If you've been following my projects for a while, you might have noticed a recurring challenge I face: finding a reliable way to secure PCBs while soldering. In the past, I've had to rely on a helping hand tool with a crocodile clip to hold the PCB in place. However, I've always been wary of this setup due to the sharp teeth on the clips, which could potentially damage sensitive components.

The instability of the helping hand tool is another concern. Any lateral pressure often causes it to rotate unexpectedly, making the process cumbersome and frustrating. So, I decided to tackle this challenge by creating a more stable and effective solution.

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The Model

When it came to selecting the right model for my new PCB device, I turned to Thingiverse. Being new to 3D printing, designing my own model seemed a bit daunting, so I relied on the vast online community for a suitable design. After browsing various options, I settled on a particular model by a creator named "villekl". The design caught my attention because of its functionality and versatility, particularly the extendable jaws and rotating base that promised adjustable angles for the PCB.

The model on Thingiverse showed a lot of promise with its ability to hold PCBs securely without the risks associated with traditional helping hands. The feature that most appealed to me was the ability to adjust the PCB position easily, which is critical for working with through-hole components and needing to flip the board without hassle. This design appeared to address many of the issues I'd been dealing with, and I hoped it would provide the stability I needed for my projects.

While there were other models that caught my eye, like one using rubber bands for grip strength, they lacked the ability to flip and adjust the board angles flexibly. For the kind of work I do, being able to reposition the PCB easily is crucial, so I decided to go with the design from above. This choice seemed to check most of the boxes on my list, and I was eager to see how it would perform once I got down to printing and assembling the parts.

Assembly

Assembling the new PCB device was a straightforward yet meticulous process. To get started, I gathered all the 3D printed parts, which included the base, rolling base, two knobs, sliding jaw, and the grips. Additionally, I prepared some standard hardware: a threaded rod of about 180 mm in length and five M5 nuts. Tools like pliers and super glue were also on hand to ensure everything fit securely.

The first step was to work on the threaded rod, securing two M5 nuts at one end with pliers to make sure it would turn with the knob. I placed a bit of glue to fix one of the nuts firmly into the knob, ensuring that the rod would rotate smoothly. After that, it was time to slide the printed parts onto the rod, aligning them correctly and making sure they fit snugly. As I threaded each piece, I was careful to check for smooth movement and ensure that the sliding jaw would operate as intended.

With the main assembly complete, I turned my attention to securing the grips. Although they could hold by friction, I opted to glue them for extra stability, making sure they would stay in place even under pressure. This added level of security was vital, as I aimed for a sturdy tool that wouldn't fail during use. Once the glue dried, the device was ready to hold PCBs, offering improved stability for my soldering tasks compared to my previous setup.

Testing

With the assembly complete, the moment of truth was testing the newly built PCB device to see if it lived up to expectations. I began by placing a PCB into the adjustable jaws, using the knobs to apply the necessary grip and ensure secure positioning. The rotation feature allowed me to set the board at various angles, catering perfectly to different soldering needs.

Initially, the device demonstrated impressive stability compared to my previous setup. Rotating the PCB more than 180 degrees was seamless, and the adjustments were precise thanks to the two independent knobs. One knob handled the pressure on the PCB itself, while the other secured the rotating jaw, providing a stable platform for soldering and assembly.

However, I encountered a minor issue with the device's weight. Being 3D printed from lightweight materials, it lacked the heft necessary for complete stability. To mitigate this, I attached rubber strips to the base feet for added grip. This improvement significantly enhanced the device's performance by preventing unwanted movement during use. Overall, the testing phase revealed that while there is room for improvement, particularly with weight, the device represents a substantial upgrade from my old tools.

Next Steps

Having successfully tested the PCB vise, I plan to make further enhancements to ensure it fully meets my needs. One of the primary considerations is addressing the weight issue. While the rubber strips helped stabilize the device, adding weight would provide even more steadiness during use. I'm exploring options, like attaching a small metal plate to the base, which could offer the needed mass without compromising the design.

Additionally, I might experiment with different 3D printing materials. If the current PLA material proves too light in the long run, I could consider printing the base and other critical parts with ABS or even metal. Services like PCBWay offer such options, allowing for sturdier builds and potentially more durable solutions.

Finally, I’ll continue using the tool across different projects and make tweaks as needed. This iterative process will help me refine the design, ensuring maximum functionality and ease of use. I’m also looking forward to receiving feedback and suggestions from the community, which can inspire further improvements and possible future projects.

Recommended tools and materials

Below are some tools and materials for your workbench:

• Helping Hand - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFg8xaR
• Soldering Station - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_olU3Dnt
• 3D Printer Filament - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_omoXoqF
• Multimeter - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_omLz4hh
• Fumes Extractor - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_omXdI7z
• DC Bench Power Supply - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_omOeZqP
• Precision Screwdriver Set - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_omK8abd