When making your own 3D printed enclosures it is often useful to insert brass nuts into the 3D print so to securely fasten the lid or a board inside the enclosure.
We've used these brass inserts not just on enclosures, but really any 3D print with which we want to secure a board or lid to. For example, in our Tinker Thoughts Blog #2, we made a custom base for the Proto-Half that uses M3 brass inserts.
We've also made a custom Minimalist Uno Base, with which we used M2.5 brass inserts.
In this video, we’ll show you how to install M3 brass heat-set inserts using a simple and effective method that also works for other insert sizes. We’ll cover:
- The tools you need: a soldering iron, tweezers or pliers, and a hard, smooth surface or hand tool to help press the inserts in.
- Step-by-step instructions for inserting the brass nuts cleanly and securely.
- Tips to avoid damaging your print or misaligning the inserts.
To help you get started, we’ve also created a free “M3 Brass Insert Practice Board” — a printable file designed to help you practice before working on your final, more expensive 3D parts. Download the practice board on Thingiverse here:
Whether you're new to 3D printing or just want stronger fastening options, this method is easy, repeatable, and gives professional results.