The Unbreakable Hook - *HELD 1.1 TON*
Print Profile(1)
Description
NOT MY DESIGN — Original Design by Tom Stanton
This model was originally designed by Tom Stanton and presented in his YouTube video:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEHNijssAKc
I'm simply re-uploading and sharing this outstanding 3D printed hook design with full credit to Tom Stanton.
This work is redistributed under the same license as the original:
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) — allowing sharing, modification, and redistribution with proper attribution.
🧠 About the Design
This 3D printed hook was created for the Polymaker Hook Challenge at the Makers Retreat, an event organized by Matt Denton and James Bruton, where engineers and makers competed to design the strongest possible 3D printed hook under strict conditions.
The rules were:
- Hook must weigh under 50 g.
- Must be printed in one piece (print-in-place only, no post-assembly).
- Must attach to 8 mm shackles without disassembling them.
Tom’s final design uses two interlocking J-hooks joined by a 3D printed spring mechanism, allowing it to open slightly to fit over the shackle and then lock into place.
Its angled interlocking teeth balance the tension and compression forces — the greater the load, the tighter the grip.
🧩 Engineering Highlights
- Tested load capacity: over 1.1 tons before failure.
- Designed and refined using finite element analysis (FEA) for even stress distribution.
- Uses custom hollow geometry (0 % infill, 100 % perimeter walls) to reduce weight while maintaining rigidity.
- The design follows an I-beam principle — maximum strength where needed, minimal waste elsewhere.
- Compatible with PLA, PETG, or ABS.
- PLA showed the highest rigidity and best overall strength in testing.
⚙️ Recommended Print Profile
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Material: | PLA (highest rigidity and performance in tests) — PETG or ABS also possible |
| Infill: | 100 % |
| Perimeters / Walls: | 1 wall recommended |
| Layer Height: | 0.20 mm |
| Supports: | Not required |
| Orientation: | Print flat for maximum layer strength |
⚠️ Note:
Even though this hook withstood over 1 ton in testing, it is not rated for lifting or load-bearing use. This was a competition experiment only.
👏 Credits
Original Design & Engineering: Tom Stanton
Original Video: 3D Printed Hook Challenge – 1 Ton Strength Test
Event: Makers Retreat (organized by Matt Denton & James Bruton)
Filament Sponsor: Polymaker
License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
If you print, remix, or share this model, please remember to credit Tom Stanton and include the link to his original video.
This reupload exists purely to help share and preserve his excellent engineering work for the 3D printing community.
Original design page:
🔗 https://www.printables.com/model/1412750-polymaker-hook-challenge-winning-hook/files
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