PCB holders

[001]

Hi

What PCB holder to buy? Is it ok? https://www.amazon.in/Printed-Circuit-Holder-Soldering-Assembly/dp/B07GP5SK6N
How it fix pcb angle? 

[Yansi]

I have never needed to hold PCB at any other angle, than laying it flat on the table.

Stupid holders require you to work with hands raised in the air, which is hopeless for precision work (soldering small SMD stuff).

[PKTKS]

I do have this particular one and some others.

And IMHO YOU DO NEED THEM .. and sometimes they
are not enough.

Mainly the problem is when you need to preheat or keep
the heat on large sinking planes MOBOs.

This particular one is good for precision LOW THERMAL profiles
being plastic you may  not expose it to pre heaters easily

It all boils down (pun intended) to MOBO size.
I am wondering a metallic magnetic one

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000263564047.html

but for large sized MOBOs they can not twist with the
bottom heater  and holders can not contain plastic.

However magnetics can be fixed to the plate easily..

When things are too odd I use iron bench gigs or
improvised large stands under the heater.

Enough to raise large thermal sink planes

Paul

[Gandalf_Sr]

I have one that looks like the picture.  What I like about it is that:

a. It was cheap (free from PCB way) - search Amazon for 'PCB holder'
b. It stops small PCBs moving around under my stereo microscope when I'm working on them
c. It's quick to move the PCB around in
d. It's small enough to turn the whole thing around as I'm working

[PKTKS]

These small ones are just for mobile pcbs..

This folk developed a really interesting alternative
capable of doing large mobos on selected spots...



Home made creative folk

Paul

[Gyro]

I have one that looks like the picture.  What I like about it is that:

a. It was cheap (free from PCB way) - search Amazon for 'PCB holder'
b. It stops small PCBs moving around under my stereo microscope when I'm working on them
c. It's quick to move the PCB around in
d. It's small enough to turn the whole thing around as I'm working

With a bit of ingenuity, you can rebuild them to take much larger PCBs... https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/pcb-holdervise-suggestions/msg1421429/#msg1421429

[colorado.rob]

I typically work with smaller PCBs and have found the Panavise 201 works really well.  I also have a Panavise quad hands base.  Both work really well for my needs.

[PKTKS]

I typically work with smaller PCBs and have found the Panavise 201 works really well.  I also have a Panavise quad hands base.  Both work really well for my needs.

While they are good...  probably best handling tool..
They can not go to any pre-heater that easy.

in that topic the first post option (all good quality plastic)
is cheaper and overseas it costs a fraction of a typical Panavise

And  that particular model can handle ATX MOBOS just fine..
cheaper alternative however not so good as Panavise

Paul

[Psi]

I have the exact PCB holder you linked to.

It works fine, nothing wrong with it.
You asked about the pcb angle, there is a spring at one end which makes it hard to rotate. This makes the PCB stay at the angle you move it to.


i hardly ever use the thing. When i'm working on pcbs (or soldering) they are just sitting on the bench or under the microscope 95% of the time.

[Gandalf_Sr]

The one I posted a picture of is just for small PCBs.  If I'm working with a big PCB (big to me is 100 x 50 mm) then I just work on the anti-static bench surface.  My issue is that, with the small PCBs, you only have to fart on them to get them to move under the microscope.

[JDubU]

For the longest time, I used a wide opening Panavise for soldering components on pcb's: 
https://www.panavise.com/index.html?pageID=1&page=full&--eqskudatarq=7

For the past couple of years, I mostly use a silicone soldering mat: 
https://www.banggood.com/DANIU-34x23cm-Heat-Insulation-Silicone-Pad-Desk-Mat-Maintenance-Platform-BGA-Soldering-Repair-Station-p-1105515.html?rmmds=myorder&cur_warehouse=CN

The soldering mat is slightly "grippy" so that the pcb does not slide around on it at all.  When soldering, I also typically put the mat on a microfiber cloth so that I can easily spin and slide the entire work surface around on the bench.  This is especially useful for SMD soldering to get just the right angle between my eyes, the soldering iron tip, and the pcb pad.

Now I really only use the Panavise for larger 3D assemblies or for soldering wires.

[andy3055]

Hi

What PCB holder to buy? Is it ok? https://www.amazon.in/Printed-Circuit-Holder-Soldering-Assembly/dp/B07GP5SK6N
How it fix pcb angle? 

I ordered one of these after another member recommended it. Waiting for delivery. It looks much like the one your link but in US$.

https://www.amazon.com/Aven-17010-Adjustable-Circuit-Holder/dp/B00Q2TTQEE/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1W8KDZ88LG4GU&keywords=pcb+holder&qid=1576436270&sprefix=PCB+%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-2

[PKTKS]

Hi

What PCB holder to buy? Is it ok? https://www.amazon.in/Printed-Circuit-Holder-Soldering-Assembly/dp/B07GP5SK6N
How it fix pcb angle? 

I ordered one of these after another member recommended it. Waiting for delivery. It looks much like the one your link but in US$.

https://www.amazon.com/Aven-17010-Adjustable-Circuit-Holder/dp/B00Q2TTQEE/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1W8KDZ88LG4GU&keywords=pcb+holder&qid=1576436270&sprefix=PCB+%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-2

No problems - I have one of this and works great.

You can put any ATX or even a bit larger form factor
in any angle and as long as you do not overheat the
plastic parts you are fine.

