If you've ever used the classic [miserable, cheaply made, falls apart] helping hands, then you'll understand the pain that drove me to invent a better solution. I use dial indicator arms with magnetic bases every day in the shop for measurements on the lathe and milling machines. I also use them to hold other things in place, but still, be easy to adjust. They are inexpensive, sturdy, and infinitely adjustable. I was inspired to add some alligator clips to the adjustable dial indicator arms to create these awesome helping hands for electronics, soldering, PCB, and general holding of small things so that I can work on them.
This is a DIY project, but it's very simple. All you need are 2 parts you can buy.
▼ WHERE TO BUY PARTS:
▶ Mini dial indicator holders (metal knob, easier to add thrust bearing mod) - amzn.to/3XF1cui
▶ Mini dial indicator holders (plastic knob) - amzn.to/3WOFJhv
▶ Alligator Clips - amzn.to/3wsuVdU
▶ Heat Shrink - amzn.to/3ZWNDrH
▶ Large Stainless (ferromagnetic) work surface (12x15in) - amzn.to/3XP8iwA
▶ Small Stainless (ferromagnetic) work surface (6x8 in) - amzn.to/3kMiJ5p
▼ WHERE TO BUY TOOLS:
▶ Heat Gun - amzn.to/3j4ByjF
▶ Knipex Plier wrench - amzn.to/3XO2keE
HELPING HANDS VIDEO SERIES
▶ PART 1: (This video) • I MADE THE BEST HELPIN...
▶ PART 2: • I MADE THE BEST HELPIN...
▶ PART 3: • I MADE THE BEST HELPIN...
▶ FOR WELDING AND JEWELRY SOLDERING: • Easy Mod Turns Cheap D...
▶ SKATE BEARING MOD: • I MADE THE BEST HELPIN...
▼ Video Chapters
00:00 What's the problem with cheap Helping Hands?
00:17 A better design for Helping Hands
00:34 How to attach alligator wire clips to the dial indicator arm
01:28 Add heat shrink over alligator clip teeth to protect the wires
02:17 Magnetic base advantages
03:22 Wire soldering test
03:55 Range of motion demo
04:15 A metal work surface for better stability and using the arms independently
▼ VISIT OUR WEBSITE
▶ Products we make: soulbuilt.us
▶ Engineering: www.engineerable.com
▼ FOLLOW US ON:
▶ Instagram: / soul.built
▶ Facebook: / soulbuilt.us
#soldering #electronics #electrical
I MADE BEST HELPING HANDS for ELECTRONICS and SOLDERING (Easy to adjust and stays where you put it!)
I MADE BEST HELPING HANDS for SOLDERING, ELECTRONICS, PCB (Easy to adjust & stays where you put it!)
The products shown here were purchased by me with the intent to use them. I did not receive any free items, and I am not being paid or compensated for this review. The video, description, and comments may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I may receive a commission. Money earned helps to support my channel and bring you more informative videos about engineering, crafting, and DIY