Fixing things with AI: 7 replacement parts you can print this weekend

1. Oven knob

Prompt: "A replacement oven knob 38 mm diameter, 22 mm tall, 6 mm D-shaft with a 0.6 mm flat, 14 mm deep, pointer line, fine grip ridges. Heat-resistant design: 3 mm walls."

Print in PETG or ASA. Verify the D-shaft flat orientation against the pointer before your second print.

2. Fridge shelf clip

Prompt: "A clip that hooks over a 3 mm glass shelf, 25 mm wide, with a 10 x 4 mm tab that slots 12 mm into the wall channel. Slight taper on the tab."

Measure the old clip's tab with calipers; the fit is what matters.

3. Chair glide

Prompt: "A chair foot glide: 22 mm diameter, 8 mm tall, with a 7 mm stem 15 mm long press-fit into a 7.5 mm hole in the leg. Dome the bottom slightly."

Four identical parts on the bed; ask for them laid out together.

4. Laptop rubber foot replacement

Prompt: "A laptop foot, 12 x 12 mm, 2.5 mm tall, 0.5 mm chamfer, flat bottom for a double-sided pad." TPU if you have it, PETG otherwise.

5. Remote control battery cover

Prompt: "A battery cover 52 x 38 mm, 1.6 mm thick, with a latch tab 8 mm wide 1.2 mm thick at one end and two 3 mm hooks at the other. Attached photo shows the original."

Attach a photo of the remote's back so the AI places the tabs.

6. Curtain rail glider

Prompt: "A curtain rail glider for a 4 mm slot, 12 mm long body, 2 mm shoulder each side, 4 mm eye for the hook." Ask for ten, laid out on the bed.

7. Hinge pin for a toilet seat

Prompt: "A hinge pin 8 mm diameter, 40 mm long, with a 14 mm cap 3 mm thick, sliding fit in an 8.3 mm hole." Print vertically for a round cross section, or horizontally with 5 perimeters for strength.

The pattern

Measure the mating part, describe the fit, print, test, adjust by chat if needed. Most repairs cost a few AI requests (3 credits for the part, 2 for a fix, 1 for a quick edit), a download included in every plan, and a few grams of plastic.