The Best Soldering Stand?

Here's a quick tool recommendation for a third hand system that's quickly become our favorite soldering stand for small workspaces. Norm shows off the Omnifixo makers third hand, which he favors over the traditional goose neck and alligator clip solution we've previously used. What's your preferred third hand setup for delicate soldering tasks?
Omnifixo soldering stand: omnifixo.com/
Field box 3D print file: www.thingiverse.com/thing:543...
TS80 USB Soldering Iron: amzn.to/3WKFt4n
USB power supply: amzn.to/3qoUqxe
Shot by Josh Self and edited by Norman Chan
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Intro bumper by Abe Dieckman
Thanks for watching!
#tools #electronics

[@tested]

Omnifixo soldering stand: omnifixo.com/ Field box 3D print file: www.thingiverse.com/thing:5436769 TS80 USB Soldering Iron: amzn.to/3WKFt4n USB power supply: amzn.to/3qoUqxe

[@samsimozlof2963]

هل يمكنكم مساعدة المخترعين ؟؟؟؟؟؟؟

[@chemholio8700]

Adam…I hate to go so far off topic BUT have you ever seen Professor Simon Holland on KZbin?

[@TooManyHobbiesJeremy]

What camera and lens were used to shoot this video? Looks great!

[@ParisLuHv]

Literally the most used tool in my arsenal! glad to see the developer getting a wider audience. hes been grinding all through Covid, what a champ!

[@danjason3876]

If you add four little posts to the main compartment of the storage case thing, you could have the clamp things clamp to them and not side around. Pretty slick product though.

[@metatechhd]

I came across these a while ago and I must say, they're amazing! I even printed a little case for it, making it self-contained and easy to carry. It's great to have everything in one place without the risk of losing anything. Keep up the awesome work! 👏🔥👍

[@SegginsProductions]

I found out about these a while back, absolutely love it! I’ve printed out the little case for it so it’s all self contained and can throw it in my bag without losing anything.

[@chrissewell1608]

I would add some magnets to the 3D printed box, just to hold the base plate, on to the box.

[@DoodleDangWang]

I really like the evenness of these clips and how light those clips are. The Quadhands I use gives more room and verticality with the longer arms and wider base, but this definitely gives a nice consistency to smaller tasks...

[@OliWright]

I love mine - would not have finished some projects over the last year without them as I'd have ended up throwing tiny things at the wall in anger! All other helping hands have been thrown in the bin. I've recently bought myself one of the smaller versions for when I need an extra extra set of hands!

[@AaronEiche]

I'm really glad you mentioned this. I saw this a year or so ago and couldn't remember what it was called. It is fantastic.

[@ficklampa]

It’s also my favourite! I even got the small one for when I apply waterslides on my model kits. So useful! One thing norm didn’t mention is that you can attach the holders upside down to be really stable holders for circuit boards etc.

[@dn275]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for.

[@CapnBry]

Yes! I have one of these and I still watch this video because it's so good. I have so many different types of helping hands, and this is the only one I use, for all the reasons you mention.

[@metaldirtnskin]

I bought one of these about a year ago, it's way better than the old "helping hands" with the alligator clips like you said. One thing to be aware of, not even quite a complaint, though: the magnets are extremely strong and will attract everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) on the bench with ferrous metal. I always find clipped-off leads stuck in the ball joints, and over time I realized it's been magnetizing some of my smaller tools... for screwdrivers that might not be a big problem, but for other things like tweezers I'm not sure I want that. Having said all that, it's still a great addition to the bench and I am glad to have it.

[@tekvax01]

Norm! That is indeed an impressive clamping system! I too loathe alligator clips for clamping!

[@steve-adams]

I absolutely love mine. I wouldn't mind a slightly larger model, but I've never been happier with a tool like this. It's well worth the price.

[@deegobooster]

I've had this for a few months and I can say it's fantastic!!

[@michaelsepp1647]

This is by far the best new workshop tool i want.

[@jeffwillis2592]

Thank you so much, Norm. I'm newb to soldering and got a $30 stand a few month ago. It was a bare improvement over nothing. If I get into it I will purchase this tool.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

I sure am impressed with that stand. In my old age, I need all the help I can get and this looks to be just what I need.

[@wooviee]

I bought two of the small ones to use them with any width object. Cool to see y'all cover it! Great work Norm.

[@corrinastanley125]

Thanks Norm and Tested team.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Thank you for the recent mention of Cutting Edge Engineering! Kurtis and Karen are truly a notch above. And you, sir, are a gentleman and true professional!