Holder locks fine in position and allows you to put spot heater
under position. Great to clear THT  large sinking planes...

Paul

[thm_w]

For small boards and if you have money to burn: https://www.tequipment.net/HakkoC1390C.html
Gets the board up nice and high, which can be nice for soldering, although not so good for the microscope. Totally depends on your application though..

[blacksheeplogic]

https://www.tequipment.net/HakkoC1390C.html
Gets the board up nice and high, which can be nice for soldering, although not so good for the microscope. Totally depends on your application though..

I have four of these and they are my most used holders. They are heavy and well built. The Panavise is also a holder I use a lot. Other clamps and holders I have are better when using a pre-heater.

There's really no one clamp that's the 'best', it really depends on what you need at any given time and just like any tools you build the set over time as the need arises.

[Mechatrommer]

another option is magnetic type. if you want smaller or bigger workspace all you have to do is to make the metallic base for them...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/PCB-Holder-Fixtures-Mobile-Phone-Repairing-Soldering-Iron-Universal-Rework-Tools/273787410300?hash=item3fbf00577c:g:hDYAAOSw~BhbEmd7

this one complete with probe holders
https://www.ebay.com/itm/PCB-Holder-Fixtures-Mobile-Phone-Repairing-Soldering-Iron-Universal-Rework-Set-3/273787413720?hash=item3fbf0064d8:g:pW4AAOSwuyNdQTsG

I have one that looks like the picture.  What I like about it is that:

i have this too for years but saw very little use. it will be handy when needed, but my mostly reached device for holding really small pcb is my cheapo and rusty all around multipurpose helping hand. or mostly just laying on the bench/working mat if its not too light to be blown away by farting wind or soldering iron press. ymmv.

[BravoV]

I'm cheap skate and for soldering, only horizontal PCB position is needed.

I used stainless steel mirror brackets a lot as available at local tools store. I did screwed, stick or glued with strong neodymium magnet at the bottom, or just screwed with heavy metal at the base for firmness.

So many height and gripping size variations to choose from, and the PCB gripping mechanism is way too simple to fail, and yet strong and firm. Some models have silicone rubber at the gripping jaw to further protect the PCB, or I could fabricated it my self from rubber/silicone sheet.

Example random image from Google

[andy3055]

Hi

What PCB holder to buy? Is it ok? https://www.amazon.in/Printed-Circuit-Holder-Soldering-Assembly/dp/B07GP5SK6N
How it fix pcb angle? 

I ordered one of these after another member recommended it. Waiting for delivery. It looks much like the one your link but in US$.

https://www.amazon.com/Aven-17010-Adjustable-Circuit-Holder/dp/B00Q2TTQEE/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1W8KDZ88LG4GU&keywords=pcb+holder&qid=1576436270&sprefix=PCB+%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-2

I got this delivered a couple of days back and I must say it is well made. Holds a board up to 9 inches long and can swing a 3 inch wide board without moving the position. It is heavy enough so that it does not get pushed around while in use, yet, light enough that you can move it around for access from different directions. Has some good rubber feet and is very steady on the table/bench. For under $11.00, I think it is a bargain. Quite happy with it.

[thanasisk]

Did you have a look at the sensepeek pcbite holder?

[andy3055]

I did not need such an elaborate and expensive thing. For $11.00, this does what I want and more.

[DrG]

After purchasing one of these:


I was still a bit unsatisfied - it is not that bad, but it is not that good.

Today I got an inexpensive PanaVise - this one

https://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-Model-Junior-Miniature-Vise/dp/B0819549KS

At US $27, it is the least expensive PanaVise that I have seen. Granted, there is a lot of plastic and it is not as solid as a 'normal' PanaVise vise, but having it in front of me now, I think it may work out well for PC boards.

[MikeK]

I have the Pana Jr.  It's pretty good, but painfully slow to wind in/out.  You can make a simple winder helper.

[Electro Fan]

Hi

What PCB holder to buy? Is it ok? https://www.amazon.in/Printed-Circuit-Holder-Soldering-Assembly/dp/B07GP5SK6N
How it fix pcb angle? 

I’ve used this one and it works pretty well.  Have also tried various panavise configurations and if you have enough parts the system can be very flexible and accommodating. 

My recent most favorite is this:

https://www.stickvise.com/#

You can get the stickvise and accessories on Amazon.  For soldering small PCBs under a microscope they are very good.  If you use two sets of jaws stacked up (need some longer screws to hold the double jaws) you can get some extra clearance under the PCB if you need that.  To avoid melting the jaws with an inadvertent iron touch you should go for the high temp jaws.

[J-R]

I have the Pana Jr.  It's pretty good, but painfully slow to wind in/out.  You can make a simple winder helper.

PanaVise sells the "Model 239 Speed Control Handle".  I've found it adds enough weight to the adjustment knob that I can twirl it in/out in a few seconds...

[mlloyd1]

Once I tried one, I really like these weighted PCB holders by Hakko.
They're a little expensive, but they work quite well and they'll never break.
Lots of places sell them, so shop around before you buy.
Here's a link to one: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/american-hakko-products,-inc/C1390C/6228790?utm_adgroup=Accessories&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping_Product_Soldering%2C%20Desoldering%2C%20Rework%20Products&utm_term=&utm_content=Accessories&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIq6_Bqd-U8AIVrB-tBh12OwykEAQYASABEgJamvD_BwE
 
mlloyd1