Foam Fork v1.1 (dart pickup tool)

Pick up darts by wedging them between the fork prongs. Can collect 3x7 darts in one run. This is easier on the wrist than having to move a typical grabber up each and every time to collect a dart.  

You will need a ½x24" inch dowel rod from any craft store. The bore for inserting the dowels are meant to be a tape-fit on. Wrap a strip of scotch tape around the ends of the wooden rod until they secure in place. This is meant to accommodate variations in dowel diameters and print settings. 

Recommended material: PETG/ABS/Not-PLA. The fork prongs are tuned specifically for the gentlest application of force; any heat damage can warp it out of function because they are thin. You can print in PLA, just note that you may have to heat bend it back in place with a lighter should you leave it in a hot car.  

Notable Tips

• You can scale the model in the slicer in the long direction to increase capacity and length.
• Note the model is pre-oriented and has features making it favorable to print because long objects are prone to lifting. Still recommend using 5deg hotter bed.
• Try to evenly distribute darts in all 3 columns as you pick up. The darts in neighboring slots push out the prongs to enhance the grip (filling just one column will have that column only hold 5 darts.)
• If darts fail to grab, chances are the foam diameter is worn beyond usability and should be discarded. This makes the foam fork a good gauge for filtering dart quality from community pools. 
• The handle dowel hole is 70mm deep, so you can adjust the length by partially inserting the dowel into handle. Use multiple sections of tape on the handle end.
• Additionally, you can secure the fork end in place with m2.6 (or “Nerf” screws).
• Darts are thicker on the head side, tighter to grab on to
• Thank you DartDevil for blessing and inspiration

Changelog

[2025-02-09] Added 16mm shaft bore version so you can use old barrels or CPVC instead of wooden dowel.

[2025-10-07] Version 1.1, improved structure. Removed some of the anti-curling cuts, and beefed them up so they won't shatter along that point. 

[2025-10-17] v1.2, Uploaded STEPs, beefed up reinforcements in the anti-curling cuts even more.