[@mckerrowsiding]

thanks ZNorm. I was one of the others to ask about this soldering tool. Purchased one I agree they are great.

[@Standbackforscience]

Thanks so much for showing this, Norm. I _need_ this.

[@NemoKeine]

I got one for the house, ended up taking it to work I liked it so much and having them buy me a replacement. My husband then stole it from me at work and I had to order a 3rd one. Fantastic tool

[@matthiasnott]

How cool is that! Immediately ordered this as my other "helping" hand just kept falling apart. Also, the USB power supply is just nuts. Didn't know there even is such a thing, so ordered one of them. Wasn't able to find the soldering iron but then I have two Wellers, so fine. Man, thanks for your video. Highly appreciated.

[@tonynagy2042]

It's Friday morning, and BIG Thanks Adam for the shout out to CEE - Cutting Edge Engineering YT channel. Hope to see you with Kurtis & Karen one day in Aussie Land. 🤠👍👏.

[@tobiastesti]

Thanks for the tip, just ordered one!

[@Flyrip]

Best soldering stand I have ever used. Top notch 👍🏻👍🏻

[@andrewdonatelli6953]

Great tip Norm! I just ordered one. :)

[@beakz]

I've just placed a pre-order for the UK. I hate the various "helping hands" I've had over the years, and am ready to try something new. This looks just the job! The ball-end and magnets seems such an obvious thing now I've seen it! Some scope there for custom holders too. Something else to add to the projects list. Thanks, Norm!

[@iddeegee]

Nice design, thank's for sharing, I will probably make my own

[@BunkerSquirrel]

very cool! I'd love to see a version of the grippers that isolates the two metal jaws and adds some insulation. Would be awesome for higher voltage projects

[@Aeidotronics]

Just got one. Looks like my jam! Looks like you overwhelmed this guy's site.

[@chrislamb4723]

Add to Cart! Can't wait for it to arrive - Thank you!

[@markparkinson5760]

Great tool just ordered looks like it will be revolutionary in my electronics and model making I use a lot of 7/0.05mm (0.02mm sq) 36AWG micro cables on leds and small models these should make that task a lot easier thanks for sharing

[@vanakornsirijongprasert1726]

Planning on getting one, thank you

[@tvtoms]

Wow, this looks fantastic compared to the Lost in Space robot armed alligator clamp thing I have right now. I love that they sell a pint sized, 2 position one as well! Really great find, thank you for the recommendation.

[@robinkesterlives]

I agree, I've been doing some soldering lately and wish I had this sooner. I ordered the top level one, cant wait!

[@tvtoms]

@@robinkesterlives Oh gosh, I see there is now a note on the website referencing this video review. I should have ordered earlier, but I guess I'll try pre-ordering.

[@Warshipmodelsunderway]

I've got the "Lost in Space" one, and the Taidda one that Adam used to source the clips on his soldering station - I use that one with it's base, and it's much better than the Danger Will Robinson version. I just ordered one of these as well, as i can see the utility for soldering the small brass pieces I use in my hobby.

[@tvtoms]

I wound up ordering a pair of the magnet arms without the steel base. I can use them on my existing one.

[@robinkesterlives]

@@tvtoms My order just shipped already, they are ON IT :D

[@marcinIsfider]

Hi Norm. Great video! I'm planning to make my own soldering stand and was looking for alternative to alligator clips. Just from looks of them, alligator clips bothered me. Now, thanks to you, I know that I'm looking for parallel jaw grippers ^^

[@JohnSmith-gm4fj]

Cool! I'm still using my 40 yr old radio shack "helping hands" with the magnifier and built in solder sponge, not as cool as yours but it works.

[@tested]

Radio Shack!!!!

[@EasyMac308]

I have my radio shack helping hands zip tied to the top of a panavise and it works OK... but I really like this thing. I just wish someone was making knockoffs of the clips so I could make my own.

[@tobiasjennerjahn8659]

Wow. These look amazing. I have bought many soldering stands over the years at varying pricepoints and all of them are trash. I mean some work better than others, but I've never really been happy with any of them. However this looks like a joy to use. Will definitely pick one up. It's not cheap, but I expected it to be much more expensive.

