Through-hole expansion-type fastener

thingiverse

A fastener intended to join together parts with circular holes. The fastener itself has a pass-through hole that can be used to pass a cord for hanging. This thing is similar to http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:10541 . Instructions The fastener has two halves: a male half and a female half. The male half is the most complex one. It has a split, flexible shaft that passes through the hole of the parts to be joined. The shaft has a pass-through hole that can be used to communicate both sides of the union and a widened tip that keeps the fastener captive. The female half is similar to a washer and is optional, but can be used to secure the fastener when the joined parts are not enough. Download the scad files, review and modify them to suit your needs, build with your 3D printer and enjoy. Please note that this fastener is only intended for weak loads. Another use of the fastener (actually, the cause that triggered its design) is as a reinforcement and load distribution part for somewhat heavy paper objects that are hung from thread. I have a wall calendar with a couple of holes that cannot withstand the stress concentration of the threads that support its weight; this fastener distributes the load through a greater contact area and hopefully it will make the calendar make it through the year.