July 18, 2026
Description
This is a simple tool that is essentially a mini clamp/vise to press PTFE fittings on couplers open so that it is easier to remove tubing.
Sometimes it can get quite difficult to remove PTFE tubing from couplers, as you have to simultaneously push and pull on the ring and the tubing. This addresses the problem by allowing you to clip onto the tubing going in and out of a coupler (thus freeing your hands to address the main issue) and then screw it down to press the fittings in to make them release the tubing. Once clipped on and screwed down, your hands are free to pull the tubing out... plus it gives you a larger surface to grip while holding the coupler with one hand and pulling the tubing with the other.
Printing should be straight forward, with all pieces oriented for optimal printing. Select which length bolt you need (I'd recommend starting with the medium aka "_M" version if you are not sure). The medium length bolt is 10mm longer than the short/default bolt, and the long version ("_L") is 20mm longer than the short.
If you want, you can print a bolt of each length and only a single nut and toparm.
0.28mm layer height
3+ walls
no supports needed
default infill (the walls will provide most of the needed strength)
I've included .step files because they give smoother results with smaller files as long as your slicer (such as Orca Slicer) supports them. The .stl versions are included for those who need them for their workflows, but are normally of a poorer quality due to tessellation being baked in.
Do not be fooled by the Printable's 3d preview. They recently added support for .step files (nice!), but run their preview conversion at a much lower quality than Orca slicer and its ilk use when opening .step files. So it is still better to use the .step versions if your slicer supports it.
1x Bolt (default/short, medium, or long)
1x Nut
1x TopArm
First, select the bolt you want to use
Then get a nut and a top arm
Set the nut down into the top arm with the larger opening of the top arm facing up
Lift up the top arm to start pushing them together, and turn them upside down
Push firmly yet gently, to try to get the top arm to pass over the bumps on the nut. The easiest way to get it to seat if simple hand pressure is not sufficient is to gently work it closed with needle nosed pliers
Take turns working it from both sides until it pops into place
Screw it onto the chosen bolt and you should be ready to go
Unscrew the nut until it has enough clearance to fit around the coupler. Snap it into place on the PTFE tubing above and below the coupler. The PTFE tubing should snap in to the back of the slot and hold it in place.
Slowly tighten the nut until it has pressed both plastic rings of the PTFE collets as far as they will go.
Leave it clamped in place holding the ends pushed in and then work each PTFE tube section free. If it does not come easily by hand, use a pair of needle nosed pliers to firmly pull it free.
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution
7
joncruz
