10+ Must-Have Tools for 3D Printing (Mostly Under $20)
3D printers can be a real pain without the right tools. These are the ones I actually use all the time, and most of them cost under $20.
The quick version
- Soldering iron (~$20): heat-set inserts, support removal, fusing parts.
- Plumber's tape (~$5) and blue thread locker (~$10): for screws that are too loose or keep backing out.
- A good screwdriver set, Allen keys and pliers: for nozzles, stubborn filament and supports.
- Blowtorch (~$20): erases light scratches, stringing and glue residue.
- Bed adhesive, super glue, an air blower and 100% IPA.
- Fire suppression: cheap peace of mind.
Soldering iron
It's the magic wand of 3D printing: installing heat-set inserts, removing supports you can't reach with cutters, fusing parts together and splicing filament. Mine is about the cheapest on Amazon and still works, but get one with a digital temperature display, a range of tips, a holder and cleaning bits.
Plumber's tape
Great for watertight seals, but I mostly use it when a screw is too small for its hole: wrap it clockwise around the thread until it fits snugly. Better still, keep a screw assortment kit and save yourself trips to the hardware store.
Thread locker
Printer vibrations slowly loosen screws on the hotend, bed and frame. Blue Loctite holds them but can still be undone for maintenance. It cures on contact with metal in about 24 hours. Check its maximum temperature: on parts that get too hot it stops working.
Screwdriver set and Allen keys
A set with every bit type saves keeping dozens of screwdrivers around. Mine is 15 years old and has built more projects than I can count. The tweezers and knife it came with are handy too. It's worth paying a bit more for good bits that won't snap. For printers, a set of ball-head Allen keys reaches screws at an angle.
Pliers
For stubborn nozzles, filament and supports. A mini set with different tips is cheap and perfect for small printer jobs. My Knipex pliers wrench costs more but grips and presses anything and will last a lifetime. The flush cutters that come with most printers are still the best for removing supports cleanly.
Blowtorch
I use it constantly. Quick passes erase light scratches (great on silk PLA), burn off stringing and even remove bed adhesive from the bottom of prints. Keep the flame moving in short bursts. Mine has an adjustable flame and a visible gas level, and a four-pack of butane refills cost me $10.
Bed adhesive
For ABS, ASA or a plate that won't hold prints. Magigoo works well but is expensive. BIQU's adhesive works just as well, costs less and wipes off with water. You can also make your own from IPA, PVA school glue and water for about $2 a bottle.
Super glue
JB SuperWeld is the one I recommend: the nozzle never clogs, it dries fast, and the lid never gets glued shut.
Fire suppression
I bought a Blaze Cut T-series automatic extinguisher with my first Ender 3. It needs no maintenance and lasts about 10 years, and in my research it beat the cheaper options. If that's too pricey, the Wham Bam Cloud or AFO balls are far better than nothing. Thermal runaway protection makes fires rare, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Air blower
Clears poop and filament scraps out of every nook better than a vacuum. Mine is rechargeable with a light and two speeds, and unlike canned air it leaves no residue.
Isopropyl alcohol
I use 100% IPA between prints. It has no additives to leave residue. But it can't fully remove skin oils, and overuse wears PEI over time, so give the plate a proper wash with dish soap now and then. More in my bed adhesion guide. A printed microfibre cloth holder makes the quick wipes easier.
Make your own tools
Designed a custom tool or part you want made properly? Today's sponsor PCBWay can make it: drag your file into their instant quote, pick a material and get a price straight away. They made the glass-filled nylon door hinges for my P1S.
Questions? Ask in the video comments, or join the community.
More guides
Scrubbler Nozzle Wiper for Bambu Lab P1S: Install Guide and Fix
Bambu Lab Prints Not Sticking? How to Fix Bed Adhesion
How to Tell If Filament Is Wet, and the Best Ways to Dry It
Common questions
What tools do I need for 3D printing?
A soldering iron, flush cutters and pliers, a good screwdriver set, blue thread locker, a blowtorch, bed adhesive, super glue, an air blower and 100% isopropyl alcohol cover most jobs.
How do I remove stringing from a 3D print?
Pass a small blowtorch over it in short bursts, keeping the flame moving. It also removes light scratches and bed adhesive residue.
Is 100% IPA enough to clean a build plate?
It's fine for quick cleans between prints, but it can't fully remove skin oils and overuse can wear PEI. Wash the plate with dish soap now and then.
About the author: Martin Kidd
I'm the one-man team behind LayerLab. I design, print, test and ship original 3D-printed products from home in Australia, like my Blind Stopper, and share what I learn on YouTube.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This video was sponsored by PCBWay.