Everybody needs a helping hand from time to time (*slaps knee*).
The best soldering helping hands feature a sturdy base, two or more flexible arms, and alligator-style clamps. Of course, it would be great to have special accessories included.
On the other hand, a poor quality soldering helping hands is a complete waste of money and time. They will slip aside while the plastic parts tend to break apart.
To help you separate the good from the bad – we’ve reviewed the Top 6 soldering helping hands of 2024.
Buy with confidence that you’re investing in one of the best soldering helping hands on the market. Let’s get straight into the reviews.
- Flexible and durable build
- Magnifying glass included
- USB powered LED light inside the magnifying arm
- Unique and heavy stainless steel base for greater stability
- Uniquely designed tentacles
- Rubber legs that prevent movement
- Excellent value for money
- Interchangeable alligator clamps
- Two alligator style clips to hold your components in place
Contents
Top 6 Best Soldering Helping Hands
NEWACALOX Soldering Helping Hands –Best Overall
- 5 FLEXIBLE ARMS: Four small flexible gooseneck helping hands are easily positioned where you want them. Eliminates the frustration of traditional helping hands
- PENTAGRAM ALUMINUM ALLOY BASE: Aluminum alloy base provide stability when working with a heavy project, with white soft rubber pad, the unit is not going to move while you are...
- MAGNIFIER with 3 COLOR ADJUSTABLE LIGHTS: Optical-grade glass magnifier enlarges 300% for ultimate clarity and distortion-free view. Daylight bright 5W LED light powered by...
The NEWCALOX Third Hand Helping Arms Tool is the perfect addition to any jeweler, electrician, or hobbyist toolbox. These helping hand features make it ideal for soldering, repairing, jewelry, and other projects that require attention to detail.
NEWCALOX soldering helping hand has four small flexible gooseneck arms that can be positioned anywhere on the base. The alligator clips come with removable rubber sleeves that prevent scratching delicate surfaces. The clamps are detachable and can be rotated 360 degrees.
The unit’s pentagram-shaped aluminum alloy base ensures rock-solid stability, while its rubber-coated feet guard against any damage to your work surface, ensuring your projects remain pristine.
The magnifying glass enlarges 300% and includes a USB powered 5W LED light to illuminate your projects better.
If you decide to purchase this kit, you will get an excellent package containing one solid base, a magnifying glass with a flexible arm, four adjustable arms with alligator clips, and a user guide. Can you ask for more? Well, this product comes with a 30 days money back policy and a 2-years warranty.
Check Price- Flexible and durable build
- Magnifying glass included
- USB powered LED light inside the magnifying arm
- The light features a 3 level brightness adjustment
- USB adapter not included
QuadHands Soldering Helping Hands – Premium Choice
- When You Need a Hand: Place the flexible and adjustable Quadhands gooseneck arms anywhere on the magnetic plate. Clamp a project (circuits, jewelry, hobby model) securely in...
- Strong Magnetic Arms: Freely connect 4 magnetic, adjustable 16” and 8” arms to the plate. Clip your project to the 360° rotating alligator clamps and lock using thumb...
- Weighted Base: Rubber feet keep the large powder coated steel 6” x 9” heavy base from sliding and stable. Wherever you stick the arms - the base provides a strong magnetic...
QuadHands soldering helping hands tool is manufactured by Alphidia, an American brand, and features some great details that will make your work easier.
QuadHands helping hand is a fantastic assistant when it comes to soldering, welding, crafting, painting, and many more. This tool comes with four flexible gooseneck arms made of industrial-grade rubber (2 large and two smaller tentacles) and four durable stainless steel alligator clamps. These clamps have a magnetic repositioning throughout the base.
A 9 inch by 6-inch massive powder-coated steel base makes the workstation extremely stable, while this base’s rubber feet will protect your work surfaces. The entire unit weighs over 4 pounds, so it will not budge from the body.
The QuadHands rig includes removable silicone tips for extra protection when working on electronics, microchips, or other delicate objects. However, this third-hand does not include a magnifying glass, and as such, you have to purchase it separately.
