The Best of Instructables Volume I

Third Hand++

How to build a multi-use helping hand for electronics and other delicate work By Ryan Straughan

Figure A: The basic Third Hand++, made from machining coolant hose

In the past, I’ve used the third hands/helping hands available at chain electronics shops and been frustrated with their usability. I could never get the clips exactly where I wanted them, or it took more time than it really should to get the setup right. I also wanted the ability to hold small circuit boards and alligator clips just don’t do a very good job of that.

I was familiar with the adjustable coolant hose systems used to spray coolant at cutting tools in the machining ...