3D Printed Scissor Grabber

In this project, I will be showing you how to make a 3D printed scissor grabber. A scissor grabber is an object that has many different connected parts that move away from you in sync when two handles at the end are pushed together at the same time. I got the idea for this project when I was cleaning my room one day. While I was cleaning, I stumbled across a wooden one that I had made a few years ago(pictured later for scale) and wondered if I could re-create it with a 3D printer with the same dimensions.

Step 1: Gather Materials

For this project, you will need the Fusion 360 file(provided) as well as 10 bolts and 10 nuts to go along with the bolt size that you have purchased if you decide to print out the full file. Depending on the type and size of bolt that you use, a screwdriver may or may not be useful. You can also edit/copy the file to make only one piece, in case one of yours broke or it won't fit in the 3D printer you are using. *Note* The 3D printed grabber that is shown in this Instructable is not full scale, but a scaled down model, which is why I am not providing the nut/bolt dimensions for the one that I am making. The wooden grabber that I mentioned previously is pictured to show what the project would look like full scale. Each wooden piece is about 12" long, 1" wide, and about 3/16" tall. I would recommend a 1/4" nuts and bolts for a full scale project. Please keep in mind that the nut/bolt size will increase or decrease depending if you decide to scale the project.

Step 2: Assembly

This is a very easy project to mess up, because it is easy to put a piece in the wrong place on accident. If the project is messed up, no big deal, all you have to do is remove the bolts from the troubled area and align the pieces properly. When you begin to assemble the project, take the "P" shaped pieces and overlap them at the center hole, with the one that looks like a backwards "P" on top of the normal looking "P" shaped piece(as shown in picture). When the pieces are overlapping, put a bolt in so that the head is facing up and resting on top of the top piece(as shown in picture) when the bolt is all the way in, attach the nut and you have the "Grabbing" part completed. After that, for the following pieces, you follow a pattern where the pieces that are parallel are on the same level, and the ones that are bolted together are on different levels, so that when it is completely folded together, it takes up as little space as possible(see the pictures after this step for a reference of what is should look like when folded and extended). Repeat until desired length is achieved.

Step 3: Finished

Congratulations on finishing your grabber! To extend it, simply take the two non "P" ends(the two pieces with nothing connected to them that are resting in my hand) and push them together. The grabber will extend, and to retract it, just do the opposite. It is very useful for grabbing balloons that drifted to the ceiling of your house that are just out of reach, or for just messing with your friends. It is also very interesting to watch it extend and retract. If you decide to make this project, good luck and have fun!