is there a more precise version of classic soldering "helping hands" tool?

[JBeale]

I have a few of the classic two-alligator-clip "helping hands" devices to position small parts. They are pretty cheaply made. They work, but I find them frustrating to use because the tiny adjusting knobs require almost more force than my fingers can manage, to lock it into place- and yet it still slips. Paradoxically, it is also often very stiff when attempting to adjust it into the position I want.

I'm thinking there should be better versions of this $5 to $10 thing out there. I have seen two other basic designs on shopping sites, one with many-segmented flexible arms, although not sure how much they could hold, and something that looks like a chemistry ringstand (holder on vertical post) that might be better. Anyone have one they really like? I know it's really just for wires and very light things, but I'd like to be able to find one that could hold more than a few ounces in position before flopping over.

[JBeale]

I just came across a magnetic base "magic hand" articulating arm, strong enough apparently to hold a flashlight or even soldering tool. Maybe this is more what I'm looking for. At least the control knobs look larger so you could get a grip on them.

[mwb1100]

I've got a couple of these "Hobby Hands":

  - DIY Hobby Hand Kit - Stainless Steel

They're a little fiddly, but I can usually set them up nicely without driving myself crazy.  I fitted the bases with some neodymium magnets so they'd be even less prone to tipping:

  - MIN CI Strong Rare Earth Magnets Heavy Duty, 20 Pcs Small Ring Neodymium Magnet, Round Magnets Use with Screws, for Crafts DIY Science Lockers Workshop Warehouse Door School Garage (20 x 3 Hole 5mm)

And I got a largish Simpson Strong-Tie tie plate (they're dirt cheap) from the hardware store as a base for the magnets to stick to.

Can you post a link to the articulating helping hand you found?

[JBeale]

Thanks for those notes. Here is a set of various workbench tools including the "magic hand" articulating arm on a magnetic base, but it's also available separately. They also seem to be used for other non-workbench things, like holding small items used in video production. https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Helping-Soldering-Station-Flexible/dp/B08QYTYX5H/

[RoGeorge]

Depends of what kind of soldering you are doing most often.  For small/tiny PCB/devboards, I like this one more than the alligators thing:


Picture from https://hackaday.io/project/7574-the-devil-is-in-the-details/log/24735-find-a-3rd-hand-device-that-suits-you

[mwb1100]

I love how the Stickvise guy publishes several hacks and 3D print plans for several types of jaws, including a couple projects with homemade stickvises:

  - https://www.stickvise.com/hacks/diy-upgrades

[jlo]

I have one of these at home: https://omnifixo.com/

Can recommend

[deadlylover]

I like the GRS style third hand, I'm sure you can find cheap clones for much cheaper. (I somehow did a long time ago on Taobao)

[newbrain]

I only use a Stanley multi angle vice.

Sturdy enough, versatile enough, easy to set-up.

Maybe fewer degrees of freedom, but the stability makes up for that.

[HighVoltage]

I have been using the Bernstein Vice in many different shapes for many years.
To me, they are the best choice

[Brumby]

I only use a Stanley multi angle vice.

Sturdy enough, versatile enough, easy to set-up.

Maybe fewer degrees of freedom, but the stability makes up for that.

I have the Aldi equivalent - and I agree with those sentiments.

[jpanhalt]

The problem with most of the friction-based positioners is "striction" -- they grab and release so adjustment is either too much or too little.

Those that have a locking screw are easier to adjust.  I use Noga brand (capture) for dial indicators and such.  For soldering, I mostly use a simple 2" machinist vise with or without a variety of hand carved wooden clothespins. (capture2).  Also in capture2 and capture1 is a friction device fabricated from collant ball links.  It still has striction issues but has so many degrees of freedom that I find it easier to adjust than those with only one or two joints.

EDIT: BTW, I prefer Mueller alligator clips.

[metebalci]

They are not for fine hndling I guess, but I use panavise products and they are the best I have used.

[JBeale]

Thank you very much for pointing out the Stickvise product. I had never seen that before, but it looks very good and a much better tool in several ways than what I have now, so I will give it a try. In some cases I might want it combined with a Panavise, Stanley etc. ball-swivel base, for different angles than flat against the bench.

[Zeyneb]

How about starting with a cheap drill vice? If you want more angles maybe the Bernstein Vice what HighVoltage shows might be something useful.

[sokoloff]

I'm pretty happy with this purchase from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B099JGZFL9/

[mwb1100]

Thank you very much for pointing out the Stickvise product. I had never seen that before, but it looks very good and a much better tool in several ways than what I have now, so I will give it a try.

I had never seen it before either.  It looks to be one of those things where "simpler is better" takes hold - so I ordered one too.

As the guy who designed it says:

I went through many design iterations before arriving at my final design. Every part was carefully examined and the question was asked: Is this necessary? Why have two shafts when you only need one? Why have a base plate when the vise always sits on a table? Why use heavy duty clamps just to hold a PCB?

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.

  -- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

[rstofer]

I have one of these at home: https://omnifixo.com/

Can recommend

Thanks for the link, I just ordered one.

[aeberbach]

I have one of these at home: https://omnifixo.com/

Can recommend

Thanks for the link, I just ordered one.

Me too - the helping hands device I have for the panavise has far too much kickback to position wires prior to soldering.

[ebastler]

I have been using the Bernstein Vice in many different shapes for many years.
To me, they are the best choice

I have had one of these for > 30 years. I like many things about it -- very stable, and the large ball joint is very satisfying to adjust and lock.

What I have found limiting quite often is that you cannot bring the vise down to the level of your workbench (assuming that the base is clamped to the benchtop). The vise always stays at least 15 cm above bench level, which can be inconvenient and un-ergonomic for some work.

[SiliconWizard]

I have a few of these gooseneck helping hands, that's  handy - although I would like something similar, but with better than alligator clips at the end. That probably exists, haven't looked very hard.

[mwb1100]

I ordered one of those nifty looking Omnifixo rigs and it was supposed to arrive today.  But apparently the USPS is sending it back as undeliverable because I mistyped my street name ("Cascada" instead of "Cascadia")

 

I wonder how long this'll take to sort out?

[jpanhalt]

Do you really think such incompetence will be resolved by the USPS?  I get "Informed Delivery."  It is free and is useful but also an eyeopener.  In the past month, I have had two letters lost.  One was a bank statement with account numbers and the second was an IRA distribution check from the same bank.  I reported both as "not delivered" and filed a complaint for the second with the (USPS) inspectors office because of the amount involved.  All I have gotten has been duplicate form letters.

[mwb1100]

The  "undeliverable" package made its way back to Omnifixo's Illinois warehouse today, and Johann Zita (the Omnifixo guy) has already taken care of sending another shipment.  So the only delay in getting things sorted things out was ultimately my goof up in fat-fingering my address.

I couldn't have asked for a quicker or better response from Omnifixo.

(hopefully I didn't make another typo giving Johann the correct address)

[geoffeg]

A few years ago EEVblog did a video on a very nice set of magnetic helping hands. I remember being impressed but not willing to spend the money at the time. I tried all the usual searches on YouTube and Google but couldn't find the video, anyone have an idea what video it was? I'm ready to buy the Omnifixo, maybe that was what he reviewed?