After reading many reviews of this product, we noticed that the only complaint raised by a few people is related to the company’s customer service. However, since this product is of high-quality, we are sure you will not have to call the manufacturer too often.
Overall, this product is also among the best helping hand station one can ask for.
Check Price- Unique and heavy stainless steel base for greater stability
- Uniquely designed tentacles – two are large, and two are short
- Rubber legs that prevent movement
- A powder-coated base that is corrosion-proof
- Some people complained about the customer service
Pro’sKit 900-015 Soldering Helping Hands – Great Value
- Two Alligator Style Clips To Hold Your Components In Place
- Weighted Base To Keep Unit Upright
- Several Points Of Adjustments
Pro’sKit 900-015 is a great tool to have if you need a third hand, simply because this product incorporates all the features of an excellent helping hand soldering kit: simplicity, practicality, and durability.
This helping hand soldering tool has a weighted base that keeps the unit upright. Its alligator clips are interchangeable and can be easily removed with thumbscrews. These clips can be found in any hardware store, so it’s easy to replace them if they break or you need a different size.
The unit can be angled in just about any position you want. Apart from this, it is all heavy metal with no plastic components. The tool does not include a magnifying glass, which is a good thing for those who consider magnifiers as obstacles.
One minor hiccup with this tool is its struggle with heavier items like speaker cables. A simple workaround? Just anchor it with a weighty object on its base for added heft and stability.
Overall, Pro’sKit 900-15 is a high-quality product useful to either amateurs or professionals, and all this is at an affordable price.
Check Price- Versatile helping hands
- Interchangeable alligator clamps
- All metal without plastic components
- Excellent price
- The unit is not very stable
Eurotool Soldering Helping Hands
- Materials Or Model Number: Metal, Plastic
- Package Dimensions: 16.8 H X 6.8 L X 8.8 W (Centimeters)
- Package Weight: 0.352 Kilograms
One of the most useful tools for jewelers is the Eurotool Third Hand With Tweezers. This helping hand tool is a great entry point for all those who just started soldering and crafting jewelry, and it is cheap.
The third-hand features pointed tweezers mounted on a weighted base with rubber feet. It will hold items stable and secure in any position. Your hands will be free, and you will be able to focus on your project.
The Eurotool third hand is better than many expensive soldering helping hands with alligator clips, and it holds items in almost any angle. The adjustable tweezers will keep wires while you solder them – this helping hand is suited for electronic repairs. However, the tool does not include a magnifying glass.
It’s important to mention that the Eurotool’s third hand, with its clay base mimicking metal, might not endure heavy usage or support weightier items. Nevertheless, it stands out as an excellent choice for beginners, offering an affordable pathway to gain hands-on experience.
Check Price- A quite sturdy third-hand tool
- Adjustable unit
- Extremely affordable
- Clay made base
- The tweezers do not hold items for a long time
Hobby Creek Soldering Helping Hands
- Magnetic arms and trays can be positioned anywhere on heavy steel base
- Durable Powder Coated Steel base - Over 4.5 lbs - Won't tip over
- 4 Premium Flexible arms - 15" Length - Easily positioned and stay in place - Heat resistant
Our next recommendation is Hobby Creek Helping Hands Third Hand Mag Hand Professional Workstation. This is a versatile tool ideal for different projects such as electronic repairs, soldering, or jewelry making.
This soldering station comes with a heavy powder-coated stainless steel base weighing over 4.5 lbs. It will not tip over. The 11 inches by 8.5-inch strong magnetic base comes with a snap connector for ESD grounding.
The kit also includes four adjustable arms that feature 3D positioning and 20 independent joints. These flexible arms can be placed anywhere on the base and are resistant to heat.
Interchangeable alligator clips come with silicone covers to be added if needed, and they rotate at a full 360 degrees. Each Hobby Creek soldering third-hand kit comes with four standards and two extra-large clips.
