Helping Hands for Cheap
Intro: Helping Hands for Cheap
Us technicians working on the bench sometimes we needs a helping hand.
We gotta solder this and that or the other thing at the same time or it just won't work.
This helping hands tool is for all the poor hobby techs like me.
We gotta solder this and that or the other thing at the same time or it just won't work.
This helping hands tool is for all the poor hobby techs like me.
STEP 1: The Find
At Goodwill (go figure) I found one of them suction cup phone holders that yuppies attach to the dash of their BMWs. Had an interesting ball joint. Bought it for a dollar.
By the time I got home I knew what my next project would be.
By the time I got home I knew what my next project would be.
STEP 2: Lose the Junk
Drive out the pin and remove the suction cup hardware. Save the parts for another project.
The tabs on the ball mount must be cut off and smoothed.
The tabs on the ball mount must be cut off and smoothed.
STEP 3: Pieces
The alligator clips are whatever you might have in your box. The copper wire I used is 14g from a length of romex. The plate is copper clad PCB material.
Brass or tin would be better for the plate (probably .032) but I used what I had.
Match drill the ball mount and plate for #6x1/4in sheet metal screws.
Tin both ends of each wire, then bend a hard 90 onto one end for the alligator clip connection. Tin the board and solder it up like the picture shows.
Brass or tin would be better for the plate (probably .032) but I used what I had.
Match drill the ball mount and plate for #6x1/4in sheet metal screws.
Tin both ends of each wire, then bend a hard 90 onto one end for the alligator clip connection. Tin the board and solder it up like the picture shows.
STEP 4: Parts
Drill mounting holes in the base and attach to a suitable piece of wood or ?. Allow enough length for a clamp.
Reassemble and check out the useful mobility of the assembly.
Yes, it IS flexible and compliant. Just like my women.
(In my dreams...Ahhhh).
Seeya
wotboa
Reassemble and check out the useful mobility of the assembly.
Yes, it IS flexible and compliant. Just like my women.
(In my dreams...Ahhhh).
Seeya
wotboa
31 Comments
adam.verner.790 8 years ago
what abou putting a mirror on top of copper board? you would see everything
dantistus 11 years ago
acoleman3 11 years ago
nvmismatico 8 years ago
Amen Brother
dantistus 11 years ago
binary01 11 years ago
badams2 11 years ago
wotboa 11 years ago
It's a good idea. The others reading may want to try it.
seeya
iq201 10 years ago
xtreemmughal 10 years ago
Serega_Canada 10 years ago
criggie 11 years ago
wotboa 11 years ago
If you use it to hold static-sensitive devices, you might consider adding a grounding clip.
PS My little house was built n 1931. I don't HAVE grounded outlets!
seeya
blounsb999 11 years ago
wotboa 11 years ago
I'm not too concerned because I just lease the place. Plus I don't use a blow drier in the shower.
It's an old 1br frame house, built so close to the ground that there is no access to the wiring or the plumbing. To add grounded outlets would require a total rewire from the attic. $$$$$$!!!
badams2 11 years ago
Of course, as with any time you're working on mains voltage, if you don't know what you're doing or looking at, get someone who does! 110VAC does NOT feel good coursing through your body!
wotboa 11 years ago
After aerospace died in the 90's, I worked several years as an industrial maintenance electrician in a factory. With the big dogs up to 660v 3ph. Some of the power panels pushed 600kw. Safety first.
I've been bit a few times. This is just me, but 110v house current barely gets my attention. 277vac 3ph surely does. I was bit by 480vac only ONCE (is enough). Knocked me on my ass. My arm was numb for a week.
So you're preaching to the choir, my friend. I've been there.
seeya
hondatech739 11 years ago
Next step: attach a magnifying glass for us old people who can't see.
wotboa 11 years ago
That sounds like a great mod. I'm going to do it.
I'll attach it to the wooden base. Make it removable. Maybe mounted on a piece of heavy wire (10 or 12g) for adjustment.
Thanks for the idea.
seeya
zawy 11 years ago