Mighty Bottle Opener

UPDATE: I've been unable to find a reliable way to protect the plastic with this design. If you're using PLA, keep reading; people have had good results. If you're printing with ABS however, I recommend using this updated design: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:11025

The Coin-Op Bottle Opener ( http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1842 ) is awesome on so many levels. No wonder it's often the first thing that gets printed on a new machine. It doesn't take long to see its weakness though: it's HUGE.

This design keeps the same (strong, satisfying) jaw geometry, but puts it in a package that isn't a burden on your pants pocket. Also, because it's much smaller, it takes FAR less time to print.

One drawback is that you need to man-handle a paper clip to keep the plastic from getting chewed up. On the plus side you get to call yourself "crafty."

Also I removed most of the handle, so you may have to adjust your normal hand position. I find this opener works best with my thumb on top, index finger underneath.

(I've left this as a "work in progress" for the time being. It has done well in my testing, but please let me know if something doesn't work for you)

History:

• Part gets submitted using a modified bottle cap as the protector. looks awesome (it's still the title thumbnail)
• Thing gets featured.
• Turns out the bottle cap protector doesn't work all that well. Embarrassing update posted. (good thing it's a "work in progress")
• Furious design session yeilds improved paper clip design. (thanks go out to thingiverse users waaronw and jprodgers for their contributions to that process)
• Made the part ~1mm wider (to help the fill around the hole) and added a little recess for the paperclip on the back side.