3D Printed Mouse Wheel Kit (Encoder Shaft Adapter + Cutting Jig)
🖱 For Custom Mouse Builds, DIY MIDI Sliders, Volume Knobs & More!

This project includes everything you need to build a versatile mouse wheel or encoder knob system using commonly available materials. Whether you're repairing a manufactured mouse or designing your own MIDI controller, this print is flexible, reusable, and easy to assemble with basic tools.

🛠 What's Included:

Two Wheel Versions:

Mouse-Compatible Version: Designed with a standard cylindrical axle on one end and a 1.5mm hex shaft on the other—ideal for replacement in manufactured mice where the cylindrical side presses the center button.

DIY Pass-Through Version: Full-length 1.5mm hex axle (hex on both ends) perfect for direct encoder-to-knob setups. Great for MIDI sliders, fader-style controls, infinite scrollers, volume or zoom knobs, and more.

Allen Key Cutting Jig:

Holds 1.5mm allen keys securely for safe and accurate cuts.

Designed for 20mm shaft segments.

Built-in top hole for holding the shaft during press-fitting—use with caution to avoid injury.

Includes an ergonomic slide insert to help keep your fingers away from the hacksaw blade while providing a better grip and added stability during cutting.

🧰 Tools & Materials:

Required:

1.5mm allen key (metal)

1mm heat-shrink tubing (to create a snug fit in the encoder switch)

Rotary encoder switch (commonly tactile-style)

Hacksaw (for cutting the allen key)

Optional but Recommended:

Heat gun or lighter – After stretching the heat-shrink tubing onto the shaft, a bit of heat can help form a gentle taper at the end. This makes insertion into the encoder smoother. It’s best to do this after fitting the axle into the wheel and just before insertion into the encoder.

🧯 Material Recommendations:

Can be printed in any material of your choice.

Recommended: Print the wheel in TPU for better grip and resilience.  Do NOT print the jig or slide in TPU.

Shown in Photos: Test prints were made using PLA, with the cutting jig printed in a single print job for convenience.

💡 Usage Ideas:

• Mouse wheel replacements (for common scrollwheel-style mice)
• MIDI controllers with endless scroll functionality
• Custom volume knobs
• Zoom controls
• DIY macro pads with encoder input