MTB Fork Tube Tool Kit
This Thing is a tool holder for mountain bikes that fits inside the steer tube for most modern forks. I haven't tested it on every model fork, so I cannot comment on its compatibility with your bike. But it does work on my 2019 Fox 36 fork. I view this as a starting point for much better designs, so have at it. Modify it to your heart's content and make it better.
Note on tolerances:
Tool holders like this require some very tight tolerances to keep the tools secure. Often +/- .05 mm means the difference between tools that fit snugly, and tools that fall right out. Most 3D prints will need some hand-fitting with a file to make everything fit. FDM printers just don't have tight enough tolerances to guarantee fit. This first release works with my printer for my bike with minimal filing. Feel free to download the Solidworks files and tweak them as needed.
Required Hardware:
- 1x nylon lock nut, M6 x 1.00 thread size
- 1x M6 x 2"-3" long socket head cap screw (length may vary depending on your head tube length, stem type, and stack height.
- ABS solvent glue (or similar if using PLA or other material)
- Dremel / sandpaper / small files
Tools that V2 will hold:
- 6x metric hex driver bits, standard 1/4" shank, your choice of hex sizing
- Facom FF-75.1/4 Angled Open-Socket, Wrench
- 1x 'QuickLink' chain master link
- 1x Genuine Innovations G2650 tubeless tire plug handle
- 3x 'Bacon Strip' tire plugs (Genuine Innovations brand or similar)
Printing & Assembly Instructions:
- ABS is the only print material I have used. No idea if other materials will work.
- 4-5 shells and 15-20ish% infill should produce a tool holder that is strong enough for most cases. Use support material if desired.
- No 'ABS shrinkage scaling' compensation was necessary with my printer. I just printed the thing at .2mm layer height and it only needed minor filing. YMMV.
- Print 1 end cap, with the flat side down.
- Print 1 Tube Kit with the flat side down.
- When the print is nearly finished and the hex nut cavity is deep enough (90+ish % complete), pause the print.
- Insert the hex nut into the cavity with the nylon lock portion facing down. IMPORTANT: The nut must fit completely inside the cavity so it does not interfere with the final layers of the print.
- Finish the print, encapsulating the nut inside.
- Use solvent glue (ex: Tamiya Extra Thin model cement or acetone) to fuse the flat side of the end cap to the bottom of the tube kit portion. Use rubber gloves.
- File the cavities as needed to get the tools to fit. Check the fit often, it is very easy to remove too much material.
- Use the dremel to chop the wrench a bit shorter if you are the type to count grams.
- Replace your current steer tube screw with the new, longer socket head cap screw
- Once the solvent is dry, screw the tool holder onto the longer bolt until the tool holder's taper seats with the fork tube taper and won't easily turn any more.
Disclaimer:
This design is to be used at your own risk. Mountain biking is dangerous, and can lead to serious injury or worse. This tool holder works for me, but I do not make any kind of guarantee that it will be safe or work for you. It might even add to the dangers of riding. It may crack and fall out, and you lose all your tools and become stranded far from your car at night. It may fall out and find its way into your spokes. It may jam your front wheel, tossing you over the bars and into a lake. The lake crash might ruin your brand new GoPro camera. You might be ridiculed by your friends for falling in that lake. Your mom might get mad at you for ruining your GoPro and sell your bike. Who knows. Have fun, ride hard, and use it at your own risk.
dustintlee
