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Tool Third hand recommendation?
- Thread starter DavidR8
- Start date
Tool
Do you have a link to that?
Doggggboy
Ultra Member
Go to Amazon.ca and look for third hand tool it will pop up.
I really don't like those little crabs things with alligator clips, frustating. So a few months ago with a bunch of soldering to do, I starting looking around for something better. No point in being miserable, right? Went with this: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08QYTYX5H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
If the crabs are a 1.2/10 its a 6-7. Not perfection, but soooo much nicer. Each attachment has a strong magnet and the base is steel (powder coated?) so you just move the various supports around to where you need things. The goosenecks are pretty good as well and the clamp is nice for circuit boards. Yeah $100 is a fare bit in comparison, but the sooner you get it the more use you'll get from it (working on my MJ, masters in justification, while my wife gears up for a PhD in eye rolling)
If the crabs are a 1.2/10 its a 6-7. Not perfection, but soooo much nicer. Each attachment has a strong magnet and the base is steel (powder coated?) so you just move the various supports around to where you need things. The goosenecks are pretty good as well and the clamp is nice for circuit boards. Yeah $100 is a fare bit in comparison, but the sooner you get it the more use you'll get from it (working on my MJ, masters in justification, while my wife gears up for a PhD in eye rolling)
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Dan Dubeau
Ultra Member
I have one of the old cast iron bases with articulating steel joints and alligator clips. It sucks. Would not recommend. Everytime I need it, which is very infrequently I wish for something better, and daydream about making one. Never happens, I finish my soldering needs, then move on until the next time.
I DO like the loc line idea and have enough to try something similar, but the alligator clips are the biggest problem. Filed flat, or flats (tweezer tips?) soldered on would be much better.
I DO like the loc line idea and have enough to try something similar, but the alligator clips are the biggest problem. Filed flat, or flats (tweezer tips?) soldered on would be much better.
ChazzC
Ultra Member
There was a similar thread on H-M last year with a lot of links to higher-end 3rd hand solutions like this (probably overkill for what you are looking for):
I have a similar set with Tungsten fingers on the clamps for silver soldering.
For wires and such I use:
Available from Jewelry Supply places.
I have a similar set with Tungsten fingers on the clamps for silver soldering.
For wires and such I use:
Available from Jewelry Supply places.
It's a good question @DavidR8. I have several versions. None work as well as I'd like. I usually end up adding a bunch of additional clamps here and there trying to make things work. Invariably, I'm never really happy but always get the job done one way or another.
One thing I have found is that the ones with an adjustable magnifying glass usually are more satisfying to use. It isn't just the need for more hands, it's also the need for better eyes.
Good solder and a good soldering iron also helps.
I have never found anything I really love, so I'm interested in following this thread.
One thing I have found is that the ones with an adjustable magnifying glass usually are more satisfying to use. It isn't just the need for more hands, it's also the need for better eyes.
Good solder and a good soldering iron also helps.
I have never found anything I really love, so I'm interested in following this thread.
Some time ago I purchased one similar to Mcgyver's but without the nifty clamp. The heavy base prevents movement. The little pointed pieces are nice to stabilize a PCB with mounting holes (the points go into the holes). Not as nice but it was much cheaper than Mcgyver's. Checking Amazon mine is "No longer available".
Even more than @Mcgyver's, but it has a lighted 3x magnifyer and an extra large clamp. But only 4 base points instead of 6. On his 6-7 recommendation, my need for magnification, and @kstrauss's comments, I'm tempted.
It looks kinda cluttered and busy, but everything is on magnets and is removable.
I'm working on a PhD in justification, and I'm not telling the bride.....
It looks kinda cluttered and busy, but everything is on magnets and is removable.
I'm working on a PhD in justification, and I'm not telling the bride.....
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Jswain
Joe
I like the magnetic part, then you could remove them and use them on a vehicle etc. as well
I edited my note a bit more (mostly for fun).
I'm not sure those little clips would hold any vehicle parts.....certainly not tractor parts! LOL!
John, when I was buying mine, I saw that and opted for the one without the magnifier. I've a large one mounted on the bench already. Also, was nervous what the quality of the magnifier would be like and have panavises so didn't need the vise. Still for a lousy $23 more it be worth it (there's that negotiation with oneself lol, part of the PhD). Of course its trivial to remove some of the devices but I found there was lots of room just pushing it to the side. The post were somewhat useful holding a circuit board, but can't see needing six.
OK, I ordered it. I'll post back here with my perceptions - especially the magnifying glass and board clamp. I have a few small Arduino boards I have to solder up - which I hate doing. Hands are too big, eyes are shot, and I shake like a willow leaf in a hurricane. I'd gladly pay for soldered boards but that option sailed out of China a while back.
TBD