Thursday, September 25, 2025
Homebrew low-profile door handle with privacy lock
[3d printing]
It's getting to where I can draft things faster than I can shop for them.
Case in point, yesterday I decided I wanted a low-profile door handle with privacy lock for my office so I can properly hang a sound insulating blanket in front of it. I didn't get far into searching and reading reviews before I realized it would be quicker to just make one (even if something close enough to what I want exists, which I'm not sure it does).
It was printing by bedtime and I installed it in the morning (total cost under $2):
I printed it in clear because it's what I have on hand, but I'll re-print it in something opaque eventually. I'll also change some gaps from 0.4mm to 0.3mm which should eliminate most of the extra play here (but not bad for a first print). The outer handle is at 45 degrees for improved ergonomics, for hand, elbow and knee opening.
Here's the freecad source if you want one. (It was thrown together in a rush so don't judge. But do let me know if you find it useful.)