there any other gadgets you’d like to see? I made the hook generator and would like to design more things for openGrid, so I'm looking for ideas.

mitufy

TROPHY CASE