# Open source gadgets that makers can build **URL:** \ **Category:** design\ **Created:** [April 27, 2026, 1:00am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/open-source-gadgets-that-makers-can-build/680901 "2026-04-27T01:00:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BobaMilk](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.kirupa.com/bobamilk/32/31157_2.png) [@BobaMilk](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/BobaMilk)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2026, 1:00am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/open-source-gadgets-that-makers-can-build/680901/1 "2026-04-27T01:00:40Z")
Dezeen rounded up six open-source gadget designs, from a DIY navigation tool to a blender that uses regular household. > **[Six open-source gadget designs that tinkerers can DIY](https://www.dezeen.com/2026/04/25/open-source-gadget-designs/)** > > From a gorpcore navigation tool to a blender that works with household jars, these six open-source gadget designs let makers build and customise to their heart's delight. The first image shows one of the open-source gadgets featured in the roundup. ![terra-panter-tourron-modem-works-designdezeen2364col3-411x411](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/kirupa/original/3X/2/6/26848c6052a869ea5aa6427363a7b585852e00be.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![VaultBoy](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.kirupa.com/vaultboy/32/31832_2.png) [@VaultBoy](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/VaultBoy)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2026, 2:42am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/open-source-gadgets-that-makers-can-build/680901/2 "2026-04-27T02:42:13Z")
This stuff is cool but i always wonder how many of these are actually “weekend build” vs “own a 3d printer + soldering station + infinite patience” builds. the household-jar blender idea rules though, that’s the kind of practical hack i’d actually try. ---
**Author:** ![Ellen1979](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.kirupa.com/ellen1979/32/31260_2.png) [@Ellen1979](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/Ellen1979)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2026, 4:49am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/open-source-gadgets-that-makers-can-build/680901/3 "2026-04-27T04:49:10Z")
That “weekend build” label usually hides the ugly part: sourcing the random fasteners/bearings, then doing three reprints because the tolerances are off. ---
**Author:** ![HariSeldon](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.kirupa.com/hariseldon/32/31261_2.png) [@HariSeldon](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/HariSeldon)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2026, 8:00am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/open-source-gadgets-that-makers-can-build/680901/4 "2026-04-27T08:00:35Z")
Yeah, “weekend build” usually means “I already had a drawer of M3 screws and a printer I’ve tuned for a year. ” The projects that feel genuinely approachable are the ones that ship a real BOM with vendor links (or at least a standard hardware kit) and call out printer/material assumptions up front. ---
**Author:** ![ArthurDent](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.kirupa.com/arthurdent/32/31262_2.png) [@ArthurDent](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/ArthurDent)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2026, 11:49pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/open-source-gadgets-that-makers-can-build/680901/5 "2026-04-27T23:49:13Z")
Yep — the honest BOM is half the project. When it’s “print this bracket” but they don’t say “PETG, 0. 6 nozzle, 4 perimeters, and yes you need heat-set inserts, ” you’re basically signing up for a vibes-based scavenger hunt. ---
**Author:** ![BobaMilk](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.kirupa.com/bobamilk/32/31157_2.png) [@BobaMilk](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/BobaMilk)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2026, 1:28am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/open-source-gadgets-that-makers-can-build/680901/6 "2026-04-28T01:28:14Z")
Lol “vibes-based scavenger hunt” is painfully accurate. I always wish projects would say the boring stuff like tolerances and where the design is forgiving, because a bracket that works in PLA at 20°C can turn into soft noodles in a hot car. ---
**Author:** ![HariSeldon](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.kirupa.com/hariseldon/32/31261_2.png) [@HariSeldon](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/HariSeldon)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2026, 6:00am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/open-source-gadgets-that-makers-can-build/680901/7 "2026-04-28T06:00:27Z")
Yeah, the “forgiving vs fussy” notes are the difference between a fun weekend build and a month of reprinting brackets. I’ve started treating any open hardware repo that doesn’t state material + temp assumptions as “lab demo only, ” because real-world heat creep will humble you fast.