Looking for a Better "Helping Hands" Setup for Pedal Builds

[Tovaren]

I've gotten back into building DIY guitar pedals and synth kits, but my old helping hands tool is becoming a real hassle. It's one of those cheap finds from a flea market with stiff arms, tiny knobs, and alligator clips that don't hold anything securely

Every time I try to move a switch or a tiny PCB, something ends up slipping or the whole setup tips over. I've come across a few alternatives online, like gooseneck arm stands and magnetic base holders, but I haven't decided to buy one yet

Is anyone here using a soldering helping hands for electronics work? I'd really appreciate any suggestions

 

[superjax1660]

Yeah, been in the same boat. The cheap helping hands are more frustrating than helpful after a while. I switched to a magnetic base setup with flexible gooseneck arms and it made a huge difference, more stable and way easier to adjust. Definitely worth upgrading if you're doing a lot of small, detailed work. Hope this gives you an idea.

 

[barfle]

Way back in the day, I built a pair of “helpers” that each consisted of a 1/4” rod about 8” long and an aluminum clamp. The clamp was a chunk of aluminum aboit 1” cube, with a 1/2” U-shaped notch to hold the work, held in place by a screw through a threaded hole and another hole for the rod to go through, with another threaded hole for a clamping screw to keep the rod in place.

It was good for fairly good-sized boards, and I had access to an end mill at the time, so fabrication was pretty easy.

 

[Grey_Dawn_Breaking_Cdn]

I have these and find them very useful: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07T7NY1DJ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
The bases of the arms have rare earth magnets and are really strong, and you can move them around if need be. When I'm working on boards I'll probably the board up on it's side with the short stubby braces and then use 1 or 2 of the gooseneck arms for extra support.