Never Lose Your Multitool Again! - 3D Printed Leatherman Micra Belt Holster With Yoyo Tether
by ozguratak0 in Outside > Fishing
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Never Lose Your Multitool Again! - 3D Printed Leatherman Micra Belt Holster With Yoyo Tether

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Never lose your compact multitool again! A functional 3D printed belt holster with integrated yoyo retractor for your Leatherman Micra.
I'm passionate about functional design that solves real problems. After nearly losing my favorite multitool multiple times, I decided to design a solution instead of buying an expensive commercial holster.
This project represents my philosophy: hobbies should bring joy, not financial pressure. That's why I'm sharing this design for free. I want to build a community, not a business.
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The Leatherman Micra is an incredibly useful and compact multitool - but its small size is both a blessing and a curse. I lost mine three times during a single hunting trip before I realized I needed a better carrying solution!
This 3D printed belt clip holster keeps your Micra secure, accessible, and always at hand. The design features:
- Secure belt clip attachment
- Quick-access design
- Two utility holes (6mm & 10mm) for accessories
- Compact and lightweight
- Perfect fit for the Micra
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Print Time: ~2-3 hours
Cost: Less than $1 in filament & M4 Screws
Supplies
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Tools & Materials:
For 3D Printing:
- 3D Printer (FDM)
- PLA, PETG, or ABS filament (20-30g)
- Slicer software (Cura, PrusaSlicer, etc.)
Hardware:
- Leatherman Micra multitool
- Retractable Badge Reel
- M4 Screws
- M4 Insert Threads
- Optional: Small carabiner or keychain ring (if is not attached on your Leatherman)
Post-Processing (Optional):
- Sandpaper (120-220 grit)
- Craft knife
Files and Tools
Download the STL files from this Instructable:
- Main Body.stl
- Belt Clip.stl
- Tool Organizer Face
File includes:
- Main holster body
- Integrated belt clip
- Tool holder face
Open your preferred slicer software and import the STL file.
Preparing for Printing
Material: PLA (easiest) or PETG (more durable)
Layer Height: 0.2mm (0.15mm for better finish)
Infill: Doesn't matters, %5 is enough for it
Infill Pattern: Grid or Gyroid
Perimeters/Walls: 3-4 walls for strength
Top/Bottom Layers: 4-5 layers
Print Speed: 50-60mm/s
Supports: YES - for all parts, beacuse they have little holes
Support Type: Tree supports or normal (touching buildplate)
Brim/Raft: Optional (recommended for better adhesion)
Orientation: Print with the back flat on the bed for Main holster body and belt clip. Tool Organizer face should be printed vertically for smooth surface and minimum support requirements.
Bed Preparation:Clean your print bed thoroughly
Apply glue stick or painter's tape if needed
Level your bed properly
Start the Print:Load filament and preheat
Start printing
Watch the first layer carefully
Monitor:Check for proper adhesion
Ensure supports are printing correctly
Print time: approximately 1.5 hours for 350mm/s print speed
Cooling:Let the print cool on the bed
Remove carefully once cooled
Assembly and Usage

Required Hardware:
- 2x M4 heat-set threaded inserts
- 4x M4 screws (6-8mm length)
- 1x Card yoyo (business card retractable reel)
- Soldering iron or heat-set insert tool
- Small screwdriver
- Sandpaper (120 grit)
- Small wooden stick or similar object
Part 1: Prepare the Card Yoyo
- Remove Metal Belt Clip:Take your card yoyo and locate the metal belt clip on the back
- Carefully remove the metal clip (it's usually clipped or screwed on)
- Set the metal clip aside - you won't need it
- Sand the Back Surface:Use 120 grit sandpaper to sand the back of the yoyo where the clip was attached
- Make the surface as flat and smooth as possible
- This ensures a flush fit inside the main body
- Wipe away any dust
Part 2: Install Heat-Set Inserts
- Locate Insert Holes:Find the two round pillars at the bottom of the main body
- These have holes designed for M4 threaded inserts
- Heat the Inserts:Set your soldering iron to 200-220°C (for PLA) or 240-260°C (for PETG)
- Place an M4 threaded insert on the tip of your soldering iron
- Tip: Use a specialized heat-set insert tip if you have one
- Insert Into Pillars:Carefully align the insert with the hole
- Apply gentle, steady pressure as the insert melts into the plastic
- Push until the insert is flush with the surface
- Hold for 2-3 seconds, then remove the iron
- Repeat for the second pillar
- Let cool for 1-2 minutes
Part 3: Secure the Yoyo String
⚠️ DO THIS BEFORE INSTALLING THE TOP COVER!
