Update :
Design knob added for small model
Tested M3 base which can be fix with M3 countersunk 6/8mm without feeling on foot.
One-Hand Ratchet Lace Closure
Traditional shoelaces often require two hands, finger dexterity and the ability to bend comfortably.
This project replaces knot tying with a fully printable ratcheting closure system. Turn the knob to tighten the shoe and pull the knob to instantly release the tension.
The design was developed to address a personal accessibility challenge. Due to CRPS (algodystrophy) affecting my right arm and shoulder, combined with spinal injuries, tying shoelaces became difficult and uncomfortable. The goal was to create a closure system that could be operated using one hand while wearing the shoe.
Features
One-handed operation
Turn to tighten
Pull to release
Fully printable mechanism
Uses standard M3 hardware
Small and large knob versions included
Suitable for shoes, hiking footwear and other lace-based applications
Components
Printed parts:
Base (sew or M3 version)
Spool
Click mechanism
Spacer
Spring
Knob (design or standard)
Additional hardware:
M3 nuts
M3x20 screw (small version)
M3x25 screw (large version)
M3x6 or 8 countersunk head (no sew version)
Glue: Fast-setting cyanoacrylate (CA / super glue). Test compatibility with your chosen filament before final assembly.
Materials
The prototype was successfully tested using:
PA12 for the click mechanism
PLA for the remaining parts
1 mm UV-resistant cord
The lace is mechanically anchored inside the spool and does not rely on friction to prevent slipping.
Testing
The prototype has been tested during everyday use, including several hours of walking and shopping, without accidental release or noticeable loss of tension.
Print Settings
Recommended:
0.16 mm layer height
3 to 4 perimeters
20 to 40% infill
Only support where needed
Arachne mode on
Recommended Materials
PLA for general use
PETG/ABS/ASA for improved durability
PA12 recommended for the click mechanism
Cord
Designed around approximately 1 mm cord or small paracord-style line.
Assembly
Assembly check: Before final assembly, verify that the M3 screw slides freely through the spacer and base. It should only thread into the captured M3 nut.
Insert the cord into each base entry hole and then into the spool and secure with knots.
Install the spool into the base.
install and glue the spring (lips toward opening) into the knob, 4 markers/guides are present.
Install the spacer, mushroom head toward or even in spring middle hole.
Install and glue the click mechanism into the 3 spring side grooves (better to drop glue in the grooves before start), one by one, not all at once, first lip can be done by hand, then second and third with a flat tool.
Assemble the knob to the base.
Secure with the M3 screw and nut.
Sew/screw the base tabs onto the shoe.
Attribution
This project is inspired by the Adaptive Skiing Prosthesis for Children created by Zitouni and published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.
The original design was developed for adaptive skiing prosthetics. This project adapts some of the underlying mechanical concepts into a shoe closure system focused on accessibility and one-handed operation.
Many thanks to Zitouni for sharing the original work and making derivative accessibility projects possible.
One-Hand Ratchet Lace Closure
by MakerT · original on Printables ↗
Fashion / Other Fashion Accessories
♥ 2.0k⬇ 2.7k🖨 5 prints
Print profiles
Sew Base Small.stlDEFAULT
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Spacer Small.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Spring Small.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Click Small.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Roll Small.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Knob Small.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Spacer.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Base.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Spring.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Click.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Roll.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Knob.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Design Knob.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Design Spring Insert.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
M3 Base Small.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print