Rectangle Base, 4 Magnetic Helping Hands

The classic "helping hands" tool with two alligator clips and a magnifying glass is rarely actually helpful. But I have found this tool useful almost every day.This works for PC boards of almost any shape, up to just smaller than its plate size. The PC board is up held at a reasonable height by the four pylons for soldering or other rework and testing tasks, without having it rocking back and forth or scooting across the desk top.The base is heavy and I have had no problem with it sliding across my desk while I work.The magnets on the pylons are very strong. Trying to shove them across the surface is difficult, which means they won't wander as you work. I have found that by spinning the pylons I could ease them into the position needed to hold the board. I often use the points at the top for boards with tooling holes. Otherwise, the notch below the tips works well to pinch the sides of a board to hold it in place.The magnifier is best used at a fairly short distance from the object you are trying to see, about 2-3" gives binocular view with depth perception. That can be difficult to arrange with the magnifier clipped to the provided metal plate. I have my magnifier clipped to the base of my microscope, with the board several inches away. This also allows me to spin the board around or slide it and not need to mess with repositioning the magnifier. The goose neck holds position really well, but doesn't allow for a small radius bend. If the magnifier was mounted on a ball joint at the end of the flexible arm, it would be easier to use.This has been a great addition to my workbench. I am no longer working on boards that are teetering on bottom side components, or chasing boards that want to slide around my work space.

I got these because of the magnetic arms and it was coming to about 20 dollars for one if I was to buy them individually on Amazon. This gave me more for my money. The arms have really strong magnetic bases that I can use to place them on anything that has a metal base. I use them mainly on my PCB holder but it comes with a really handy solid steel (i think) base. It is a bit heavy for my liking but I have used it when I really need the weight. Also, it is has a really nice scratch resistant coated paint so it is great. Also, the base of the magnetic clamps is designed to minimize scratches. The actually Alligator clip did not come attached so some assembly is required but it was easy, and I got an extra one, (not sure if that was intentional) but it is nice to have an extra clip in case u loose one. I use the extra one with a small magnetic as a 5th very low hand. Lastly, ALL 5, clips came with rubber gloves. It is like a really thick piece of heat shrink but they can't really come off so bear that in mind. They are really protective though. All in all a really high quality and durable product that I don't regret buying. Only thing I want now is a magnetic magnifying glass and light.

It's definitely much better than those traditional "helping hands" with multiple ball joints and thumbscrews - much easier to position the alligator clips exactly where you want them, and having four of them gives you far more placement options.The product I received was mostly as described. The "rubber protective cap" on the alligator clip jaws appears to be just heat-shrink tubing, and despite the claim that "you can take the cap off or on as grip needs", it doesn't appear that you can remove it without tearing it. Most of the photos for this product do show the tubing; the image that promises "8 extra rubber caps" shows actual rubber caps instead of the tubing I received. (I received no extra rubber caps, but did get one extra alligator clip that had the tubing installed on both jaws.)There is a blocky rubber cap for the free end that you squeeze to open the jaws, and that cap can be removed and replaced easily.Three of the four arms had very strong magnets to hold them to the base plate; the fourth (on one of the long arms) has a magnet much weaker than the others, and the arm will tip over easily even if gently nudged. I assume I just got a faulty one, and that most of them do not suffer from this issue.I took a star off for the weak magnet, but other than that am pretty happy with it.

the ability to securely position subjects for the tight focus control needed for macro photography is one of the many reasons I love this. Another is the ability (via the magnetic base) to position the articulated alligator clips anywhere on the board, giving me unlimited flexibility. A third reason is the ability to purchase additional articulated clips (which I have done).

Very sturdy and nice quality. Really happy.

Just what I was looking for. Quick set up and low profile allowing fit under a microscope. Magnetic supports are strong enough to work well but still be easily 'snugged'. The only improvement I'd like to see is the pointed tips replaced with a pin and rubber cap to help retain the PCB when used this way.

Best PCB holder for the money! Came exactly as described with no manufacturing defects.Base is heavy, solid, thick steel with 4 very nice rubber feet that don’t easily come off (they didn’t skimp at all). Easy to clean (anodized?) surface.Towers are well designed; tips can either be inserted into existing PCB mounting points or can grip the sides of the PCB. Towers have strong magnetic bases without being overly strong. It comes with 6 towers, too but I typically only use 4 at a time.It’s considerably cheaper than a Hakko vice and larger and more versatile than many of the other circuit board holders available. It’s perfect for holding PCBs still and level for SMD soldering under a microscope.

I know it isn't a big deal but the lettering appears to be rusty from fresh out of the box. I would have preferred no lettering or paint it in rather than laser away the nice paint and expose the bare metal.As far as functionality goes it seems to work well. I would have liked to see the magnets a bit stronger as they do slide easily, but the base is sturdy and stays put. The feet are tall enough it can sit over the stand bar for my fume filter fan so that is nice.

Great product - makes it easy to test and troubleshoot system board before installing it in the case

Se mueve y no hace mucha resistencia a la hora de retirar soldadura

Great product for photography, the magnets are ver strong.

The pictures with this advertisement suggest you get a baseplate, 2short arms, 2 long arms, and four short magnets. Even the text suggests that, except for 1 sentence which is easilly overlooked. What you actually recieve are 1 short and 1 long arm and a spare gator clip. This is not worth 19 euro's, probably not even 2 Euro's. This is simple theft. Amazon should take immediate action against this reseller.

Je les utilise pour de la macro et ça me convient très bien.A voir si leur bonne souplesse et rigidité dureront dans le temps . . .