Strong Bike Hanging Hook with Auto-Adjust

Strong Bike Hanging Hook with Auto-Adjust

A hook I designed for hanging the family's bikes out of the way during the long snowy winter. It's optimized for printing and designed to support the bike's weight, the rear tire doesn't need to touch the floor. The design auto-adjusts to grab the rim gently and perpendicularly. You can also hang the bike from the ceiling with either one or two of these. Or hang something else entirely; up to you. 

Printing

As it's a functional part that needs to support some weight and possibly impacts, it's best not to skimp on printing settings or material. Avoid PLA, especially if you're planning to use the hook outdoors. I printed mine with PETG, even though ABS or ASA would have better UV resistance for outdoor use. 

Up the infill, perimeters and top/bottom layers to your liking. I printed the hook with 7 top/bottom and 4 perimeters, 40% infill. The files are positioned correctly for printing. I printed the parts sequentially one-by-one to enhance layer adhesion.

No supports are needed.

The retaining ring is best printed with less strength, as it needs to flex a little bit when installing. 

You can choose between 6mm and 8mm screw holes for the hinge bracket. The retaining ring also has two versions, the one with the helper spring is designed for wall mount use, to keep the hook outstretched and ready to grab the rim.

The hinge bracket, sleeve and hook have been designed with 0,15mm gap, the snap-fit retaining ring has a gap of 0,10mm.

Assembly

Assembly is simple, the sleeve goes in the hinge bracket and the hook goes in the sleeve, lock them together by pushing the retaining ring in place to the end of the hook axle.

Disclaimer and safety notice

As with all prints, use at your own risk. The strength of the hook depends a lot on your printer settings and material. Do not hang heavy objects where they might cause damage if they fall. Don't do as I do and tempt fate by hanging bikes above your car and motorcycles. Ensure proper fastening of the hook to the wall/ceiling. Don't use counter-sunk screws without spacers, the holes are not designed for counter-sunk screws.