Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
If you’ve been reading the RoadBikeRider newsletter for a while you probably know that I wrote the ebook called Your Home Bicycle Workshop, which can be purchased in our ebookstore. When I wrote the book it was the only one out there I knew of about designing and building your own home bike shop and it may still be. That’s why I wrote it and also because I know how much fun it is to build and use your own home bike shop.
With my interest in helping cyclists dial in their workshops, I was impressed to hear from Park Tool the other day that they’re now offering free 3D Printable Tool Hangers for some of their most popular and most difficult to hang tools. They’re all designed with built-in hooks on the back so that they can easily be attached to pegboard toolboards. All are optimized for standard American pegboard
(9/32″ holes spaced 1″ apart) and can be freely modified or adapted to fit your needs.
If you do not own a 3D printer, these files can be sent to services such as:
I haven’t had anything 3D printed so I asked Park Tool what it might cost per tool hanger. They said that depending on the service, they are about $20 each. Also that some local libraries, maker spaces, and community education centers have 3D printers that people can use and you only have to pay for the supplies. To find these, you can do an online search for 3D printing in your city.
Tool Organization Tips
In my career as a service manager at bikes shops and bike companies, I set up numerous workstations and toolboards and tool arrangements based on the task assigned to the worker at that station, such as bike assemblies, accessory installation, quick repairs and major repairs.
One of the advantages of pegboard holders like these is that they’re easily moved around as you add more tools and want to rearrange them or make space for new tools on your pegboard.
I recommend putting the tools you use the most frequently closest to you on the toolboard so that you have quick access to them. Also, grouping tools used together close to each other since you’ll often grab those tools at the same time.
Lastly, don’t hang tools too high up on a toolboard or you’ll have to stretch to reach them. Dropped tools can lead to accidents and injuries.
Here are descriptions and photos of Park Tool’s seven tool hangers with the links to download the .STL files for free.
1. CT-15-H3D – 3D Printable Pegboard Holder for Park Tool CT-15
This is a 3D-printable model of a wall-mounted tool holder for Park Tool’s CT-15 Professional Chain Tool.
LINK to download: https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/3-d-printable-pegboard-holder-for-ct-15-ct-15-h3d?category=New+Products
2. AWS-H3D – 3D Printable Pegboard Holder for 3-Way Wrenches
This is a 3D-printable model of a wall-mounted tool holder for Park Tool’s iconic 3-way wrenches.
LINK to download: https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/3-d-printable-pegboard-holder-for-3-way-wrenches-aws-h3d?category=New+Products
3. DC-H3D – 3D Printable Pegboard Holder for Digital Calipers
This is a 3D-printable model of a wall-mounted tool holder for digital measuring calipers, including Park Tool’s DC-1 and DC-2.
LINK to download: https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/3-d-printable-pegboard-holder-for-digital-calipers-dc-h3d?category=New+Products
4. DAG-H3D – 3D Printable Pegboard Holder for Derailleur Hanger Alignment Gauges
This is a 3D-printable model of a wall-mounted tool holder for Park Tool’s derailleur hanger alignment gauges, including the DAG-2.2 and DAG-3.
LINK to download: https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/3-d-printable-pegboard-holder-for-derailleur-hanger-alignment-gauges-dag-h3d?category=New+Products
5. ATD-H3D – 3D Printable Pegboard Holder for ATD-1.2
This is a 3D-printable model of a wall-mounted tool holder for Park Tool torque drivers including the ATD-1.2.
LINK to download: https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/3-d-printable-pegboard-holder-for-atd-1-2-atd-h3d?category=New+Products
6. UP-H3D – 3D Printable Pegboard Holder for UP-SET
This is a 3D-printable model of a wall-mounted tool holder for Park Tool’s UP-SET utility pick set.
LINK to download: https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/3-d-printable-pegboard-holder-for-up-set-up-h3d?category=New+Products
7. VC-H3D – 3D Printable Pegboard Holders for VC
This is a set of two 3D-printable models of wall-mounted tool holders for Park Tool’s VC-1 Valve Core Tool.
LINK to download: https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/3-d-printable-pegboard-holders-for-vc-1-vc-h3d?category=New+Products
If you have some made or print them yourself, please let us know how you like them!
Jim Langley is RBR’s Technical Editor. A pro mechanic & cycling writer for more than 40 years, he’s the author of Your Home Bicycle Workshop in the RBR eBookstore. Tune in to Jim’s popular YouTube channel for wheel building & bike repair how-to’s. Jim’s also known for his cycling streak that ended in February 2022 with a total of 10,269 consecutive daily rides (28 years, 1 month and 11 days of never missing a ride). Click to read Jim’s full bio.
Most community libraries now have 3D printers you can use for free. So if you don’t have one at home, check with your library.
Thanks Sheri, great tip!
Jim