Cheap Grow Light Stand Using Plant Stakes

thingiverse

I wanted a cheap and easy way to set up a grow light to get plants growing indoors to then transplant outside. We had some 4' long, 7/16" dia Panacea brand plant stakes left over so I turned them into a tripod with this 3D printed fitting at the top to hold the plant stake legs and the grow light. The stakes are less than $2 each so the stand comes in at less than $10 total. The legs are UPC number 093432897966 plastic coated stakes (Item # 89796L). The texture on them makes them an easy friction fit into the fitting making it easy to disassemble this when not in use or needed. There is an embedded nut to hold the bolt that secures the light fixture. Mine is kind of heavy so I wanted it secure. It holds a 5/16-18 "thin" nylock nut (cavity is 13.5mm across the flats and 9mm tall). You have to stop or catch the print before the cavity gets closed over to be able to drop it in. If you use a nylock nut, be sure to orient it where the bolt sees the metal threads first. I printed mine upside down with the flat surface down so the nut gets dropped in with the nylon down - up when it is oriented properly and on its legs. The plastic thread on the top of the part is 1/4-20. It's there to attach whatever else you might want. I had some 3/8" clevis pins that were close enough to the right dimensions that I could make it work. It’s overkill but what I had on hand. Be careful not to overload the hanger since it’s just plastic. Something similar could be made out of metal strap or something to be stronger. I printed the hanger on its side with lots of fill and 4 shells so the filaments would be along the direction of pull instead of where the layers of filament could possibly separate if print layers don't adhere well to each other. It seems very sturdy but something to be mindful of. On carpet the pointy ends of the stakes provide a natural grip and make this a very strong tripod stand. A little bit of Velcro to hold the cord and you get a slick and cheap light stand. A number of these could be alternated with every other stand turned 180 degrees to hold a row of lights in minimal space.