Retractable and locking paracord spool with built-in storage for hanging hooks/clips

Overview

A simple retractable and locking spool for holding 20m of 3mm paracord with built-in storage on the back for hanging hooks/clips to use on the line.

I would love to see any makes so please post some pics, you get prusameters too!  

I started designing this from the ground up (did not use original files as a start point) after seeing this model so I have to credit it for the inspiration which led to several days of CAD/prototyping/redesigning and ultimately building what you see!

The mechanism is the same design as a ratchet mount so by flipping the spool handle over the cam designed into it forces the spool assembly up and engaging the teeth permanently until you flip the handle open again due to the cam being offset to cause an "over centre mechanism" holding it against the shell.

The countersunk screws act as a circular “dovetail” joint to hold the hooks/clips in the storage grove as 3d printed ones would easily snap so I came up with this nifty solution!

Parts Required

1. 1x M4 cap head bolt 12mm to 20mm long for handle end.
2. 1x M4 cap head bolt 30mm long for handle.
3. 1x M5 cap head bolt 16mm to 25mm long for reel core.
4. 2x M4 nyloc lock nuts.
5. 1x M5 standard nut.
6. 2x No.4 x1/4" (2.9mm x 6.5mm) countersunk self tapping screws for each hook/clip.

Bolts can be anything between the specified range.

Printing Instructions

I'd recommend printing is PETG for outdoor use but I only have PLA so that is what I used.

Print at 0.2mm layer height, no brim and no supports (except reel shell)

All parts are already individually arranged in the correct orientation and settings for the 3MF files to print as shown below.

Recomended vertical shells/horizontal shells for each part is 3 vertical and 4 top/bottom except the following. All are printed with combine infill at 2.

• reel shell - 25% gyroid/3 vertical/4 top and 5 bottom horizontal.
• reel - 30% rectilinear.
• reel top - 30% rectilinear.
• reel hook - 30% gyroid.
• reel handle - 20% gyroid.
• reel handle end - 15% gyroid.
• reel core - 20% gyroid.
• hook - 30% gyroid.
• clip - 30% gyroid.

The only piece that requires supports is the reel shell for the storage grove so select “support on build plate only” and use these perfect settings.

For the “reel handle end” add a pause print command on layer 41 to insert 1x M4 lock nut.

For the “reel core” add a pause print command on layer 113 to insert 1x M5 standard nut.

Assembly

1. Firstly take the paracord and slide it through the large oval opening in the shell and pull a short section through. 
2. Next take the reel and pass the paracord through the built in tie point, secure with a simple overhand knot and pull it snug against the loop.
3.  Take the core and slide it into the reel, hold the reel between your index and middle fingers like a cigarette and push down on the core with your thumb so that the teeth on each engage and the end of the core sticks out past the reel.
4. Whilst holding the reel and pushing the core place the assembly inside the shell and gently push while turning the assembly against the shell bottom till you feel the the hexagon recess in the core line up with the one on the shell then firmly push the core down till it is fully seated.
5. Flip the shell upside down and install the M5 cap head bolt to secure the assembly, tighten it down snug nut not tight enough to crack the print.
6. Slide the reel top onto the reel and push it down, you can either leave it as a friction fit or superglue it in place.
7. Take the handle and place it with the flat side at the thick section down before inserting the M4x30mm bolt through the reel tabs and the handle, taking care to start it on the side with the circular recess reel tab and the nut on the other hexagon recess tab, and proceed to tighten the nut and bolt till it starts to squeeze the tabs against the handle then back it off half a turn.
8. Take the handle end and the M4x12-20mm bolt, slide the bolt through the hole in the end of the handle from same side as the flat side at the thick section and screw on the handle end untill it is pulled against the handle but can still spin freely.
9. Take the reel hook and tie it to the other end of the paracord before winding it all up into the spool and flipping the handle over to lock it, do not force it over if it seems to be stuck at a 45° angle just lightly twist the spool either direction to align the teeth.
10. Finally take the hook/clip and screw in the countersunk screws on the side with the rope slots untill the bottom of the head is touching the plastic.

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