Third Hand Soldering Helper

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

Needed materials:

• about 1m Aluminium wire (5mm diameter), cut to two 30cm and two 20cm pieces
• 4 51mm alligator clamps
• 1 300x100x2mm perforated metal sheet (only thickness matters) - they are sold to connect wood beams
• 2 10x2mm magnets (for the optional bowl)

Assembly

The holes in the metal sheet are probably not perfect aligned with the corner pieces. Simply drill them a bit bigger. I used a 8mm drill.

Print four corners, four clamp holders (use brim) and optionally one bowl.

• Fit the corner pieces on the metal sheet
• push in the wire (make a slight L-shape and rotate the wire to get it in easier)
• put the clamp holders on the wire (might need some light sanding on the wire)
• put the clamps into the holders
• push the magnets into the bowl (use glue if too lose - I did not need any)

Everything should work press fit - I didn't use any glue.

Tinkercad Sources

• Corner Piece
• Magnet Bowl