Replacement part questions

Often, yes, especially plastic clips, catches, knobs, covers, brackets, feet and small gears. A maker needs the original part, or good photos with measurements, or an existing file. They model it, print it in a suitable material and may make a test piece. Parts for brakes, gas, structural loads or medical devices should come from certified suppliers.

First check the manufacturer, authorised dealers and used-parts listings with the part number. If nobody sells it, post it on The Spool List with photos, measurements and the model number. Makers can quote for 3D printing, CNC machining or laser cutting, depending on the part.

Photos from every side with a ruler or calipers in shot, measurements in millimetres, the product's make and model, and a description of what the part does and what it goes through (heat, sunlight, water, load). If you still have the broken original, many makers prefer to work from it; agree postage first.

No. Photos and measurements are enough to get quotes. A file or drawing makes the job faster and usually cheaper, because modelling is often the largest part of the price for a one-off.

Makers set their own prices, so you get quotes rather than a list price. Modelling, material, size, process, test fits and postage move the number. The estimator on the home page gives a rough print cost, and posting is free.

You pay the quote you accept by card through Stripe. The platform holds the payment and releases it to the maker when you confirm delivery. There is no buyer fee on top of the quote.

Agree in the brief which dimensions must match and whether a test piece is included. If the part doesn't match what was agreed, raise it with the maker before you confirm delivery. Unresolved problems can go to The Spool List's dispute process in the app.

Brakes, steering, suspension, seat belts and wheels; gas fittings; mains-voltage parts; pressure parts; parts of cots, car seats, high chairs, stair gates and toys for young children; medical and mobility devices; anything that holds a person or a heavy load; and e-bike or e-scooter battery parts. Buy certified originals for those.

For most indoor clips and brackets, PETG. For sunlight, outdoor use and hot car interiors, ASA. For gears, hinges and wear parts, nylon. For feet, bumpers and grommets, flexible TPU. For high heat or real load, machined metal. A good maker will advise once they see the part.

It can be, and sometimes better if the original failed because of a weak design or material. It depends on the measurements, the material and the process. A UK government study notes that copying a part's shape without rethinking it is generally considered inappropriate, so expect a good maker to ask how the part is loaded.

Making a replacement for your own repair is common, but some shapes, logos and designs are protected by design rights, trade marks or patents, and the rules differ by country. Official repair files published by manufacturers, your own designs and generic functional parts are usually straightforward. If in doubt, check the rules where you live.

Check the file's licence first. Many shared files use Creative Commons licences, and a NonCommercial (NC) licence does not allow use primarily for money, which can rule out a paid maker printing it for you. Ask the designer if it is unclear.

Directive (EU) 2024/1799 had to be applied by EU countries from 31 July 2026, though only a handful met the deadline and it works through each country's own law. Manufacturers of listed products, such as washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, displays, phones and tablets, must offer repair at a reasonable price and must not block independent repairers from using compatible or 3D-printed parts that meet the law. It does not cover every product, so remaking a part is still useful for everything else.

The Spool List doesn't set one. One clip is a fine job to post, though modelling makes a one-off cost more per piece than a batch.

Yes. Listing on The Spool List is free with no listing fee, and you set your own price in every quote. The platform takes a commission only on completed jobs (10% on the Free plan, lower on paid plans), and you are paid through Stripe once the buyer confirms delivery.