The four little posts are incredibly helpful:



Magnetic Helping Hands

 

Why didn't I buy this years ago...

Probably the cost.

They are very nice. I have one that I like a lot. I also have one of these.

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While it surely has less functionality the positioning and holding precision, and ability to tolerate a lot of heat, make it very useful in a different way. I also find myself using the alligator clips from the other one in combination—they work perfectly on the metal base.