*** Update 22/12/2023 ***
Added a version with webs between the legs and the angled tube, to make it easier to insert the tool into the tube, and to add strength to the legs.
Inserting cables into long lengths of split convoluted tube can be a slow and painful process.
This tool makes it a lot easier, by forcing open the tube and providing a channel to feed the cable into. You then simply slide the tool along the slit. It can be removed and reinserted at any point along the tube.
If printed at 100%, the supplied STL is suitable for convoluted tube with an internal diameter of 23 mm and cables up to ~10.5 mm outside diameter. By printing the tool at different scales it will suit other popular sizes of convoluted tube:
Scale | Convoluted tube internal diameter | Cable outside diameter |
100% | 23 mm | 10.5 mm |
83% | 19 mm | 8.5 mm |
70% | 16 mm | 7 mm |
48% | 11 mm | 5 mm |
30% | 7 mm | 3 mm |
The model shown in the photo was printed at 48% to suit a convoluted tube with an internal diameter of 11 mm. The cable shown has an outside diameter of 5mm.
I printed mine in PETG, with 100% infill to make it as strong as possible. It prints in the supplied orientation without any supports, but I'd advise adding a brim to help adhesion, as the edges that touch the build plate are quite long and thin.
The author marked this model as their own original creation.