DIY Articulating Arm Mount for a Phone or Camera

Filming and photographing projects is one of the real obstacles to sharing a creation. I've always found tripods and other setups to be cumbersome for filming on a workbench or desk.
My solution was the offspring of a work lamp and a selfie stick, and has integrated phone charging with a micro USB cable. Built with minimal tools, this mount is compatible with any 1/4 in UMC attachment will work great with any phone or small camera. It is similar to the big, expensive articulating arms built for DSLR's but it is probably not strong enough to hold up a large camera. However this solution is optimized for a phone, and only costs around $20 to make, depending on where you get your lamp.
I built this primarily to film what I am doing on my desk or workbench, but it could also be used to film and photograph in the kitchen, or anywhere else you want to have a flexible phone mounting option. This mount is also great for just watching videos on your phone without having to hold it up. You could even mount it to your bed and use it to hold your phone lying down!
If you and up building one let me know, I'd love to hear how it went and any improvements you made. Or if you have an interesting idea about how this mount can be used, go ahead and put it in the comments!
Materials:
-Worklamp
-Selfie stick
-1m+ Micro USB Cable
-Superglue
IKEA TERTIAL Worklamp:
www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/pro...
Tools:
-Leatherman Wave
Link to step-by-step instructions on Instructables:
www.instructables.com/id/DIY-...

[@yellowcat920]

Love it !!! Love the creativity & that it’s so simple and can be assembled through ready tools !! Perfect for some of us that aren’t good at building things from scratch :P

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks a bunch Yellow Cat 🐱. I'm happy this project has seemed to help so many people!

[@sesimie]

I own a Surge....and immediately did this (when i "saw" you used a wave...Pun not intended XD) same project to great success...Love this vid!!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Good 1 😆 Glad the project worked out for you!

[@fredrenee6185]

AND, major Kudos for being able to accomplish this build with tools just about any one has, or can get. No offense to the other constructs, but who has work shops and tools like these other tubers??? OMG! If I had a workshop like those guys, I would have to build everything because I wouldn't have any money left to buy anything.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Hahaha. Yes, I've definitely felt the same more than once. It's nice to try and make use of the basics.

[@myVersatileChannel]

Very minimalist and budget friendly DIY. Great Job!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks!

[@angelawrahtz4477]

You are a very clever young man and I appreciate that you shared your ingenious mount! Loved seeing the schematic drawings in the beginning. Would have loved to hear you narrating a bit more and maybe going a little slower as you took apart the arm and all, but maybe that's just me. Great job! Can't wait to see what else you come up with!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks for the feedback Angela!

[@fredrenee6185]

Great job, and you make a rather arduous task seem pretty easy to accomplish. My only input would be to check your local Goodwill stores for such a lamp. I found one that offered a large two-level intensity switched halogen lamp (which I removed and used it for additional lighting). Its arms were heavier duty (probably to support that lamp). It also had longer arms than those offered at IKEA. And, as a bonus, there was a 120V power outlet at its base. Yeah for me. Lastly, I picked up a roll of black split tubing, large enough to hold the USB charging cable inside it and snap around the Lamp's arms (the upper/outer arms), which looks great and saved me from taking apart the whole lamp. By the way, kudos for having such a clean desk. I haven't seen the top of mine for months.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

That lamp sounds perfect! Glad your build worked out well!

[@FR4M3Sharma]

I like how this guy's video exploded.

[@derekmcdonald2168]

Very impressive! I enjoyed watching your process!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks Derek!

[@SilverShadow2LWB]

Very nice job. That was ingenious. I like how you used the tools at hand and researched out the pros and cons of the various parts. The only suggestion that I could add was to make two holes to the selfie phone holder to put two self tapping screws. Your Leatherman has an awl or you can use a heated nail. It would be terrible if the phone were to fall off. Otherwise, continue the good work. I use mine to also scan documents on the table surface with a phone app. Thanks.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks for the feedback SilverShadow. Yes, some screws would definitely improve its integrity. Mines still holding together with the super glue though!

