Here is design/prototype challenge I presented to a recent pop-up makerspace. I have been working on my own solution (which I have no intention to develop commercially so I will provide full details  after more testing) but I am interested in other ideas.

“Helping hands” or “third hands” are tools designed to aid in electronics soldering but are also used in jewelry-making and other projects using small parts.

The traditional helping hands tool sells for $5-$10 and is almost universally used.

Limitations:

1. Only two hands when you often need 3 or more.
2. The serrated teeth on the clips cut through insulation on wires (potentially causing shorts) and are not gentle on other parts.
3. The wing nuts easily loosen.
4. The joint system does not provide enough flexibility.
5. The magnifying glass is not really useful and gets in the way.
6. The base is too small and the tool falls over easily.

Basically, they suck, but everyone still buys them.

Current alternatives use goose neck or machine coolant hoses to provide more flexibility and have 4 or 5 hands on a larger, more stable base.

Limitations:

1. These alternatives sell for $25-$40.
2. They still use clips with serrated teeth that cut through wiring. Some have plastic covers on the clips that promptly melt and then wear through.
3. More flexibility but can’t bend in a tight radius.
4. They are overly large for many projects and get in the way of soldering irons, etc.

Project Challenge

Design, prototype, and build an alternative to the traditional tool that:

1. Has smooth jaws on the clips.
2. Has at least three hands.
3. Is maximally adjustable.
4. Is stable but as small and unobtrusive as possible.
5. Can be made for less than $5 in materials in small batches.
6. Is easy to manufacture.

Please send links to better alternatives to me at bill@tinkerfarm.net and I will add them to this post.