USB Cable Lock

So this is the partner product to my USB Cable Theft Deterrent. This one is properly lockable and can serve as a more serious theft-preventative measure. This USB Cable Lock is actually a clasp and the clasp is locked by a physical lock that you provide so that the clasp can not be opened. I know I know, I know… it is plastic and therefore can only be so effective. But it is compact, strong, and robust enough that I believe someone would have to be prepared to put in some effort to defeat it. And, of course the stronger the material you use the better the strength.

This product is much simpler than my previously posted USB Cable Theft Deterrent allowing it to be much stronger and robust. The entire product is a 1-piece print-in-place design.

I recommend printing this in the most durable material you have and can print with. The idea is you want maximum strength. And, to that end, your slicer settings are very important. Don’t use the default slicer settings which usually are designed for speed with 2 walls and only 15% infill or so. For all my functional designs especially this one, I recommend a minimum of 4 walls, 5 top and bottom layers, and 40% infill… 100% infill for this product.

Obviously, to be secure this USB Cable Lock needs to be secured to something else too big to be stolen or moved. A table, a pipe in the wall, a chair, anything heavy and big should do. You will want a strong cable, chain or another means to secure the device that is at least as strong as the lock and the device.

Instructions

Using the clasp is quite simple, open it, lay the cables in, and close it. Then place a lock’s shackle through the hole and attach the entire set to something. The lock shackle can be up to 6.35mm (1/4″) in diameter.

Printing

Material: I recommend PETG because it has some flex and will withstand a little more abuse in this context.  However, any material should work.

My Setting:

• Nozzle = 0.4mm
• Layer height = 0.2mm
• Line width = 0.4mm
• Wall count = 4 (1.6mm)
• Top and Bottom Layer Count = 5
• Infill = 100% for maximum strength, minimum 40% Cubic
• Ironing = ON Everywhere (to help separate the stacked layers)

Support:
Designed to print without slicer-generated support. Required support is incorporated into the design.

Print Orientation: As shown in the screenshot(s).

Assembly Notes

No assembly or post-print processing is required other than carefully removing the print support as described in the accompanying image.