Often, when soldering small circuits or individual elements, there are not enough hands to simultaneously hold the wires or circuit elements, solder, soldering iron, sometimes a flashlight or a magnifying glass, so the circuit also strives to escape somewhere when soldering. In such situations, the Third Hand comes to the rescue. Many do it yourself fixtures according to your needs.
I decided to make such a device, not much going beyond its application. Rather, making it universal and with an aesthetic appearance.
Video of step-by-step assembly and test fixtures for familiarization.
What we need:
1.2 crocodiles with insulation
2. Details from the old compass
3. The bottom of the aluminum can
4. Base for stability made of plastic, wood or metal
5. 3 flexible legs “Goose necks” of 20 cm each
6. Heat shrink 3 mm and 5 mm
7. Electrical tape
8. Hot melt adhesive
9. Super glue
From the tools:
1. Pliers
2. Thermogun
3. Lighter
4. Scissors
Step 1
We will need 3 flexible legs “Goose necks” of 20 cm each. I took them from a USB flashlight and a USB fan purchased at a fixed price of 60 rubles.
The USB flashlight has a flexible leg of 39 cm, it can be cut in half by biting with pliers or wire cutters, getting 2 to 19 cm.
At the USB fan, the leg is 23 cm, and leave it.
Step 2
Now we need to find a suitable foundation for the stability of the structure. I was littered with a plastic case from a quartz table clock, I will use it. Better to take something harder, depending on your needs. I will not cling to large boards from tablets and heavy objects there, so a plastic one will do.
We make 3 holes for flexible legs at the base.
Step 3
Since hot glue does not adhere well to metal, we will use electrical tape. We wrap the ends of the flexible legs with electrical tape, which will be fixed at the base. This will then allow good fixation of the flexible legs at the base.
Step 4
We take 2 crocodiles and plant a heat shrink of 3 mm on the teeth, as shown in the photo. This is so as not to damage the elements on the boards with metal teeth, winding the wires and not leave traces on objects that will be fixed by crocodiles.
Step 5
Super glue the crocodile to the end of the flexible leg. We do not regret glue) After the glue dries we put on heat shrink 5 mm (it will give a good fixation of the crocodile with a flexible leg) as shown in the photo. And we repeat the same with the second leg and the crocodile.
Step 6
From the old compass we get such a contraption with a fixing bolt and nut.
We glue the fixing bolt with super glue into the inside of the flexible leg (it just goes there). Do not spare the glue) This will be a universal foot that can be customized and applied to your needs. In my case, there will be an additional clamp for wiring or light bulbs and a clip (where the lead is inserted) for the solder wire.
Step 7
We insert the resulting flexible legs onto the base into the prepared holes, glue with super glue. After drying, the super glue is abundantly fixed with hot glue.
Step 8
You can make 4 legs with hot melt glue, for better stability and prevent slipping on the table surface.
Step 9
I thought about how to take an empty place on the basis and decided to make a small place necessary when soldering or for stationery buttons, paper clips, or something else.
The bottom of the aluminum can went very well. It is necessary to trim the edges, round the corners and fix with hot glue on the base.
It can be used for cargo (on the example of a hefty nut)), if I still cling to large boards or heavy objects)
That’s all done.
In the case of the “Third Hand” proved to be not bad. He copes with the task.
The circuit holds well, does not slip. In the photo, the light bulb is weak (there was no other), you can cling and more powerful.
The adjustment is comfortable, hot glue holds the base of the legs well.
Many catch lenses and fans. He refused it. Sometimes it takes up a lot of space on the table when not in use.
This design and appearance allows you to leave the device on the desktop and use for other purposes. With the help of a universal flexible leg, you can change the design and add the necessary elements (the same fan, magnifying glass, flashlight, crocodile, diagram drawing) depending on the purpose of the application.
By the way, the remaining fan can also be put into action. In a couple of minutes, making it a desktop battery.
As planned, it can be used not only for soldering.
For example, cling notes with important matters for a day or a card, so as not to forget.
Even the phone holds confidently. For this purpose I did not plan) A nice addition)
I have no doubt that in the process of using I will find more than one application of this device.