15 Must Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools You Actually Need

If you have just started your journey into 3D printing, you might think the printer is the only thing you need. However, as many beginners soon find out, having the right tools is just as important as the machine itself.

Think of it this way. A painter needs more than just a canvas. They need brushes, palettes, and cleaning supplies to create a masterpiece. The same applies here.

Without the right accessories, you might face issues like prints not sticking, clogged nozzles, or messy finishes.

To help you get the best results, we have put together a list of the 15 essential accessories. These tools will help you print smoother, safer, and with fewer errors.

1. Build Plate Scraper

A build plate scraper is one of the most frequently used tools in your kit. Its job is simple. It helps you remove the 3D print from the bed once it is finished.

However, you need to be careful. If you use too much force, you might damage the build surface or even cut yourself.

So, it is recommended to slide the scraper gently under the corner of the print at a low angle.

Once it is slightly loose, you can easily pop the model off. This ensures your prints come off clean and your bed stays scratch-free.

image: kida

2. Air Filtration System

3D printers melt plastic at high temperatures. During this process, they can release invisible particles and strong odors. This is especially true if you are printing with materials like ABS.

An air filtration system helps keep your workspace safe. It captures these harmful substances so you do not breathe them in.

After all, your health is the most important thing. If you work in a small room or a home office, adding an air purifier or a filter system is a smart choice.

3. Adjustment Tools

Over time, the moving parts of your 3D printer might get loose. Adjustment tools, such as hex keys, screwdrivers, and leveling gauges, help you keep everything tight and in the right place.

For example, if your print bed is not level, your first layer might look uneven. With a simple level gauge or a sheet of paper, you can adjust the bed to the perfect height.

Also, keeping a small bottle of lubricant handy ensures the rails move smoothly without squeaking.

image: Elena Rouame

4. Adhesive Solutions

Have you ever started a print only to find it detached and messy an hour later? This is a common problem known as warping. Adhesive solutions are here to fix that.

Glue sticks, hairspray, or special liquid adhesives are excellent ways to improve 3D printer bed adhesion and ensure the first layer sticks firmly. This provides a strong foundation for the rest of the print.

Plus, some adhesives act as a release agent. This means that once the plate cools down, the print pops off easily without sticking too hard.

5. Nozzle Maintenance Kit

The nozzle is where the melted plastic comes out. Sometimes, it can get clogged with old filament or dust. A clogged nozzle can ruin a print instantly.

A maintenance kit usually includes thin needles and wire brushes.

If you notice the plastic is not coming out smoothly, you can use the needle to break up the blockage. You can check out another guide about clean a 3D printer nozzle.

In addition, using a wire brush to clean the outside of the nozzle keeps it free from burnt plastic residue.

6. Precision Measuring Device

In 3D printing, accuracy is key. A precision measuring device, like a set of digital calipers, allows you to measure your printed parts down to the millimeter.

This is very useful if you are designing a part that needs to fit into something else. Instead of guessing, you can measure exactly.

Also, it helps you check if your printer is calibrated correctly. If you print a 20mm cube and it measures 19.5mm, you know you need to adjust your settings.

image: Dave Borghuis

7. Finishing Tool

When a print comes off the printer, it is rarely perfect. It might have small bumps, lines, or rough spots. Finishing tools, like sandpaper or files, help you clean these up.

You can use these tools to smooth PLA 3D prints and hide those visible layer lines. This is important if you plan to paint your print later. A smooth surface makes the paint look much better.

So, taking a few minutes to sand your model can make a huge difference in the final look.

8. Cutting Blade

Cutting blades are essential for cleaning up your prints. Often, you will need to print with "supports," which are extra scaffolding structures that hold up overhangs.

Once the print is done, you need to cut these supports away. A sharp craft knife or a dedicated cutting tool makes this easy.

However, always cut away from your fingers to stay safe. A clean cut makes the model look professional and neat.

9. Gripping Tools

Gripping tools, such as pliers and tweezers, are like an extension of your fingers. 3D printer nozzles get very hot, so you cannot touch them with your bare hands.

Tweezers are perfect for grabbing that little string of oozing plastic right before a print starts.

On the other hand, pliers are great for removing tough support material that is stuck to your model. They give you the grip strength you need without hurting your hands.

10. Electrical Repair Tool

While modern printers are reliable, sometimes you might face a wiring issue. An electrical repair tool kit, which might include a multimeter or wire strippers, is useful for troubleshooting.

You do not need to be an electrician to use these. Sometimes, it is just a matter of checking if a cable is loose or if a fan is getting power. Having these tools ready saves you time if something goes wrong with the electronics.

image: Nekhil R

11. Cleaning Supplies

Dust and grease are the enemies of 3D printing. If your build plate is dirty, the print will not stick. That is why cleaning supplies are a must-have.

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and a microfiber cloth are usually all you need. Before every print, it is a good idea to clean the 3D printer bed to remove fingerprints and dust. This simple step can prevent many common printing failures.

12. Filament Keeper

Filament comes on a spool, and it acts like a spring. If you let go of the end, it can unravel and create a tangled mess. A filament keeper is a small clip that holds the end of the filament in place.

It is a simple but effective way to prevent filament from tangling during storage.

If a knot forms, it can get stuck during a print, causing the printer to stop "printing air." It is a small accessory, but it saves you a lot of headaches.

13. Extra Print Nozzles

Nozzles wear out over time. This is normal. If you print with abrasive materials like glow-in-the-dark filament, you will need to change the nozzle much more often.

Keeping a few extra nozzles in your drawer is a smart move. Standard 0.4mm brass nozzles are good for most projects.

However, you might also want larger nozzles for faster printing or hardened steel nozzles for tough materials. This way, you are never stuck waiting for a replacement part.

14. Additional Build Surfaces

Different materials like different surfaces. While a standard bed works for most things, some materials might need a glass plate or a flexible PEI sheet.

For instance, flexible sheets are great because you can bend them to pop the print off. Glass plates provide a super smooth bottom surface.

Having options allows you to choose the best surface for the specific material you are using.

15. Cable Organizers

Printers have a lot of wires. If these wires are loose, they can get caught on the moving parts of the printer. This can be dangerous and can also unplug your machine mid-print.

Cable organizers, like zip ties or clips, keep everything tidy. A neat printer is a safe printer. Also, it makes your setup look much more professional and organized.

Choosing the right accessories does not have to be complicated. The goal is to make your printing process smoother and more enjoyable. You do not need to buy everything at once. Start with the basics like a scraper, some glue, and cleaning supplies.

As you get more comfortable, you can add more tools to your collection. After all, the right tools give you the confidence to tackle bigger and better projects.

FAQs

Do I really need all these accessories to start?

Not really. You can start with just a few essentials. A scraper, a pair of tweezers, and some glue are usually enough for beginners. You can buy the rest as you learn more.

Will these accessories work with any 3D printer?

Yes, most of them are universal. Tools like scrapers, pliers, and cleaning supplies work on any FDM machine. However, for specific parts like nozzles or build plates, you should check your printer's manual to ensure they fit correctly.