Adding a Base to a "Third Hand"

When working on electronic projects, I find a "third hand" indispensable. Available from stores like Harbor Freight, usually for under $5.00, its not an expensive tool. Unfortunately, the base its mounted to, is virtually useless to support anything (including its own weight).

However, adding a $14.00 cast iron flange from Home depot, solves the problem.

Step 1: Cement It to a Heavy Base.

A standard 1 1/4" galvanized pipe flange is just the right size for a base. Anything round and heavy would work just as well. The "helping hands", is epoxy cemented to the top of the flange and left to cure. For even more stability, I added 4 small plastic "stick on" buttons for feet .

If desired, a quick spray of black paint will make the unit look like a more finished project.

Works "Great"!

Step 2: Material Costs & Sources...

Helping Hands... Harbor Freight ($4.99)

Epoxy cement... Harbor Freight Item #92665 ($1.99)

Flange... Home Depot ($13.98)

Plastic feet... Amazon ($12.24/100)

Comments

[albenbrewder]

This is really a great way to stabilize the "third hand"... HOWEVER...It is difficult to justify spending $$$ just for a heavy base....

I have found a cheap alternative.... They make 3" X 3" X 1/4" thick steel bearing plates...Use them instead of the Pipe flange.

They have them at Home Depot for $1.00 or on EBAY for the same price.

If you need more weight... Glue two (or more) of them together.

[RobertC2]

Flange... Home Depot ($13.98) ?????

14 bucks for a little metal flange? That's insane!

Yeah, no! I woulda used a piece of 2 by 4. Not as nice, but for fourteen bucks you can buy a few more Helping Hands sets and build one with multiple bases. 14 bucks for a flange... Ha!

[aaahotdog]

Good idea, thanks