[@KodakYarr]

Thanks for the tip - I just ordered both models 😅

[@vilim5141]

Ordered! Thx 4 the tip... :)

[@donaldwiller9238]

Great information 👍

[@ravenbarsrepairs5594]

Depends on application, but the best I've found yet is a 1960's era Panavise circuit board holder. For the tiny stuff, I've found the Harbor Freight alligastor clip stand, with the magnifying glass removed to be more than sufficient.

[@dcallan812]

I always cover the alligator clip jaws in heat shrink. Makes them so much more helpful. .

[@treborrrrr]

Until you need to hold something round that makes the jaws open up a bit too much and just end up spitting out the piece you're trying to hold at the worst time. Not that that has ever happened to me, oh no, never... I use a similar-ish solution instead now that works much better for me. A DIY version of the PCBite.

[@dcallan812]

@@treborrrrr No I only know about the issue after talking to less practical people. I have never had an LED fly across the room, and vanish. 🤣

[@SystemX1983]

Instead of heat shrink I put a little piece of fishtank tubing on the aligator clips, that's a little bit thicker. Heat shrink didn't last very long. Oh. I just had an idea. If you have a task that you do regularly, a piece of wood with two or more undersized holes for the shaft of the aligator clips along a line ... Now clamp that piece of wood in a vise or on he table and there is no wobbling around

[@robinkesterlives]

Mine arrived, I've already used it a dozen times working on my little RC Kei truck. Likes: Adorable, grippy magnets, tons of adjustability. Super easy to use, flexible. Dislikes: crowded when using all 4 clamps, clamps crush wires when the insulation is hot, difficult to get angles of wireends without using 2 clamps per wire.

[@aaro_n]

I own one of these and it's amazing!!!

[@tested]

So glad you like it too!

[@milk-it]

That is a top tool tip. Very nice.

[@scottcates]

Very nice. Thank you.

[@licensetodrive9930]

Nice stand, especially those parallel movement grips, my "Tic Tac Solder Dispenser" 3D print would go well with it for field soldering, have a search :)

[@Brannington]

been wanting to get further into modding electric guitars more and this might be something to consider for me! I tried soldering a new pickup into one of my own without any sort of clamping setup whatsoever- just freeballing it and even though i got it done it was an absolute nightmare 🤣🤣

[@chrissewell1608]

This would be pretty handy for small crafts and detailed work. Even useful as a 3rd arm for my Fly Tying. The little arms look like the clamping jaws on a set of Hackle Pliers.

[@larcomj]

noice, ive been looking for this thing!!!

[@nat7278]

Wow! Game changer

[@joedatuknow]

Great video take care

[@boltonky]

Super cool , love one myself but can tell i need lots of extra bits for the ends of the holders

[@tchevrier]

oh that is so much better than the alligator clips.

[@Jpetersson]

Pretty nice!

[@SnowmansApartment]

after watching this i expected a huge price tag.. but just over 55€ is super reasonable!

[@traderjo9552]

Oh wow that's actually a very good price what?? Usually when you see something minimal with really nice design you just KNOW the price is going to be high lol

[@Kosh42EFG]

I love my Onmifixo. Expensive but so, so, so good.

[@ryanstewart116]

I MUST HAVE THIS

[@johnbrown7516]

These were hard enough to get as is... damn you guys!

[@MakerAtPlay]

I love the look of the shelves in your background. Have you done a video on them? I would love to see and learn more about them. And I did order me that awesome soldering stand.

[@Zharick.407]

Wish we could get some info on them selves.

[@SkyhawkSteve]

I was waiting for a soldering example of some scenario that showed how this stand was essential. Still waiting. I've been soldering electronics since the late 70's, and just use a pair of hemostats to hold items while soldering. With the introduction of surface mount components, I use the hemostats less often.

[@TheOdditee]

Holy cuss! I was literally just shopping for a new soldering station setup. Impeccable timing.

[@thomasschneider6035]

Same!

[@byron_00]

This was me last month. Hello buyer's remorse, my old friend.

[@mikefarrington7141]

Thanks, I just ordered one. The third-hand device I have now uses the frustrating alligator clips, and they keep loosening and losing mini-screws that hold the alligator clips to the arms. The thing drives me nuts.

[@trashfirefuneral]

There's already a disclaimer up on the site about how this review is flooding their preorders

[@trashfirefuneral]

"Hi! The Tested review was a bit unexpected and I'm being a bit opportunistic here and opened up a pre-order option for EU stock (many countries except US/MX/CA). The manufacturing is almost done and I can start shipping in approximately two weeks. If you don't like to pre-order, sign up for the new letter if you want to know when I can ship again. //Johann"

[@joshzytkiewicz]

I ordered this before the video ended.

