How to Turn Empty Filament Spools into Useful Creations
Empty filament spools tend to pile up quickly for anyone who uses a 3D printer regularly. Instead of throwing them away, these leftover spools can be reused in a variety of practical and creative ways. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with empty filament spools, there are plenty of options that go beyond simple storage or disposal and result in genuinely useful 3D prints for your home or workspace.
This article explores a range of ways to recycle filament spools, using simple modifications and printable add-ons. You’ll find ideas focused on practical projects with links to STL files and 3D models that help turn unused spools into organizers, workshop tools, and functional accessories. Whether your goal is to reduce clutter or get more value from materials you already have, some of these ideas stand out as awesome 3D prints made from materials that would otherwise go to waste.
30 Ways to Repurpose Filament Spools:
Filament Spool Drawer
This 3D print lets you reuse your empty filament spools as handy storage units. Just print the parts, snap them together, and stack them up. Thangs
Upcycled Spool Planter
Give your spools a new life as a vertical planter! This 3D model lets you stack your empty filament spools and turn them into a green tower of plants. Cults3D
Filament Spool Lamp
These filament spool lamp transforms a standard 3D printer spool into a stylish, modern light fixture. It’s a creative way to repurpose printing supplies into functional home decor. Thangs
Spool Bird Feeder
Tweet-worthy innovation awaits! This STL file lets you convert used filament spools into a cozy and convenient place for birds to eat. Printables
Spool Cable Organizer
Keep your cables neat and tidy with a filament spool cable organizer. A convenient way to store, sort and tag all your small charging cables. Printables
Spool Laptop Stand
Elevate your workspace with this eco-friendly solution! This 3D model ingeniously repurposes an empty filament spool into a sleek laptop stand. Printables
Filament Spool Stool
There is an imposter among us! Transform empty spools into a collapsible stool that mimics the appearance of a regular filament roll when collapsed. Printables
Vertical Spool Drawer
Recycle old filament spools into a clever, space-saving storage option with a vertical twist. Boost your efficiency stylishly, one spool at a time. Thangs
Modular Terrain Models
These 3D prints let you reuse old filament spools as a customizable base for your wargaming scenery. There’s over 50 models to choose from! DigitalTaxidermy
Christmas Lights Storage
Add a festive touch to your empty spools! No need for 3D printing, just wrap your Christmas lights around the spool for a tangle-free storage solution. Reddit
Spray Paint Turntable
Spin into creativity with this ingenious spool spray paint turntable. Powered by marbles, it revolutionizes your DIY projects with smooth, even rotations. Cults3D
Spool Cable Winder
Tame the tangle, wind with wonder! This 3D print lets you use repurpose old filament spools as a handy tool to coil and store cables and rope. Printables
Filament Spool Clock
Turn time on its axis when you repurpose an empty filament spool into a rotating vertical clock. It’s a blend of functionality and style. Thingiverse
Prusa Spool Board Game
From spool to play! Transform your Prusament spools into the centerpiece of game night with this 3D printed board game upgrade. Printables
Prusament Box
A very simple yet nifty 3D printed model that turns the cardboard core of an empty spool into a sleek storage box with a twist-top lid. Printables
Spool Cat Ball Track
Revamp empty filament spools into a cat’s dream track! This 3D print turns waste into whisker-tickling fun, making recycling a joyride for your furry friend. Printables
Drone Landing Pad
Land and take off in style! This STL file is designed to attach to your camera tripod to create the perfect touchdown spot for your drone. Printables
Rotating Organizer
Spin your way to sleek organization and keep your workspace clutter-free. This 3D printed gem turns your spools into a revolving display of efficiency. Thingiverse
Prusament Fan
Beat the heat with a breeze of creativity! This 3D printed project upcycles an empty Prusament spool into a working desk fan. Printables
Vertical Spool Garden
Green up your space with a vertical garden, ingeniously crafted from empty filament spools. Transform your recyclables into a vibrant display of flora. MyMiniFactory
Prusament Connect
Revolutionize your workspace with this filament spool surface modular system. Use empty Prusa spools as peg boards or workspace decoration. Printables
Filament Spool Air Filter
Breathe easy by repurposing filament spools into effective air purifiers. This eco-friendly solution filters out the unseen for cleaner air in your workspace. Thingiverse
Spool Spice Carousel
Spice up your kitchen with this clever rotating carousel spice rack. The perfect STL file to download to add a dash of efficiency to your seasoning storage. Cults3D
Vertical Paint Turntable
Arrange your workspace with this 3D printed design that transforms recycled spools into a vertical turntable. You can also repurpose old filament rollers to use as a stand. Thingiverse
Socks Hanger
Say goodbye to sock chaos with with DIY sock hanger! Turn a leftover spool into a clever hanger for organizing your socks and other small washables. Printables
Prusament Spool Spirograph
Unleash your inner artist with this 3D printed mod that turns Prusament spools into a mesmerizing tool for creating intricate and beautiful spirograph design. Printables
Geometric Leaning Game
Spark curiosity and learning with this geometric learning game for kids, crafted entirely from 3D printed parts and an empty filament spool. Printables
The One Ring Lamp
Shine a light on Middle-earth’s most powerful artifact with the One Ring lamp. The perfect 3D printing idea for Lord of the Rings fans who like to recycle. Thingiverse
Dual Spool Cord Wrap
Tame the tangle with this DIY cord wrap with two recycled filament spools. This 3D model offers a sleek, eco-friendly way to organize your cables and cords. Printables
Spool Spinning Top
Give old spools a new life with epic spinning battles. Perfect for enthusiasts of all ages to blend the art of 3D printing with the joy of spinning top games. Printables
Spool Tree House
Perfect for kids or decoration, this 3D printed spool tree house is cleverly designed to repurpose an empty filament spool into a charming playtime paradise. Printables
Spool Chandelier
This 3D printed design weaves together multiple cardboard cores from empty Prusa spools, transforming them into a stunning, working chandelier. Printables
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