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The third hand is an indispensable tool for securing items while they are soldered. The weighted base serves as an anchor while the hinged joint secures the interlocking tweezers in place with a tightening screw. The interlocking tweezers hold the item until you squeeze them to release it. This frees you to use both hands while soldering just as if you had a third hand!
Amazon has them on their website. Some third hands use alligator clips, however these are not nearly as secure as the locking tweezers.
"Three things make this Helping Hands great...simplicity, practicality, durability. It's simple because it doesn't have all the fancy (and often times useless) lights and other stuff that aren't really necessary. Half the time, those things don't work very well or they get in the way. This is practical in several ways. For example, the alligator clips are removable with thumbscrews. The clips are the kind that can be found at most hardware or home improvement stores. That's not a bad thing. If these get torn up, or if you want to have a different kind with the same size ends that can fit in the sockets, it's easily replaceable. Another example, is the the other thumbscrews allow it to be angled in just about every possible angle you could imagine. As far as durability, the base is heavy for it's size. It is a heavy metal, unlike many of the cheap plastic ones that tip over when they are angled in certain positions. Even if it's not heavy enough to hold down your piece, there's enough edge on the base to place something to add more weight. Overall, this is what I think... - Very versatile - Interchangeable alligator clips - Heavy enough base - Well-balanced - All metal (no plastic parts)" read more
"Didn’t think I’d need this that much .... I was wrong , I use it all the time .... holds strong without moving .... I like it when building model engines, holds level great and elevates piece" read more
"This was more then what I expected. Box arrived on time and no damage. I was surprised when I saw a sticker on the box saying "heavy"! It is heavy, with good reason. It stays put when its placed on a table or bench. I have used it a few times and am extremely happy with it! The attachment rods are very sturdy, Magnifier and light are great, and the versatility it has is tremendous. Not for small or tight places, but I didn't order it for that! Very well built and designed. Thank You!!" read more
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Pursue Your Passion for Gemstones with the Ultimate Gem Resource
Megan Coward is a graduate of the GIA with Graduate Jeweler Gemologist and Graduate Gemologist accreditations. She has 20+ years in the retail jewelry industry in various roles including as a diamond buyer and gemstone appraiser.
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