QuickMods - Soldering Arms

For those of you who solder, you know how hard it can be to hold your soldering iron, wire, and 2 (or more) pieces you're soldering. These are two arms attached to a piece of wood that can bend in any direction and stay that way. They also have clips on the ends which grab stuff. This is my version of "Helping Hands" by John Otto.

I have incorporated more common materials into this project, so this version is more accessible to people like me who don't want to go out and buy alligator clips and such things.

Hover your mouse on the yellow squares for tool uses. You might be able to use something else instead.

MATERIALS ==========

LARGE WOOD PLATFORM, approx. 1.25 feet by 1 foot
2 COAT HANGERS
2 CLOTHES PINS
TAPE, preferably electrician's
4 SCREWS, I don't recommend using nails

TOOLS ==========

SCREWDRIVER or DRILL
SCISSORS
PLIERS

Step 1 Screw in the Screws

Screw the screws in the top right hand corner, one farther back than the other (approximately 1.5 cm/0.6 inch apart). Don't screw them in all the way, leave enough room for the coat hangers to easily go under them. REPEAT FOR THE OTHER SIDE.

Comments

[zipzapper859]

instead of sawing u could file it down and it would be much easyier

[calculusrunner]

A thought to help the clothespins - wrapping a rubber band around the clothespin will give it more tension to help it hold things better in case the spring is too weak.

[Aeshir]

If you put the tape on the clothespins really tight like I did, that probably wouldn't be nesessary (agh, I can never remember how to spell that). It would be a better alternative however.

[lauriek]

Never Eat Cake, Eat Sausage Sandwiches And Remain Young

;⁾

[inertia18]

Get an alligator clip its much easier to put on to the wire hanger

[georgemorgan]

Great idea. Thanks

[Aeshir]

I need one with a lot shorter arms..... -_-

[spinach_dip]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplesimon/sets/72157594207930098/ is similar albeit more money and effort.

[Aeshir]

Woah that one is really cool.

[leevonk]

cool project, they sell something similar called 'helping hands' for $5
(http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/HELPH-M/search/HELPING_HAND_WMAGNIFIER_.html).
They are very very useful, I use them for all my soldering jobs. You should do one modification to make them more useful if you buy them: http://www.instructables.com/id/EGHGI21YFWEP287TUT/

[rajat]

I read this and I instantly knew that this is what I've really wanted so many times! Anyone ever had to solder two wires VERTICALLY?? I couldn't do it earlier with just two hands, but we're now talking four of 'em here! Thanks!

[Aeshir]

Yay! I feel special! Thanks guys.

[andorphin]

See also:
http://www.instructables.com/id/E03GH3OTZFEP2869R5/

[PetervG]

Great idea. I'll defentilly make one of these if I ever get into a project.

[TheCheese9921]

this is a really good idea its so simple yet so useful

[mikesty]

That's freakin' sweet.