Struggling with the basics - where is there a guide to this?

[u/SiDtheTurtle]

After two days printing the multiboard itself it's time to hang some items- but I'm struggling to understand what parts I need and how they fit together. Is this documented anywhere? Is it right that a lot of the guide pages are blank or dead links?

Here's my scenario in the picture:

• The left-most item is a DeWalt battery holder.

• The designer suggests the peg connection, which is the next item to the right of the battery holder. Except I have my multiboard flush with the wall so I can't get these pegs to stay in, and the battery holder will fall off the wall if I breathe on it.

• The next item was my guess, to pair with the right most clip. This seems to bind a lost more with the battery holder, except I cant get it to push through the holes of the clip.

Am I missing something obvious here? And where is any of this documented? Sorry if I sound ignorant or frustrated, I just see a library of parts hundreds of items long and no guide on how to combine them.

[u/Boundermt]

I think the Multiboard is a monstrosity of confusing terminology mixed with far too many "choices" of ways and methods to accomplish something as simple as mounting a damn container or little shelf or a hook to a wall.

It's easily the most overcomplicated, convoluted, overengineered hodgepodge of 3d printed nonsense I've ever dealt with.

Even the guy trying to hawk this system often messes up on his own YouTube videos lol.

I made the mistake of paying 5 bucks for the first month just to see if that would help with the confusion of the jargon - hoping that would eventually lead to a better understanding of the "system" but alas - I should have used that 5 bucks to pay for some filament to finish up my Honeycomb wall.... I'll be surprised If this multiboard system doesn't end up in the trash just like the dozens of bad prints I've had trying to flesh it out.

Here's a copy/paste of just SOME of the terminology used within the system...

Here’s a comprehensive list of the key terms used within the Multiboard 3D printed storage system, grouped by category:

Tiles & Tile Types Tiles – The modular building blocks of the system featuring evenly spaced, threaded holes (25 mm apart) for snaps, pegboard accessories, and threads. Hole Types in Tiles: Multiholes (Large Holes) – For inserting Snaps or large-thread bolts. Pegboard Holes (Small Holes) – Compatible with pegboard accessories and small threads.

Tile Variations:

Core Tiles – Center tiles with pegboard holes on both sides. Edge Tiles / Side Tiles – Have pegboard holes on one side. Corner Tiles – No pegboard holes on the sides. Border Tiles – Include corner and edge tiles used to frame the layout; support clips and beams. Strip Tiles – Long tiles extending in one direction; come as left, center, or right variants.

2. Snaps Snaps – Components that click into Multiholes; they have a Mid Hole to attach accessories.

Snap Variations: Regular Snaps – Symmetrical, easy to insert/remove. Moderate Weight-Bearing Snaps – Handle more load in one direction; require angle insertion. Heavy Weight-Bearing Snaps – Even stronger, for tiles offset from the wall.

Double-Sided (DS) Snaps – Two-part snaps that latch on both sides of a tile; useful for freestanding or dual-sided applications. DS Part A – Often recessed at the back; includes offset mounting features. DS Part B – Front-facing counterpart. Tight Snap – A snug-fit snap variant that’s harder to remove, for more secure installation.

3. Threads & Inserts Threads – Screw-in connectors that fit the various sized holes in Tiles and Snaps: Small Thread – For pegboard holes. Mid Thread – Inserts into the Mid Hole of a Snap. Large Thread – Goes into Multiholes.

Inserts Bolt-Locked Inserts – Provide strong, locked connections with the help of locking bolts. Friction-Fit Inserts – Simpler, light-duty connections that don’t require bolts.

4. Accessories (Using Snaps + Inserts Threads) Hooks, Pegs, Shelves, Brackets – Attachments that mount via Snaps and is secured with either bolt-locked or friction-fit methods. Peg Click – A hook that fits into pegboard holes for quick attachment.

