Great set of "helping hands"

[jball85]

Anyone know of a nice  set of "helping hands" either for soldering or fly fishing, besides the usual radio shack type. I've seen the Harbor Freight and some on Ebay with an LED which look nice. However, is there a larger or better set (more than two alligator clips/arms)  that holds in place or the set screws actually work and hold well? Any links are appreciated.

Thanks

[davent]

I hacked my garbage set into useful. Heatshrunk the alligator jaws, unflattened the base of the alligator clip and epoxied a dowel so you can tighten the thumbscrew and not crush the clip again. Replaced the garbage hardware with brass thumbscrews and threaded rod. Can now tighten and adjust things and it stays as you set it, helpful instead of irritating.

[Ettore_M]

Nice upgrades you did there, mate! Now I have to do mine like yours!
Thanks for the ideas!

Hector

[culturejam]

I gave up the helping hands in favor of a PanaVise Jr:
http://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-Model-Junior-Miniature-Vise/dp/B000B61D22/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428413123&sr=8-1&keywords=panavise

Also get this speed wheel ad-on, it will save you a lot of time:
http://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-239-Speed-Control-Handle-201/dp/B008O5L0NO/ref=pd_sim_indust_9?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BWPXZA0QZQ6GA57DNVS


Also, this looks pretty neat, but I have not tried it:
http://www.amazon.com/Aven-17010-Adjustable-Circuit-Holder/dp/B00Q2TTQEE/ref=pd_sim_indust_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BWPXZA0QZQ6GA57DNVS


None of those are a direct replacement for helping hands, but for circuit board work, I think they are far better. I also have one of the larger PanaVise models, and it has a neat attachment that holds wire or solder to give you a "third hand", but I find that I use the Jr more frequently.

[TGP39]

Also, this looks pretty neat, but I have not tried it:
http://www.amazon.com/Aven-17010-Adjustable-Circuit-Holder/dp/B00Q2TTQEE/ref=pd_sim_indust_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BWPXZA0QZQ6GA57DNVS

I have purchased this circuit board holder and I have been pleasantly surprised just how useful it is. For the money, it's a no brainer.

Steve.

[Leevibe]

I quickly found helping hands to be not helpful. I have a hobby vise and Blu Tack. Honestly, the blu Tack is a way better tool than helping hands. Just make sure you get the real stuff!! This is one instance where the brand really does matter.

[miter53]

I quickly found helping hands to be not helpful. I have a hobby vise and Blu Tack. Honestly, the blu Tack is a way better tool than helping hands. Just make sure you get the real stuff!! This is one instance where the brand really does matter.

+1 on this. I hardly use my HH since I tried (genuine) Blu Tack. I only pull them out for building cables.

[Schectadon]

Also, this looks pretty neat, but I have not tried it:
http://www.amazon.com/Aven-17010-Adjustable-Circuit-Holder/dp/B00Q2TTQEE/ref=pd_sim_indust_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BWPXZA0QZQ6GA57DNVS

LOL, i was like wow that is pretty cool, then I read "usually ships within 1-4 months". I was then like nevermind.

[bela1961]

Great up grades to helping hands, I also mounted mine to an old cast iron lamp base about 6" diameter. No more falling over.

[chromesphere]

Yeah, blu tack for me too.  There are occasions where I need helping hands (desoldering PTH for example), I have my eye on the panavise junior.  Helping hands are too light and just sort of skid around and fall over...oh...some blutack can help keep the helping hands in place.

Seriously, is there nothing blutack cant do?

[pickdropper]

I generally use a Panavise or a Machinist's vise.  I have a set of helping hands, but I don't care for them.


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[peAk]

PanaVise Jr + Blue Tac = Good for almost everything

I sometimes use my helping hands but very rarely

CultureJam, thanks for the speed wheel link, I hadn't seen that before. Will definitely grab that.

[blearyeyes]

I am always blown away by how creative you are Davent!

+1 on Blu Tack, I was lucky and bought an off brand that works fine.

As far as this:
Aven 17010 Adjustable Circuit Board Holder 12.95 shipped...

http://www.amazon.com/Aven-17010-Adjustable-Circuit-Holder/dp/B00Q2TTQEE/ref=pd_sim_indust_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BWPXZA0QZQ6GA57DNVS

I bought this and it works great. A lot better than I expected for the price.

The base is metal but the top parts are some kind of plastic. I brushed the black grippers with my soldering iron and it didn't leave a mark. So I'm wondering what kind of plastic they used.

Recommend it for a cheap alternative to the Panavise 

[culturejam]

CultureJam, thanks for the speed wheel link, I hadn't seen that before. Will definitely grab that.

It's changed my life...for the better!

[chromesphere]

That's it...im ordering a panavise...