# Best way to tap a 3D printed yoyo?

**URL:** https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-way-to-tap-a-3d-printed-yoyo/375208
**Category:** Yo-Yo Mods and Maintenance
**Created:** [May 10, 2023, 12:58am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-way-to-tap-a-3d-printed-yoyo/375208 "2023-05-10T00:58:58Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Uknown](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/uknown/32/691117_2.png) [@Uknown](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Uknown)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2023, 12:58am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-way-to-tap-a-3d-printed-yoyo/375208/1 "2023-05-10T00:58:58Z")

</div>

I have been experimenting with 3D printing yoyos recently. I have “successfully” tapped the halves by taking a spare axle I have, pressing kinda hard, and screwing it in but it introduces a lot of vibe because I can’t screw it in straight. What is a good way to tap the halves as straight as possible so it has little to no vibe? Thanks

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Alex](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/alex/32/203786_2.png) [@Alex](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Alex)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2023, 1:01am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-way-to-tap-a-3d-printed-yoyo/375208/2 "2023-05-10T01:01:01Z")

</div>

What about accommodating an area for lock nuts in your cad, so you could just insert them?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Uknown](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/uknown/32/691117_2.png) [@Uknown](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Uknown)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2023, 1:02am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-way-to-tap-a-3d-printed-yoyo/375208/3 "2023-05-10T01:02:11Z")

</div>

I hadn’t thought of that

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Y3TI](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/y3ti/32/185200_2.png) [@Y3TI](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Y3TI)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2023, 1:44am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-way-to-tap-a-3d-printed-yoyo/375208/4 "2023-05-10T01:44:10Z")

</div>

![IMG_20221221_083807234](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/8/7/3/873230799ca47f444478e0fe2cb6756eb610ca77.jpeg)

I use 12mm or 16mm m4 bolts with hex nuts. Lowe’s has them, but you could probably find them online. Just make a spot for them to sit in so it can be tightened. Threaded inserts are another option but I haven’t tried that yet.

Hopefully the picture shows what I mean. The prints I’ve made came out kinda bad so it may not be super clear

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![cowmamba](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/cowmamba/32/270859_2.png) [@cowmamba](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/cowmamba)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2023, 4:54am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-way-to-tap-a-3d-printed-yoyo/375208/5 "2023-05-10T04:54:26Z")

</div>

If you know the thread pitch and size you could just model it into object you’re printing. Granted, it’s not great for long term / high use, but it’ll work and can work quite well. Another option like mentioned above would be to use lock nuts or heat inserts. Heat-set inserts are a fantastic option because you melt them in place and the mechanical hold is much greater than printed threads.