We designed an aluminum pocket snuff dispenser with a custom one-handed mechanism. Here’s the final build

TL;DR: We spent our free time designing an aluminum, one-handed snuff dispenser. After dozens of prototypes and a tough battle with anodizing contractors (a bunch of batches went straight to the trash), we are finally launching. We're sharing our R&D process behind the scenes and doing a mini-AMA. Discount code for Redditors at the bottom.

We are a trio of friends from Poland. We’ve been developing the ANYSNIFF concept after hours, and it’s finally time to show it to a wider audience. ANYSNIFF is an aluminum device with a custom mechanism (patent pending) that measures and dispenses a portion with a single button press. We wanted to show you what our hardware R&D process looked like behind the scenes.

The Problem & Design Goals

We analyzed what was already on the market. Most solutions require two hands, disassembling parts, pouring, and aiming. We set strict design goals: the device must be operable with one hand, feature a reliable portioning mechanism, and ensure total discretion. You pull it out, use one hand, click, and put it away. The whole process should take 3 seconds. Zero spilling.

The R&D Process & Iterations

Designing a reliable mechanism for loose powder that fits into a sleek, flat body was a massive challenge. We took an engineering approach, going through over a dozen iterations.

1. First Prototype (3D Print)

Our first physical print. We tried to make it ergonomic, and honestly, it wasn't bad in that regard. But the whole concept looked very blocky and generally poor. The core issue: to dispense a dose, you had to push the tube down. Yes, the same tube that goes into your nose. From a hygiene perspective out in the field - an absolute disaster.

2. Rounded Version (Render)

We tried rounding off and improving that 3D print so it would look decent. The shape was better, but the biggest problem remained the angles and the mechanism itself. It still relied on that terrible tube-pushing idea. We knew we had to completely redesign the core.

3. Exploring Other Paths

We explored different concepts, trying to completely move away from existing solutions, which ultimately led us to a cylindrical design.

4. Metal Cylinder Concept

We CNC-machined a promising cylindrical design. Mechanically, it worked perfectly, but the body needed refinement. While it had a lot of potential, it ultimately didn't allow for one-handed operation. We had to scrap it.

5. Changing the Mechanism (Back to basics)

We decided to return to our initial ideas, but in a modified form. We ditched the push-down tube, and the button landed comfortably under the thumb. The first new concept in this series assumed the button was also the powder chamber (like in the oldest versions), except now we just pressed it in. Interestingly, we completely eliminated springs from the button mechanics—repelling magnets handled the rebound. This was a really good move, but our only concern at this point was dose consistency and the angles we had somewhat arbitrarily chosen as optimal.

6. Final Upgrade and Polishing Details

Enter our final concept—a massive upgrade from the previous version. We separated the button from the powder chamber itself. Now it works like this: the material falls from the magazine directly into a separate sliding part (the slider). This slider is pushed under the dispensing hole by the button. We used two 45-degree angled planes (one on the button, one on the slider). You press the button, and sliding along the angle, it pushes the slider at a 90-degree angle. We did a few more iterations around this mechanism, but it finally works really well, smoothly, and reliably.

Manufacturing Realities

Designing a mechanism is one thing. CNC machining and finishing it is a completely different story.We are talking about tight tolerances (ISO 286-1). We had to precisely calculate offsets and account for the microns of thickness that the anodizing process "ate" or added. With such precise fitting, we ran into an interesting phenomenon: in low temperatures (out in the cold), the metal contracted enough that the mechanism could become slightly sluggish.

We found subcontractors. They made great samples, so we ordered our first large batch. However, it quickly turned out that mass anodizing is a completely different beast, and that's where the uphill battle began. The process can be finicky, leaving different shades, stains, and rough surfaces inside the mechanism. We decided these simply weren't devices we could sell with a clear conscience.

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Beta-testing "In The Field"

The worst units went straight into the trash. The ones we could salvage, we assembled ourselves. The assembly itself is a specific process—we use an air compressor and a pneumatic glue dispenser to perfectly and consistently set the magnets in the body. These assembled units went out for beta-testing. The reception was highly positive, the mechanism worked flawlessly, and we started getting questions about where people could buy them—even though they still left a lot to be desired visually.

Where We Are Now

We changed subcontractors, eliminated production errors, and launched sales of the first batch. We've gathered positive feedback from customers - including international ones.The device weighs 70g, is machined from solid aluminum, sits confidently in the hand, and delivers a dose without making a fuss. We wanted to solve a specific problem, and we approached it from an engineering side.

SNIFF SMART - SNIFF FREE - ANYSNIFF