[@donwyates]

This is great! Note that those lamps can also be had free, on occasion, from front yards. Especially on the evening before trash (or bulk) pickup days.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

They definitely can! As can all manner of great DIY materials!

[@divasv]

I enjoyed watching your video👌🏻👌🏻, please make more vids like this, you deserve much more subscribers👍🏻.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks Divas! I have been feeling like I'd like to try and make some more videos again.

[@janrexpensader2597]

You can add a ring light or any kind of soft light to so it can be used for review type videos.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Definitely! Would be interested to see if anyone has done this. I have had the same thought more than once.

[@AhmedAlaa-um8co]

That's a great video can't wait to see other inventions

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks Ahmed! Maybe some day I'll deliver 😅

[@Onto27]

This is what i was looking for, thanks dude

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

No problem

[@SabrinaVideo]

Fantastic work. I love it.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thank you so much 😀

[@raychiu9275]

Great job! Thanks for sharing it!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

No problem! Thanks Ray!

[@John_NJDM]

This is really cool. Great job!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks!

[@RustyInventions-wz6ir]

Just found your channel and subscribed. Nice work.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks!

[@Cenzurat]

hah i thought to myself, "ima need to do something like this, i wonder if someone did it already" and here u are, gonna wall mount mine though cause i don't wanna deal with the camera shaking if i do anything on my desk

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Nice Hectic1! Wall mounting it will definitely be more stable.

[@dadosinteressantesdecacana582]

Really cool idea. Thanks for sharing : )

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

No problem, glad you liked it!

[@hifiveguyy]

What’s the length of the lamp?

[@kewalkrishan3043]

From where to get this product for online classes..kindly share link

[@Anasartworks]

This so cool bro , thank for this great idea 💡😊🙏

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

No problem! Happy to share. And thank you!

[@ideartrubison122]

Wow qué idea eso es lo q me faltaba...muchas gracias por la idea lo tenia pensado pero no lo tenia claro... Qué buena!!!!!!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! Did you end up building something similar?

[@Accountingplus]

Please put a link to buy it?

[@zkins]

This brilliant. Thank you.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

No problem! Thanks Zoe!

[@andromedia77]

link for selfie stick? please

[@petrchutny]

Amazing video, thanks!!!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks Petr!

[@humbertocares8385]

Superb... Thanks!

[@TheHamidshahzad]

You solved my problems... love u

[@ShriHariPiclkes]

Ya aapna kaha sa liya aur kitna ka liya please batao

[@efra-es]

Great job!! Thank you!!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks!

[@annabelleromero6171]

That was great but a lot of work. You should make one with a light feature for the low light vision challenged. Keep up the great work!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Yes! I've been wanting to make one with a ring light attached

[@mikeburke1348]

Very good sir.

[@oxygenoxides]

this is so helpful, ill try to do one :)

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Glad to be of help! Did you end up making one Arthur?

[@lianium]

Very nice work👍

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks a bunch!

[@monio.9444]

This is super helpful, thank you! Now let's hope I won't ruin that ikea lamp for nothing :))

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

How did it go?

[@DragonAlchemist0]

A update to this video is you can buy a fleximount tablet grip. Has a grip for the table already just remove the table holder and build from that for holding cellphones or a gopro.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

This is a great idea

[@pxntxgrxmdrxws7725]

I have both those things but.....GODDAMMIT I DONT WANNT TAKE APRT MY LAMP 😂

[@pxntxgrxmdrxws7725]

@stimb yeah I wish 😂

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Did you end up sacrificing your lamp to the DIY gods?

[@pxntxgrxmdrxws7725]

@@ExercisingIngenuity oh wow its been a while, i have not but i think at this point i kinda have to haha

[@durtanipzmcgee9943]

Great job !

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks!

[@1ali1996]

i love u for that ...Gess i was looking alot for this ..big thnx body

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

No problem Ali! Hope it helped you

[@cafeclavosypalos3918]

Well done!!!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks CafeClavosyPalos!

[@gfdgfggfgfg5230]

wow .. nice.. love u bro

[@carsonkelley4651]

Thxs so much I made this and I love it but it was hard lol

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Wow! So cool to hear you built one of these. How has it worked out for you?

