Helping Hands, X-tra Hands, 3rd Hand, etc

bburl · 25th February 2010, 07:26 PM

I'd like to get some opinions on 'helping hands' type soldering aids. Most of the ones I've seen are in the $5-$10 range, and seem pretty cheap. Any recommendations?

I've been looking at: Third-Hand with Soldering Station :: Third-Hands & Soldering Stations :: For Jewelry Work :: GRS Tools or maybe I'll build one of these: Third Hand++: A multi-use helping hand for electronics and other delicate work.

bburl · 28th February 2010, 10:00 AM

Just in case anyone is interested, I went with the standard size GRS Third Hands, which I bought from a local Jeweler Supply Store for $50/piece (CND). A little pricey, but you know what they say 'right tool for the right job...buy the best tools you can'.

I'm quite happy with them. The movement is firm, but smooth. You can tweak the resistance at the ball joints if you like, and surprisingly it is made in the USA. There is absolutely no play in the arms, and the pincers are soooo much better than alligator clips.

bburl · 28th February 2010, 12:15 PM

here are higher rez versions:

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/bburl/tip.png

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...std_grs_us.png

dangus · 16th March 2010, 10:49 AM

The cheap Radio Shack ones were very useful (don't know if they still sell the same ones I got). I put a coat of silicone sealant (RTV) on the base to stop it sliding along the bench.

gmphadte · 22nd March 2010, 10:47 AM

A vice and a haemostadt(hospital forceps)

Gajanan Phadte

25th February 2010, 07:26 PM	#1
bburl diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007	Helping Hands, X-tra Hands, 3rd Hand, etc I'd like to get some opinions on 'helping hands' type soldering aids. Most of the ones I've seen are in the $5-$10 range, and seem pretty cheap. Any recommendations? I've been looking at: Third-Hand with Soldering Station :: Third-Hands & Soldering Stations :: For Jewelry Work :: GRS Tools or maybe I'll build one of these: Third Hand++: A multi-use helping hand for electronics and other delicate work.

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28th February 2010, 10:00 AM	#2
bburl diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007	Just in case anyone is interested, I went with the standard size GRS Third Hands, which I bought from a local Jeweler Supply Store for $50/piece (CND). A little pricey, but you know what they say 'right tool for the right job...buy the best tools you can'. I'm quite happy with them. The movement is firm, but smooth. You can tweak the resistance at the ball joints if you like, and surprisingly it is made in the USA. There is absolutely no play in the arms, and the pincers are soooo much better than alligator clips.

28th February 2010, 12:15 PM	#3
bburl diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007	here are higher rez versions: http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/bburl/tip.png http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...std_grs_us.png

16th March 2010, 10:49 AM	#4
dangus diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Vancouver Island	The cheap Radio Shack ones were very useful (don't know if they still sell the same ones I got). I put a coat of silicone sealant (RTV) on the base to stop it sliding along the bench.

22nd March 2010, 10:47 AM	#5
gmphadte diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Dona paula, Goa	A vice and a haemostadt(hospital forceps) Gajanan Phadte