Must-Have Tools for Every New 3D Printer User
Level Up Your Prints with These Beginner-Friendly Essentials
If you’ve just bought your first 3D printer, congratulations—you’re about to enter a world of endless creativity. But while the printer is the centrepiece, it’s only half the battle. To achieve smooth, successful, and safe prints, you need a few essential tools that every 3D printing enthusiast swears by. These tools help with setup, print removal, finishing, and even troubleshooting. In this post, we’ll walk you through the must-haves every beginner should keep within arm’s reach.
1. Bed Levelling Tools
Bed leveling is critical for your print’s first layer success. Many printers come with auto-bed levelling, but if yours doesn’t, a simple feeler gauge or even a sheet of A4 paper can help you get a perfect level. A small spirit level can also assist with ensuring your build surface is completely flat.
📌 Real Example: A new user found that by manually levelling their bed with a paper trick, their print adhesion issues disappeared overnight.
(Beginner-Friendly Auto-Leveling 3D Printer →)
2. Spatula or Print Removal Tool
Once your print finishes, getting it off the bed cleanly can be tricky. A thin metal spatula or scraper helps remove prints without damaging the bed or the model. Look for one with a comfortable grip and bevelled edge.
📌 Pro Tip: Never use excessive force—it can damage both the bed and your hands. Let the bed cool first.
(Print Removal Spatula →)
3. Needle Nose Pliers & Flush Cutters
For removing supports, cleaning edges, or snipping filament, these are a must. Flush cutters are perfect for trimming filament before loading, while needle nose pliers help extract fine support structures or pick up tiny parts.
📌 Real Example: A student printing phone cases used pliers daily to remove internal supports cleanly.
(3D Printing Accessories Kit →)
4. Nozzle Cleaning Needles
Clogged nozzles can ruin a print or delay a project. Keep cleaning needles (0.4mm) handy to clear minor blockages. These are especially helpful when switching filaments or printing with glow-in-the-dark or wood-filled filaments.
📌 Safety Note: Always heat the nozzle before inserting the needle to avoid breaking it inside.
(Buy Nozzle Cleaning Kit →)
5. Digital Calliper
Accuracy matters in 3D printing. A digital calliper allows you to measure filament diameter, print dimensions, and internal/external features with high precision. It’s essential for designing models or checking tolerances.
📌 Real Use: One hobbyist used a calliper to ensure tight tolerances on a DIY gear set.
(3D Design Services for Precise Fit →)
6. Glue Stick or Build Plate Adhesive
Good bed adhesion is key for successful prints. A simple glue stick, Magigoo, or even hairspray can improve print grip and prevent warping. It also makes removing prints easier once the bed cools.
📌 Quick Tip: Always clean your bed with isopropyl alcohol after a few prints.
(Beginner Print Bed Care Kit →)
7. Filament Storage & Dryer
PLA, PETG, and especially nylon are hygroscopic—they absorb moisture from the air, which leads to poor print quality. Use sealed filament boxes, silica gel, or even a filament dryer to keep your spools fresh.
📌 Real Example: A seller found their prints drastically improved after drying a spool of old PLA for 4 hours.
→ (Link to filament storage solutions or dry boxes)
8. Allen Keys & Wrenches
Most 3D printers use hex screws for assembling frames, adjusting belts, and tightening nozzles. Keep a set of Allen keys and a mini wrench in your toolkit for regular maintenance.
📌 Warning: Loose belts can cause layer shifting—tighten them regularly!
(Explore 3D Printing Toolkit Essentials →)
9. Deburring Tool & Sandpaper
After print removal, finishing tools like deburring tools, hobby knives, and fine-grit sandpaper help smooth rough edges, especially in PLA prints. Perfect for decorative or client-ready items.
📌 Use Case: A designer selling decor items used 200-grit sandpaper to polish every print before dispatch.
(3D Printed Decor →)
10. Spare Nozzles and PTFE Tubes
Nozzles wear out, especially with abrasive filaments. Always keep extra brass or hardened steel nozzles and PTFE tubing if you use a Bowden setup. Swapping them out takes 5–10 minutes and can save hours of troubleshooting.
📌 Smart Move: A user kept a set of nozzles from 0.2mm to 0.8mm for different print styles.
(Nozzle Variety Pack or Printer Maintenance Kits →)
Final Thoughts: Tools Are Half the Print
Owning a 3D printer is like owning a mini factory, but every factory needs tools. Equipping yourself with the right accessories not only improves print quality but also makes the process smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. Start with these basics, and as your skill grows, so will your toolkit.