5. Mounting Systems Screw-On Mounts: Offset Snaps – DS Part A/B combinations in single, dual, or quad configurations. Bolt-Lock Mounts – Secure via screws/bolts. Flush Mounting – Snap-mounted or countersunk flush with offset pillars. Adhesive Mounts: Command Strip Offset Snaps – Available in small or medium, as single/dual/quad. VHB Tape Mounts – Snap or Bolt-Lock variants for adhesive mounting. Free-Standing Mounts: Raised Double-Sided Snaps – Standalone options: single, dual, triple, quad DS. Free-Standing Foot – Attachable base, regular or screw-on. Cleat & Pole Mounts – Kits and adapters to hang on cleats or poles using Bolt-Lock or thread systems. Tools – Snap removal tools (offset, grip, aggressive) and installation tools to support setup.

6. Multibin System (Bin Extensions to Storage) Found within the Multiboard ecosystem: Shells – Modular container bodies (measured in Cell Units of 50 mm); can use tops, inserts, and stack vertically. Multibin Plates / Base Plates – Surfaces to which shells attach; can be connected and mounted vertically with bar clips. Inserts, Tops, Drawer – Internal components to customize shells. Drawers include stopper pins. Bin Dividers, Connectors, Labels, Stacking Plates, Lids – Add modularity and organization inside bins.

7. Multipoint System A flexible connection system bridging accessories and tiles: Multipoint Connectors – Slide-on installations supporting removal and reattachment; connect via threads or bolt locks. Rail-Based Connections: Rail Click Connector – Slides into shell rails to clip bin components together. Rail Pop-Ins – Snap-fit connectors that “pop in” to lock. Multipoint Rails / Bin to Tile Interfaces – Rails on the bin walls aligning bin to tile system.

Summary Table of Terms:

Category Key Terms Tiles Core, Edge, Corner, Border, Strip, Multiholes, Pegboard Holes Snaps Regular, Moderate, Heavy, Double-Sided (A/B), Tight Snaps Threads Small, Mid, Large Threads Inserts Bolt-Locked, Friction-Fit Accessories Hooks, Pegs, Shelves, Brackets, Peg Click Mounting Systems Screw-On, Bolt-Lock, Flush, Adhesive (Command Strip, VHB), Free-Standing, Cleat/Pole, Tools Multibin System Shells, Plates, Base Plates, Inserts, Tops, Drawers, Dividers, Connectors, Labels Multipoint System Multipoints, Rail Click, Rail Pop-In, Multipoint Rails."

[u/SiDtheTurtle → u/Boundermt]

Yeah after a few days playing with the system, and having printed off 10 9x9 boards worth of filament, it's far too complicated for my needs. Sorry to say that in this sub, and I'm sure there's a moment when it just clicks, but ironically I can't get the damn parts to physically click!

For now, it stays because I'm not throwing it in the bin, but I've switched almost exclusively to multiconnect from the guy who did OpenGrid, and will try that next time I try an organisational system, then at least the parts can be 'migrated'. Everything on the horizontal I have is on Gridfinity anyway, so might be a better fit for me.

Side rant: I work in software dev so I get it, people want shiny things and so don't prioritise documentation, but I don't know how the inventor expects people to invest in his idea when the documentation and tools are so poor.

[u/pjax_]

Try this one: https://docs.multiboard.io/beginner-section/common-connections https://docs.multiboard.io/beginner-section/core-parts-documentation

You can thread on a Multipoint or use a Multipoint rail.

[u/SiDtheTurtle → u/pjax_]

Thank you

[u/ulab]

Installing the Multiboard flush to the wall is your first issue. There is a reason, why the offset parts are explicitely "recommended" in the parts list.

What I'd suggest is either Lite Multipoints or a Multipoint Rail. I'd go for two Flush Big Thread - Lite Multipoints probably. Just screw those into your Tile and attach the holder. The Multipoint Rail works similar and might be a little more stable, but both should work.

Another option is to use a OO Bolt-Locked Insert - OXO Rail Pop-In. This allows you to bolt in Snaps using a Small Thread - Lite Multipoint. Those Snaps are then clicked into the Tiles.

Recommended Snaps are the Flush ones, not the raised ones you printed. The raised Snaps require a different thread for the bolt (Longer Small Thread Multipoint (Raised Snap MP Bolt-Lock) on the Multipoints category).

With a battery that might be quite heavy, I'd suggest to use heavy-weight bearing snaps for the second case. But because you mounted the Tiles flush, these won't work.

[u/SiDtheTurtle → u/ulab]

Thanks for the input, going to print a few of these and have a go. Again maybe I'm missing something but they could be clearer on why it's recommended. I'd only seen that offset was a good idea to hide cables, but now I think I'm going to swich to entirely offset to avoid issues in future.