[@Badyloff]

:-‘) Super. You are clever. Greetings from Czech republuc 👍😉🇨🇿

[@Gleword]

like numero 748 , excelente idea esta muy bueno aplausos

[@edwentuto6087]

How much dis one sir

[@shivammaurya1168]

Nice job man👍👍👍

[@shivammaurya1168]

On your hardwok

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks Shivam

[@Mikov47]

Awesome bro 😎

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks Wahyu!

[@Rome.]

There are now articulated or flexible arms purpose built for tablets and mobiles. Due diligence etc

[@nr01vid]

where did you bought the Selfie stic, thanks

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Hey NR, when I originally built this I was living in Japan and bought the selfie stick at a Daiso (basically a dollar store). I've seen similar Selfie sticks at Dollarama here in Canada

[@Alkatross]

How has the superglue held up? I know it can be brittle and does not stick to ABS well. You used a lot of it so it might be fine, but I probably would have used E6000 for that joint.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

It's held up fairly well actually. But definitely not the ideal adhesive. I've never used E6000 before, is it similar to JB Weld?

[@Alkatross]

@@ExercisingIngenuity e6000 is a solid rubbery polymer thinned with solvent. The difference is once it dries it is still sticky and rubbery so sticks to ABS and glass far better than epoxy in the long run, Including jb weld plastic weld. Epoxy is not brittle like superglue, but it can still let go of plastics over time, unlike e6000. E6000 is still rubbery after it dries so it sticks better in applications where impacts or stresses are expected. Epoxy may disconnect from the surfaces but E6000 bounces back just a little and can maintain the bond. You can cut through cured E6000 with a razor, but epoxy is like a rock. You can't sand E6000. Each adhesive has it's own ideal application. Such an interesting subject.

[@mayanksingh900]

I also need this item as I spends a number of hours when I do study.so how can I purchase this adorable product or the way to cart for better experience.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Hey Mayank. If you haven't built or bought something already @Bens Art linked this one on Amazon: www.amazon.fr/AYIZON-Smartphone-projecteurs-t%C3%A9l%C3%A9phone-Artisanat/dp/B07FGXK39F

[@richardfosse2308]

Great first video... Please let me know what type of maker you are and your future plans/goals for your channel. I really enjoyed your first Video

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

+Richard Fosse I'm glad you enjoyed it! I love making all sorts of stuff, but I guess taking limited materials and making something functional could be what I enjoy most. I'm hoping this channel will help me indulge in making more often, as well as let me share some of the things I create!

[@AGRIMOVIEemi]

BRAVO BELLA idea 👍👍👍

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks!

[@amrishpatel3501]

@Exercising Ingenuity How long did you let the Gorilla Super Glue set, after pressing down on it? According to the usage instructions, you have to clamp it down with something strong & leave it for 24 hours. I'm getting Loctite Super Glue instead, since its much cheaper than Gorilla Super Glue. Update: I couldn't find the exact selfie stick, you bought in the video & had quite a few issues trying to stick the mobile atttachment of the selfie stick I broke off, to the lamp's head joint with Super Glue(Loctite Super Glue). I wasted the whole bottle of glue & got no result, despite using rubber & string to hold it, which made the thing wobbly for the smartphone. Until I solved it using zip ties, now its very stable. Doesn't wobble, come loose or even break & it says in place! Now I can film my speed drawings with my smartphone for my KZbin channel. :)

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Hey Amrish, thanks for the update, and I'm glad you found a solution that worked! I'd love to check out some of those speed drawings if you have any up yet! :)

[@amrishpatel3501]

@@ExercisingIngenuity You're welcome & sorry for the late reply, only saw this comment now. It was disappointing that the glue didn't work for me, but all in all I did solve my issue in the end. I do have one of those speed drawings but its done digitally which is on my other channel. I will be uploading another digital timelapsed video soon, in the meantime you can enjoy watching this one! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpjVdmh3eMmEhJo

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

DUUUUUUUuuuuuuuuude! I love it!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks Mike!

