5 weird but practical things you never thought you could 3D print

Most people think of 3D printing in terms of figurines, brackets, or cosplay armor. But once you start exploring the weirder side of functional prints, you’ll find plenty of oddball designs that actually solve real problems. Some of them are so surprisingly useful, you’ll wonder why you didn’t print them sooner. Let’s dive into some strange but genuinely practical things that you might never have imagined making out of filament.

5 A toothpaste tube wringer that really works

Never waste a drop again, even if you try

One of the most unexpectedly satisfying things I’ve printed is a simple toothpaste wringer. You slide your tube in, twist the handle, and out comes every last bit of paste, saving you from flattening it against the counter or chasing blobs with your fingers. What makes this print truly weird is how unnecessary it seems until you try it. After that, it just becomes part of your bathroom routine.

Most designs use minimal filament and can be printed in under two hours. You can even scale them up for larger tubes, such as ointments or acrylic paints. It's also a great beginner-friendly mechanical print that doesn't require supports, hinges, or post-processing. Just snap it together and start twisting.

Some versions utilize a geared mechanism that provides a fun tactile experience. I’ve also seen people remix them with storage slots for floss picks or toothbrush heads. It’s a great reminder that practical design doesn’t have to be boring or conventional.

4 A silent fidget toy for your desk

Satisfying, stealthy, and strangely addictive

Fidget toys aren’t usually considered “practical,” but 3D printing flips that idea around. I printed a gear-based infinity cube that’s completely silent and oddly calming to use during long video calls. Unlike store-bought clicky ones, this stays quiet, so I can keep my hands busy without driving everyone else crazy.

There are tons of unusual fidget models out there, including ones shaped like Möbius strips, rotating satellites, and magnetic sliders. Many are printed in place, meaning no assembly is needed once it comes off the bed. That alone makes them weirdly magical the first time you try one.

These toys aren’t just for stress relief. I use them to keep myself focused while troubleshooting code or waiting for a print to finish. Some designs even double as small parts trays or have slots for SD cards and screws. It’s like turning your nervous energy into functional desk organization.

3 A snap-fit phone tripod for filming

No screws, no metal, just print and shoot

This is one of those things that sounds too fragile to work but somehow does. I came across a foldable tripod that prints in a single piece using clever snap-fit joints. It’s light, packs flat, and holds my phone steady for time lapses, tutorials, or FaceTime calls without needing a commercial rig.

Most versions use a tension-based phone grip that flexes just enough to keep things snug without cracking. You can customize the base height and leg spread, or even swap out the mount for a GoPro or webcam. Some models fold out like origami; others use lockable legs for added stability. Because it’s made of plastic, it won’t scratch your gear, and it’s safe to toss in a bag. You can also print multiple versions for different devices or angles. I even made a mini version to use on my 3D printer shelf for print monitoring with OctoPrint.

2 A lock-picking practice set

Legal, educational, and surprisingly satisfying

Here’s one for makers who like puzzles. I 3D printed a transparent lock-picking trainer with interchangeable tumblers and tension systems. It’s entirely plastic, which means you don’t need metal components to get started learning this surprisingly valuable skill. It may look strange and feel like a toy, but it’s a solid teaching tool.

Learning lock-picking might sound shady, but it’s entirely legal to practice on your own locks or transparent models. The 3D-printed versions make the pins visible, allowing you to understand precisely how they interact with the key or pick. That alone makes it much easier to learn than using a real lock from the hardware store.

There are entire modular systems you can print with different levels of difficulty. Add a small practice stand, and you’ve got your own little locksmith lab. If nothing else, it teaches patience, fine motor control, and a better appreciation for physical security.

1 A self-watering plant spike

For forgetful gardeners with thirsty plants

This one made me do a double-take. A weird cone-shaped spike that you stick into a planter, attach to a recycled water bottle, and let gravity and capillary action take care of the rest. It’s the kind of idea that seems silly until you go out of town and come back to find your plants alive and thriving.

There are numerous models available online, ranging from more sophisticated to less complex. A basic spike can be printed in PLA and works best with small to medium houseplants. Others use valves, filters, or drip-rate control features that can be adjusted by varying the opening size during the slicing process.

You can even make a modular version for garden beds, linking them with tubing to a single large reservoir. It’s a strange blend of low-tech and clever engineering. And honestly, it’s more elegant than any commercial version I’ve found at the store.

Unexpected prints that make daily life better

Each of these prints is just a little bit strange, but they all serve a real purpose. Whether it’s helping you waste less, stay focused, travel smarter, learn new skills, or care for your plants, these oddball designs are a reminder that 3D printing is as much about creativity as it is about utility. Sometimes the weirdest ideas turn out to be the most useful ones.