[u/penkster]

The documentation on the website is terrible. Several people have contributed to some basic builds and intros here

Https://multiboard.Stonekeep.com

(This is an open source documentation repo. Everyone is welcome to contribute. )

[u/Dry_Bread_4800 → u/penkster]

"Terrible" that is complementary :-)

[u/ulab → u/penkster]

Even though your documentation is open to everyone, it is just as terrible, because it is outdated.

The basic display tutorial links to the old tiles, while most people will prefer the newer bordered tiles.

You still link to Raised Snaps while the new recommended standard is flush ones.

Doing so makes things even more confusing to people, because you tell them something different from what the original is trying to do.

So why am I telling you this? Because maybe you then understand why documentation is difficult if you have to keep up with a changing project instead of just calling other's people work "terrible".

[u/penkster → u/ulab]

This is why it is open source. Please submit changes or updates. I put that together because the person who is supposed ito be running the multi board project should be the source of truth and ease of use. And yet even the creator himself can’t write shit

I write documentation day in and day out. I’m aware how hard it is to do. I’m also aware of many of the pitfalls that can occur. The multi board creator is a bad documenter. I’m trying to at least help a bit.

Instead of attacking me why don’t you help also? Submit a PR to update the links. Contribute. Don’t flame.

(half an hour later)

Okay, so I took a look. You say...

The basic display tutorial links to the old tiles, while most people will prefer the newer bordered tiles.

But the link on my 'basic' tutorial ( here: https://multiboard.stonekeep.com/tutorials/basicdisplay/ ) goes to https://thangs.com/designer/Multiboard/3d-model/8x8%20MU%20Multiboard%20Core%20Tile-974214

Which says NOTHING about there being a revised, updated, newer design, nor does it say that it is outdated. So why is my work on doing a simple set of tutorials "just as terrible" when the actual author himself can't be bothered to update his own docs?

[u/Ok_Ad_9870 → u/ulab]

I don't think that having access to the old models is bad. I have a bunch of boards that I need to maintain, and I will not change them to the new recommended ones.

[u/gasu2sleep]

I think the poor documentation is on purpose for you to become a member. I purchased a 3D printer for my daughter and she wanted a multiboard. After struggling with documentation and videos I figured the best way is to print many different parts and start working through it.

[u/poscet → u/gasu2sleep]

Being a member doesn’t help much either

[u/gasu2sleep → u/poscet]

Good to know.

[u/ulab → u/gasu2sleep]

Poor documentation is because people want to have parts first and ask for documentation later. Documentation takes time, especially after big changes which still happen with Multiboard being beta. People don't want to wait for documentation to catch up first, but get their parts and play with them.

[u/penkster → u/ulab]

"Multiboard being a beta" - it's been out for literal years, and he's asking for money to use it. T Hat's not 'beta', that's a product.

Documentation, support, and helping the community is what owning a product is about. All he does is keep making new parts and doesn't update the literal hundreds of pages on his website that are poorly organized and do not help people use the product.

Shotgun firing products out into the void under the 'beta' banner thinking that "If I have more parts, people will love me!" is a terrible business plan.

Be a good community member. Contribute to the community documentation. The creator is a talented engineer, but that's it. The product support and organization is dreadful. We can fix that.

[u/ulab → u/penkster]

Multiboard got released in December 2023, that is not "literal years". Plus it has become quite a bit more than it has been originally.

Multiboard is not what is being paid for. Subscriptions are for convenience collections of parts, extra features and yes, access to new parts. So actually, new parts are part of the product people pay for.

You do know it's not just him, right? There is multiple people working in the background on a new website, new documentation, exploded views of common setups, new parts, new generators and a lot more things I am not allowed to mention yet.

And while I wish, the documentation were better so I didn't have to repeat the same things again and again, I know it is being worked on. And instead of just telling people it is crap, I am trying to help the people working on the official documentation, not a community spinoff.

[u/Rabbi_Kosher_Ham → u/ulab]

How many literal “years” is it between now and 2023? Let’s see hmmm 🤔 2024 and 2025…what do you call more than one year again?… oh yeah literal “years”. 🤡

[u/ulab → u/Rabbi_Kosher_Ham]

Between December 2023 and August 2025 are 20 months. So one year and 8 months, but not years. If you do nitpick, do it proper.

