Device Details

There are multiple sizes available for this device for both the device size and pen hole size. If you are requesting this device, please indicate which size you believe will work the best for you. There is a printable document that can be used to give a to scale size of the device and pen hole diameter as well as a sizing guide and recommendations below.

Overview

This is a customizable (parametric) 3D printable writing aid. The Palm Pen Holder makes it easier to grip a pen, pencil, or other writing utensil and may be useful for someone who has difficulty holding a pen or pencil directly. The device is able to be slid onto the hand of the user or gripped in various positions. The multiple sizing allows for various writing utensils and hand sizes.

Usage

A pen or pencil is inserted through the Palm Pen Holder pen hole and is fixed in place by tightening a set screw to allow for different writing utensil sizes. The device can be gripped in multiple ways and also gently squeezes the hand for stability when writing. With different sizing available, this device works well with narrow writing utensils like paintbrushes or wider ones like sharpie markers. In addition, the device itself has alternate sizing to provide options for the user.

Build Instructions

All documentation, design files, and photos can be found on the GitHub page that is linked at the top of this project page. The Maker Checklist document will aid you in following the correct steps to build and work with the requestor.

SKILLS REQUIRED

  • 3D Printing

BILL OF MATERIALS

To assemble the Palm Pen Holder, you will need:
  • 1x 3D Printed Palm Pen Holder
  • 1x M4 machine screws, 20 mm long ($1.25 – $2.50) Link —or— Alternative Link
  • 1x M4 hex nuts ($0.25)  Link —or— Alternative Link
  • 1x Writing utensil (pen, pencil, etc)

TOOLS

  • Screwdriver
  • 3D printer

3D PRINTING

The design prints in ABS or PLA with no support. 3D print STL’s and instructions can be found on the GitHub page linked at the top of this project page.

CUSTOMIZATION

The design is parametric, which means that the size of the device itself the size of the pen hole can be modified by changing numbers in OpenSCAD. The editable OpenSCAD file can be found on the GitHub page linked at the top of the project page along with instructions within the documentation.

Sizing:

There are small, medium, and large-sized Palm Pen Holder available for different hand sizes. In addition, the pen hole diameter can also be changed from narrow, standard, and wide. By use of the set screw, the writing utensil does not need to be the exact size of the pen hole but rather the sizing is available to fit large writing devices like markers and narrow ones such as fine paintbrushes. Sizing Charts can be found below and in addition, downloading the to scale document will allow one to see the outline of the different sizes to determine the ideal size.

sizing of Palm Pen Holder device as well as the pen diameter

Line Drawing of Palm Pen Holder indicating the sizing locations referencing the table

Palm Pen Holder Sizing Chart:
Palm Pen Holder version Pen hole size A

(mm)

 B

(mm)

 C

(mm)

 D

(mm)

 Pen Hole

(mm)
Small Palm Pen Holder Narrow 23 21 93 25 7
Standard 23 21 93 25 13
Wide 23 21 93 25 18
Medium Palm Pen Holder Narrow 24 26 110 35 7
Standard 24 26 110 35 13
Wide 24 26 110 35 18
Large Palm Pen Holder Narrow 25 33 120 40 7
Standard 25 33 120 40 13
Wide 25 33 120 40 18

Attribution:

Design: Makers Making Change
OpenSCAD: Stewart Russell and Tyler Fentie