- Extend the Yoyo String:Pull the yoyo string out completely
- Secure with a Stick:Take a small wooden stick, toothpick, or similar object
- Thread it through the loop at the end of the yoyo string
- Position the stick horizontally so it stays outside the main body
- This prevents the string from retracting while you work
- Place Yoyo in Main Body:Position the prepared yoyo (flat back down) into the main body cavity
- Make sure it sits flat and centered
- The yoyo string should exit through the designated hole at the top
Part 4: Attach the Top Cover (Tool Organizer Cap)
- Align the Cover:Take the tool organizer top cover
- Locate the locking tab on the top edge of the cover
- Insert the Tab:Carefully slide the tab into its corresponding slot on the main body
- You should hear/feel a small click when properly seated
- Be gentle - don't force it
- Secure with Screws:Insert M4 screws through the cover holes
- Thread them into the heat-set inserts you installed earlier
- Tighten gradually in a cross pattern (alternate between screws)
- Don't overtighten - just snug them down
- The cover should sit flush against the main body
Part 5: Install the Belt Clip
- Locate Triangle Alignment Marks:Flip the assembly over to see the back
- Find the triangle arrow markers on the main body
- Position the Belt Clip:Align the belt clip with the triangle markers
- The clip should fit perfectly when arrows are aligned
- Orientation matters - the clip should curve away from the body
- Secure the Clip:Insert M4 screws through the belt clip holes
- Thread into the existing screw holes from the back
- Tighten securely
- Test the clip flexibility - it should have some spring to it
Part 6: Final Step - Attach Your Multitool
- Locate the Keyring Hole:Find the keyring attachment hole on your Leatherman Micra
- It's the small loop at one end of the tool
- Thread the Yoyo String:Remove the stick/toothpick you placed earlier
- Thread the yoyo string loop through the multitool's keyring hole
- Pull it through completely
- Secure the Connection:The yoyo clip at the end of the string should lock onto the tool
- Give it a gentle tug to ensure it's secure
- The string should retract smoothly back into the body
- Test the Mechanism:Pull the multitool out - the string should extend smoothly
- Release - it should retract back
- Try it a few times to ensure smooth operation
🎉 That's It! Your Tool Organizer is Ready to Use!
Final Checks:
- ✅ Yoyo retracts smoothly
- ✅ Belt clip is secure
- ✅ Top cover is flush and tight
- ✅ Multitool is attached and accessible
- ✅ All screws are snug (but not overtightened)
Usage Tips:
- Pull the multitool straight out for quick access
- The yoyo will keep it tethered so you never drop it
- Clip to your belt, backpack strap, or pocket edge
- The 6mm and 10mm holes are ready for additional accessories
Tips and Modifications
Tips for Best Results:
- Too Tight? Sand the inside of the holster gently
- Too Loose? Print at 101-102% scale or add a small piece of foam
- Clip Breaking? Try PETG or increase wall thickness to 5
Possible Modifications:
- Add Drainage Holes: For outdoor/wet use
- Customize Colors: Print in multiple colors by pausing mid-print
- Scale It: Adjust size if your belt is thicker/thinner
- Add Your Logo: Import and emboss your initials on the side
- Make It Modular: Design attachment points for other EDC items
Material Recommendations:
- PLA: Easy to print, rigid, good for everyday use
- PETG: More durable, flexible, better for outdoor use
- ABS: Strongest, but harder to print (needs enclosure)
- TPU: Flexible version for extra protection (advanced)
FAQ
Q: Will this fit other Leatherman models?
A: This is specifically designed for the Micra. Other models have different dimensions.
Q: Can I sell prints of this design?
A: This design is free for personal use. Please contact me for commercial licensing.
Q: My clip keeps breaking, help!
A: Try printing with PETG or increase the wall thickness. Also check your layer adhesion settings.
Q: Can I print this without supports?
A: Not recommended - the main body and tool organizer face overhang needs supports for a clean print.
Q: What if I don't have a 3D printer?
A: Check local makerspaces, libraries, or online 3D printing services like Craftcloud, 3D Hubs, or local print shops.