Folks,

I have tried several cheaper ways of holding connectors still while soldering to them (and running out of fingers). This is the best I have found so far.

http://www.exltek.com/Products/Lookup.aspx?ItemNumber=Clip_Sticks_13

It is pricey but well made. I tallied up what it would cost if I made my own from scratch. This purchase was more viable.

 

I think we are in the wrong profession...

A a place where I used to work, we had a lightweight vise with 2" wide padded jaws, all mounted on a ball type joint that could be oriented in any position and locked in place. Haven't seen one like this anywhere else.

 

I usually use a heavy bolt and nut to hold the wires in place on my desk.

 

Pricey is not the word I would use. Highway robbery sounds more like it. I've always used a vise of some kind like jimkeith was describing.

 

we had a lightweight vise with 2" wide padded jaws, all mounted on a ball type joint

http://search.digikey.com/us/en/products/301/301PV-ND/1500

Is this what you're talking about? We have 3 of them in my class, some with different types of jaws.
Like this http://search.digikey.com/us/en/products/376/376PV-ND/142769

 

I've got a cheap plastic suction base vise with thin aluminum jaw inserts that probably cost $4.00 at Radio Shack in the 70's. The V groove in the jaws holds small circular connectors quite well and the aluminum helps heat sink the body of the connector. I've got helping hands and a fancy Panavise 333 but that cheap RS vise is still best for small connectors.

 

I've got a cheap plastic suction base vise with thin aluminum jaw inserts that probably cost $4.00 at Radio Shack in the 70's. The V groove in the jaws holds small circular connectors quite well and the aluminum helps heat sink the body of the connector. I've got helping hands and a fancy Panavise 333 but that cheap RS vise is still best for small connectors.

That's exactly what I been using for years, but the suction cup never worked for me, I attached it to a piece of wood for weight and stability.

 

I use spring type clothes pins to hold 2 wires on a piece of cardboard to make them hold still while I solder them. Haven't tried to make a "T" connection yet. I think I'd need 3 clothes pins.

 

For anybody wanting to make there own.

LOC-LINE

Alligator Clips

I have to admit, I've been using both items for 20+ years
and never thought to put them together.

You can also buy just the hose, nozzles, or fittings separately.

 

How about this one? $11.99

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/pro...eavy-Duty-Third-Hand-with-3x-Magnifying-Glass

 

You can get a similar product with a lighted magnifier at Harbor Freight for $7.00 but I don't like alligator clips for holding wires. If you get PVC insulation warm while soldering, the clip goes halfway through it.

 

Try the wooden, spring type clothes pins. They have notches in them that allow the insulation some room and they don't conduct heat (much).

 

[QUOTEHow about this one? $11.99
][/QUOTE]
Two of my students have these, but I like #12s idea with the clothes pins.
I'll have to make up a couple of these to give them a try.

 

I've used these with far less damage to wires compared to alligator clips: http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/21-2795.

Use two of these to hold two small wires together while you solder.