In the package, you will also find two magnetic trays that can be positioned anywhere on the base. In case you work with sensitive electronics, the kit also includes a snap connector for grounding. The kit though does not have a magnifying glass.
However, this is one of the best third-hand tools and a must-have for any hobbyist.
Check Price- Magnetic arms and trays
- Sturdy and massive double powder-coated metallic base
- Interchangeable alligator clips with 360 degrees rotation and silicone covers
- The joints are stiff and might require lube
TEKTON Soldering Helping Hands
- Securely holds small workpieces for soldering, gluing, fastening, and assembly work
- 2-1/2-inch magnifying glass (2X) improves your visibility of fine details
- Two alligator spring clamps with universal ball joints hold work in any position
If your soldering work requires precision and a steady hand, TEKTON 7521 Helping Hand with Magnifier is your weapon of choice.
The soldering helping hands come with 2,5 inches magnifying glass that improves visibility of fine details. This magnifying glass can be easily removed if you require extra space.
The glass can be easily removed if you require extra space. TEKTON features a cast iron platform that functions as a secure and firm base. The helping hands soldering station also features two alligator clips with universal ball joints. Metal arms, steel alligator spring clamps, and the swivelling joints act as a suspension system that holds pieces.
However, if you need to hold a piece for a more extended period (when gluing), remember to tighten the screws a bit.
The product weighs about 14,4 ounces, and it will not break the workbench where it is fixed.
Another cool feature of the TEKTON third hand is the fact that it is compatible with magnetic accessories.
Check Price- Universal ball joints
- Lightweight and can be attached to any workbench
- Compatible with magnetic accessories
- Comes with a 2,5-inch magnifying glass
- Short arms
- Screw heads tend to break
Can You Make Your Own Solder Helping Hand Tool?
With the plethora of soldering aids on the market, the option to craft your own third-hand tool remains appealing. The process is straightforward, offering the satisfaction of tailor-making a device that meets your specific needs.
If you want to make your own solder helping hand tool, all you need is a heavy metallic base, strong but flexible wires or tubes, and few alligator clips. Next, attach the tubes to the base and the clamps to the end of each tube. Of course, additional accessories can be added such as rubber covers or a magnifying glass.
How Do You Choose the Best Soldering for Helping Hands?
A good set of helping hands will prevent you from juggling hot soldering irons, solder, and circuits. If you consider purchasing such a tool, there are some factors to consider. Here are the four most essential things to consider when choosing the best soldering for helping hands!
Foundation
The best soldering helping hand station should have a heavy and well-protected base to ensure stability and durability. Ideally, the base should have rubber feet and vice grips, especially to avoid scratching the floor.
Arms
The best helping hand has at least two or more flexible arms. We recommend metallic arms, heat resistant, and with many adjustment points. You need durability and flexibility for your works.
Alligator clips
These clips have grippy metal teeth and silicone or rubber covers. Keep in mind that alligator clips have limited openings. A soldering station with interchangeable clips is the best option for greater versatility.
Accessories
Many helping hands soldering tools feature accessories such as magnifying glass and/or LED lights. Choose the best option for your type of work. A useful addition to the third-hand device is the holder for the soldering iron.
How do you use a solder helping hand?
A soldering helping hand is easy to use. Adjust the arms’ height and place the elements that need to be soldered together on the clips. Pick up your soldering iron and start to fasten the elements. Make sure that the solder does not touch the clips.
Conclusion
The ideal soldering third-hand tool is one that aligns perfectly with your needs. For intricate tasks like electronic repairs, the freedom to maneuver both the soldering iron and solder without restraint is crucial. This is where a reliable helping hand becomes indispensable.
Either a newbie or a pro, we hope our selection is a starting point in your quest for the best third-hand tool.
Depending on the budget and features, we recommend you to give a chance to the NEWCALOX Store soldering helping hands station. Nicely built and displaying a series of cool accessories, this soldering helping hands station will take you to the next level, and it might just well be the best soldering helping hands out there!
