General > General Technical Chat
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
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version