Third hand recommendations

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Does anyone have a recommendation for a third hand tool? I have one of the type where the arms are formed from cones of plastic, like this:

A third-hand tool where the arms are cones of plastic
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Perhaps it’s a manufacturing rather than design problem, but it seems that every time I get it out to use it, another cone has cracked, allowing the section above to move freely. Tightly applying duct tape helps, but there is only so much duct tape in the world!

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Those goose necks are for spraying lubricant on cutting tools :wink:

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Heh, well, they work OK for holding stuff in place but their durability leaves something to be desired.

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I’m not surprised they don’t last long. They’re not meant to hold any weight, and they’re a disposable. They’re for stuff like this, and you’d usually expect to change it regularly (depending on quality of the shop).

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I have this set and they are quite expensive but durable.

I just found this on AliExpress:
NEWACALOX Soldering Third Hand Tool PCB Holder with Magnetic 4Pcs Flexible Arms Crafts Jewelry Welding Workshop Helping Station

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Screenshot_20250815_231325_AliExpress
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This is the one I see the pros use. Cheaper on taobao, but the shipping is expensive.

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Thank you very much.

Fortunately the plastic gooseneck one came with a steel plate, and the seller has another listing with just the arms for cheaper.

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