Third Hand Soldering Helper

thingiverse

This is my attempt at building a simple 3rd hand for soldering. You can read my blog post at https://www.splitbrain.org/blog/2018-10/21-diy_third_hand_soldering_helper ## Required Materials: * About 1 meter of aluminum wire (5mm diameter), cut into two pieces, each 30cm and two pieces, each 20cm * Four 51mm alligator clamps * One 300x100x2mm perforated metal sheet - they are sold to connect wood beams, but only the thickness matters * Two 10x2mm magnets (for the optional bowl) ## Assembly: The holes in the metal sheet are probably not perfectly aligned with the corner pieces. Simply drill them a bit bigger using an 8mm drill. Print four corners, four clamp holders, and optionally one bowl. Make sure to use brim when printing the clamp holders. * Fit the corner pieces onto the metal sheet * Push the wire into place, making a slight L-shape and rotating it to get it in easier * Attach the clamp holders to the wire (you might need some light sanding on the wire) * Place the clamps into the holders * Add the magnets to the bowl (use glue if they are too loose - I didn't need any) Everything should work without any glue, as it is press fit. ## Tinkercad Sources: * Corner Piece: https://www.tinkercad.com/things/9ijTN3aAFxS-3rd-hand-corner#/ * Magnet Bowl: https://www.tinkercad.com/things/7Eu86ePPTH4-3rd-hand-magnet-bowl#/