[@rocio2917]

I SO love what you made. But I'm not confident that I could understand all the steps well enough to do it myself. Is your DIY still working well for you or have you had any issues with it that you can share as a heads up?

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Hey! The only issue I've had is I find the lamp will settle/shift if holding the phone for long periods of time. Other than that it's been pretty good. I'm still using it!

[@rocio2917]

That issue makes sense.

[@franciscoiturbe3398]

I like you idea,,,nice thinking

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks Francisco!

[@Thebeatty80]

Good Job!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks a bunch Mark!

[@AutoestimaNinja]

Wow man!

[@eem5240]

you could also have used an adjustable desk microphone stand holder...

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Honestly didn't even think about that, but yeah that would be an excellent solution!

[@JedHurricane]

lol It's exactly what I need to make

[@crystalfrosting6074]

I wish I was as capable of making this!! I need one exactly like this soooo bad!!

[@BensRayan]

Check this out : www.amazon.fr/AYIZON-Smartphone-projecteurs-t%C3%A9l%C3%A9phone-Artisanat/dp/B07FGXK39F

[@Maisonier]

There is no way to leave the original cable and connect the charger there?

[@tisjester]

Yes you can.. It is not as simple and elegant as a low voltage 5 volt USB cable, but you could put a Leviton 102-EP 15 Amp, 125 Volt, 2P, 2W, Connector, Straight Blade, Residential Grade, Black end on it and then plug in your charger of choice. 1) you would be running mains voltage 125V AC to the end and not the low voltage of USB [ So you need to be very careful that you get that connector on properly. ] 2) It would add weight and bulk to the far end of your setup which you would have to engineer a solution to hold it securely. (Velcro would probably work fine) 3) You would then have to deal with the extra length of whatever charging cable plugged into the USB Charger. (Which again Velcro ties would probably help there.) www.amazon.com/Leviton-102-EP-Connector-Straight-Residential/dp/B0026GHSD8

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks @TisJester PG for the reply. That's a great way to utilize the original AC cable! A little complex, as you mentioned.

[@rizalzaelani4400]

Awesome...!!

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks Rizal

[@PauAndrePau]

Do you know how much weight it can take? Im considering doing this to hold my canon rebel haha

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Hmm, I haven't specifically tested it's weight capacity. I've only used this setup with my phone and a gopro. I don't think this by itself will take the weight of a DSLR.... Could maybe modify it though, perhaps with stronger springs, or using two arms to support the larger weight 🤔

[@PauAndrePau]

@@ExercisingIngenuity hmmm the stronger springs sound like it could definitely work! I'll give it a try, hope for the best and let you know if it works, thanks for the tutorial!

[@arncj18]

congratulations

[@sarams1818]

SMART !

[@nr01vid]

nice job

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks NR!

[@mainemodelsplus.]

this build proves once and for all that one does NOT need a $50K workshop full of high price tach to get the job done. Can any identify with Norm A.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Exactly! The cost of equipment is such a barrier to so many makers, but a lot of the times you can make it work with the bare minimum!

[@imashaman-ei9ie]

you have 2 options orange cable or black who blend in.. ill take the ugly orange

[@TAMILANDARBARFAM5655]

GOOD. LUCK. GOD. BLESS. U. UR. FAMILY

[@arabic.media.in.english]

It seems that this leatherman wave is more expensive than this articulated arm, isn't it?

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Entirely true! But it was the tool I had on hand. A set of small tools, or another multitool could get the job done just as easily

[@dzdtube7553]

can u give me a link for the knife toll

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

www.leatherman.com/en_CA/wave-10.html?dwvar_10_color=10&cgid=multi-tools&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4L2BBhCvARIsAO0SBdae6Ov8tam1HXgxirsTPk2ZwxGDdIkSSImR3CD2qW74sy3pKItBBzwaAmSfEALw_wcB#srule=product-name-descending&sz=100&start=1

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

It's the leatherman wave

[@tjking_07]

It's Attach With Dslr ?