[@vazza69]

Nice!

[@voxpop9]

I really want to get one but it is currently out of stock! gonna have to wait for January

[@wildekek]

Wait, there is a fix for all the frustrations I have with alligator clips and lockline? And it it can even hold a PCB? Take my money.

[@garthbarrett6067]

Genius!

[@kioshiki4519]

Looks good, i do wonder if various strong magnets in devices like this ever cause any damage to sensitive devices for makers? Magbe in this it's not strong enough. But could a few similar devices woth magnets stored in a drawer or shelf add up to cause any effect? Or is that just excessive worrying about risks?

[@nathkrupa3463]

Thanks norm sir

[@halidyldrm5113]

What is the board that seen on bottom left side of the camera at 1:52? @Adam Savage’s Tested

[@jeromethiel4323]

Those jaws are worth the price all by themselves. I already have a nice metal based solering "helping hands" setup, but those clamps and bases would be worth the price on their own. Much better than an alligator clip.

[@telecrate]

Looks similar to PCBite from Sensepeek? When it comes to flexibility/ease when soldering a jewelry 3" ball vise is IMO the way to go. Especially when soldering connectors.

[@gloggare]

now thats nice and i dont even soder or plan to, but i want it :P

[@homunculous007]

Thank you for pronouncing "soldering" correctly!!

[@Faestingman]

Hey norm, great tool recommendation, always hated the aligator clips! What's the tiny LED/neon filament thing you show at 5:45. looks cool as hell, would be great in a project i'm doing!

[@Zipo214]

Electroluminescent wire.

[@dukeeod1650]

I purchased one and it is a very good soldering stand. I want the box but I do not have a 3D printer. Anyone know how I can get one? Great video.

[@astrophysicistguy]

There are quite a few of the soldering stations available with flat parallel clips. You get all the advantages of the long flexible arms and none of the disadvantages of that tiny station. I just finished a project where I soldered multiple 5mm LEDs and 20gauge wire without issue. I built a portable soldering station with one of those 5 arm holders , 4 fans, breadboard, soldering iron, wire cutter etc. It’s way more useful then something like that tiny boar since you can do anything, a one stop soldering station.

[@EasyMac308]

Can you suggest one? I can't find those style parallel clips anywhere, but it may just be that my search terms suck.

[@TesserId]

Having had clips and forceps, maybe a pair of pliers held closed with a rubber band, loosely strewn or weighted down on a desk hoping to keep things oriented long enough to manage to get a dollop of solder to properly wet the wires... yeah, gonna get me one.

[@TesserId]

OMG, no normal sized alligator clip or forceps ever opened that wide, and certainly not in a parallel fashion. Those are like bar clamps.

[@iblackfeathers]

those of us already with a magnetic solder station do not need yet another base. that's great you can just buy the helping hands. although they are pricey they seem to be the only ones that sell these.

[@fully_retractable]

I use surgical clamps on my stand instead of alligator clips because of the parallel, never looking back

[@greyrat_]

These are awesome I am watching for an EU re-stock.

[@tomhorsley6566]

Ordered mine as soon as I finished the video. The web site says stocks are low, after this video they may be out of stock soon.

[@kattarhindu451]

Hi, want to know more about the shelf behind you. Did you build it diy? Been curious for a long while to diy an audio gear rack.

[@johnthornton6647]

Looks like a very useful stand. What kind of led is that?

[@tannerbass7146]

Harbor freight indicator stand + helping hand grabbers = best soldering aid 😁

[@malcolmgibson6288]

Just what I've been looking for. I hate croc clips, or as you call them over there, alligator clips.

[@surrealchemist]

I wish it was easier just to buy the attachments so I can use my existing base.

[@othertonywi1son]

I feel like this was one of the crews favorite things either last year or the year before. But I could be thinking of another channel.

[@doktorb3at]

Yes!

[@paulpieretti9771]

COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@actuallypavlov588]

Can someone tell me what soldering iron norm is using in this video? Aka the one he packs into the box in the end

[@mtsarkful]

Neat!

[@TheRodlund]

You mentioned PLA with Carbon Fiber, which brand of filament was that? On the video at least, that filament is beautiful!

[@OneZ]

Hi, what type of led or light filament are you using?

[@xaytana]

I like these, but they're honestly too overpriced for what they are, to the point that I wouldn't be surprised if we see a replica at a quarter of the cost.