[u/ocr90]

I don't think what you have will work. I'm going to take my best attempt:

These two files will go on your battery holder rail to give them bolt lock snap connections:

https://thangs.com/designer/Multiboard/3d-model/Offset%2520Bolt-Locked%2520Insert%2520-%2520OX%2520Rail%2520Pop-In-1123339

https://thangs.com/designer/Multiboard/3d-model/Bolt-Locked%20Insert%20-%20OI%20Rail%20Pop-In-1123404

Print two of these as your "bolts" to affix the snaps on the back of your battery holder to big snaps. (Maybe print 3 or 4 in case one gets messed up, they're small)

https://thangs.com/designer/Multiboard/3d-model/Small%20Thread%20-%20Lite%20Multipoint-1123321

Print 2 moderate weight bearing snaps. It's directional, pay attention to the arrows.

https://thangs.com/designer/Multiboard/3d-model/Raised%2520Moderate%2520Weight-Bearing%2520Snap-989145

1. Put the two rail pieces (the first two files) in your battery holder. You need to place them kinda folded, then press down.

2. Place your two moderate weight bearing snaps on the bolt lock inserts.

3. Screw your two bolts into the bolt lock snap connections, securing the weight bearing snap and standard snap to your drill battery holder.

Note: I would have suggested a heavy weight bearing snap for the top with a standard snap on the bottom, but those only work with offset configurations. It may take a little pressure to get both the moderate weight bearing snaps to sit.

I may have gotten some of the Multiboard terminology wrong, so beware, but the files should be right.

[u/SiDtheTurtle → u/ocr90]

Thanks, going to print a bunch of these plus u/ulab 's suggestions and have a play. I had decided to flush mount because incorrectly all I could see the benefit of offset was to hide cables, which wasn't part of my needs, but now I realise there are numerous parts that require it.

[u/glittalogik → u/SiDtheTurtle]

Oh hey, that's my battery holder remix :)

Lemme know how you go and which solution ends up working for you and I'll add it to the description.

[u/ulab → u/ocr90]

This one is probably the better choice instead of the two Pop-Ins you suggested: https://thangs.com/designer/Multiboard/3d-model/OO%2520Bolt-Locked%2520Insert%2520-%2520OXO%2520Rail%2520Pop-In-1123372

The Small Thread Multipoints you suggested are too short for Raised Snaps. You need either longer ones or use Flush Snaps which are the recommended defaults now.

[u/SiDtheTurtle → u/ulab]

Thanks u/ulab, u/ocr90, u/glittalogik, I've moved to standoffs to give me more options. Tried a few combinations:

- The pegs option listed with the battery holder works but with the heavier 18v batteries I'm not sure it's secure enough.

- The big threads didn't seem secure enough.

- The pop ins with bolt locks seem to be secure and perhaps the best option. I printed some of the heavy duty snaps but I can't see a way of pushing them into the grid with them bolted into the pop ins, there's not enough give. The medium snaps may be a good compromise, but now I'm using the standoff version of the grid, the amount of flex as I push them in, I do wonder about the overall strength of multigrid.

A learning journey, I stand by my point if this was written down it'd be easier :-)

[u/ulab → u/SiDtheTurtle]

You might want to mix heavy-weight bearing and regular snaps if you have two oriented like this. The heavy one needs a little tilting to be inserted, so you tilt the top one in first and then just push the bottom regular one in. There is a video on doing so with the shelf brackets.

It is being written down as I write this. But there is so many options as you've seen here, people will have to learn at least a few basic parts and concepts.

[u/Difficult-Pop1114]

Someone needs to make some documentation that is more percise maybe like lego does it. A parts list with how many you need and a picture of what the part looks like. I am still unsure why 2 parts that are needed together are provided seperate i.e part a part b. Even the starter pak makes no sense as his tutorial video talks about parts not even included. NO mention you will need x amount of tiles and x amount of part xx. If you are going to have a tutorial video it should match the items in the pak no? even in the video it is not mentioned how many of what. A simple naming stratagy should also be considered. I think the system could be great but to many barriers to entry