Helping Hands: What do you recommend? - HomeBrew Forum at eHam.net

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eHam.net Forum : HomeBrew : Helping Hands: What do you recommend?

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Helping Hands: What do you recommend?	Reply
by W6AAJ on June 24, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Most of us have to solder fun items such as PL-259's, microphone connectors with tiny wires and all sorts of antenna connections, etc. What do you use or recommend for holding the small parts and cables while you are soldering? I've tried the Radio Shack tool with the two alligator clips with some success and I'm currently eyeballing a tiny vise. Time to see what you use and maybe help others who also see this as an issue. What really works? Thanks in advance 73 Jim San Diego

RE: Helping Hands: What do you recommend?	Reply
by N3OX on June 24, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I haven't tried it yet, but I think I'm going to build myself one of these at some point: http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJC/0OH2/F7PCOX6T/FJC0OH2F7PCOX6T.MEDIUM.jpg more info http://www.instructables.com/id/Third-Hand-A-multi-use-helping-hand-for-electro/

RE: Helping Hands: What do you recommend?	Reply
by W5FYI on June 24, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
A small vise will certainly come in handy; I frequently use one with a two-inch jaw. Vise-grip pliers are also handy, as are wooden clothespins and extra-large alligator clips. And, of course, there's the old trick of using regular pliers or needle-nose pliers with a rubber band wrapped around the handle to keep the jaws closed tight. One useful trick is to screw a couple of clothespins to a small 2"×4" wooden block, so that they can both hold a circuit board or individual parts while you solder. I've also found metal clamps at the dollar stores that open a bit wider and have stronger jaws, that can serve the same purpose. GL.

RE: Helping Hands: What do you recommend?	Reply
by N0FPE on July 1, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I use a Panavise. Look them up on the web www.panavise.com They have all kinds of cool holder, griper, vises, etc. for electronics and more. Dan

RE: Helping Hands: What do you recommend?	Reply
by KE4DRN on July 1, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
hi jim, I use one of these vise grip brand long nose when I solder pl-259 and other stuff. I also have an older 2" drill press vise and a panavise for heavier stuff. http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/detail.jhtml?prodId=IrwinProd100329 73 james

RE: Helping Hands: What do you recommend?	Reply
by K2YO on July 4, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I'll second the recommondation of vise grip pliers. I picked this up years ago working as a lab tech. Get the smaller size and don't use the clamping lever action. Clamp them closes and then only use the screw adjustment to get a crip on your connector or part. The heft of the vise grip holds the part steady and also acts as a good heat sink to keep from damageing the part or connector. Bernie

RE: Helping Hands: What do you recommend?	Reply
by K0BT on July 5, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I find a small vise works well for microphone connectors and similar projects. I use one with a vertical groove in the center of each face. I also have a collection of Panavise products to hold parts and circuit board. They are a bit pricey of bought new, but you can often find them at hamfests.

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