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Unfortunately I don't think it would be able to hold up a DSLR

[@zulfphotography]

Great job, you could have zip tied the cable along the outside of the arms. Orange cable would have looked cool..

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Zip ties would be a good addition for cable management! Thanks Zulf!

[@jawalhtv171]

Cool man you are good man

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks Jawalh!

[@mitkooo1]

make buttons for start and stop, taking pictures so that you don't tap on the phone and make the picture shake

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

That's actually a good idea, kind of like one of those selfie sticks with the USB connection and controls!

[@lonnieac3]

Cost & how long did it take to make?

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Sorry for the super late reply. If I remember, Lamp ~¥2500 (~USD$20) Super glue ~¥800 (~USD$5) USB Cable ~¥100 (~USD$0.70) x 3 So less than $30 all in probably

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

It took me way longer because I was filming. I would say you could make one in an hour or two. Depending on your tools, experience, and if you want to thread the USB cable the way I did haha

[@lonnieac3]

@@ExercisingIngenuity thank u!

[@t.a.jadhavyoutubecannal856]

Super...

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Glad you think so

[@TheLexiconDevils]

Cpl of screws in that head bracket to stick mount would be nice to see 🤔 Or copious amounts of duct tape ....

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

The super glue holds up pretty good. But there are definitely options to make it more secure for sure.

[@sepeterson86]

Very cool, but I think the headache of running the cable was overkill. Just use some zip ties or mini velcro straps.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Would definitely do this next time, as you say, not worth it 😅

[@EmmyAKAMilo]

when you make a good video building an arm mount, without using the amount you want to make better images

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

This was the true challenge in making this video to be sure 😅

[@EmmyAKAMilo]

@@ExercisingIngenuity the true challenge is the friends we made along the way

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

@@EmmyAKAMilo Indeed, isn't this always the case

[@kennedynadine4270]

sweet

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Thanks Kennedy!

[@ig33ku]

Daiso? BTW that black plastic scrapping on your peach lol

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Yeah, I definitely should have cleaned off the board first lol

[@Ninosniche]

Great video, just really long

[@nextlevelhd9869]

the phone is not stable and you agree with me...

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

It will definitely shift over long periods of time, but I find it's stable enough for most of what I use it for.

[@samodelkin-bender]

Круто 👍👏

[@ShishidoDavid]

you save my idea because me to living in japan

[@ShishidoDavid]

look i living in Aichi-Ken Seto-Shi if you have some project just contact to me

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Hey David, I'm no longer living in Japan, but thanks for the offer! I wish you all the best with your projects!

[@TAMILANDARBARFAM5655]

Superf. BRO. Its. Useful. Best. Wishes. From. India. Please. Welcome. Our. Home

[@aviralsingh5868]

How Come Does He Only Have 89 Subs??

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Probably because I only put out one video over almost 5 years 😅

[@TAMILANDARBARFAM5655]

I. THING. U. R. A. SPECIAL. SURGEON. CORRECT

[@imbadatcod7208]

it would probably been easier just to cut the usb cable than to cut the connector

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Yeah... This was not the most elegant solution, but it's what I came up with at the time.

[@shigatsu5216]

....or you can just buy it on Amazon

[@mute3229]

I think it's more fun making one.

[@robertmarks6525]

send me the link I want one please 👍😂

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

I would agree

[@emilibrito6734]

Just jump into the vid after 3 min

[@user-oz9ov4ef7k]

거기 일본이에요? 왜 전부다 일본 제품만 있어요? 하필 일본이라니.....오마이갓

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

Haha, yes, I was in Japan when I made this. Hence all the Japanese.

[@just_A_doctor]

Just buy a microphone arm with phone clump why the waist of money with the chamber lamp

[@a.j.2796]

Why not cut the cable, feed it through and reattach just the red and black wires? Would have been much quicker.

[@tisjester]

Sure if you have a decent enough USB cable and know how to solder wire back together and use heat shrink ect.. BUT that would take more tools then he used. Anyone with the ability and tools to do such would make this adjustment.

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

TisJester XxX has got exactly right. When I built this I was very limited by my tools

[@ariefbudiman9099]

Kiko enak tau