SparkFun Electronics Commentsurn:uuid:214d0e4e-f1b1-d287-ce26-ac5b4c9f82492024-03-28T02:10:03-06:00SparkFun ElectronicsCustomer #11165 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #11165urn:uuid:424ae797-d744-8872-be75-5ace89d47cdf2020-12-23T20:59:37-07:00<p>This is junk. It comes with no directions on how to install the bolts. I broke both brittle orange caps trying to remove them. Now I'll have to glue the clips on. Terrible design ! How can you keep selling this ?</p>
jonahbron on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitjonahbronurn:uuid:fb746426-1577-f575-4dce-22201e6a34562020-05-12T10:57:18-06:00<p>At time of writing, this is out of stock on Sparkfun. Fortunately, DigiKey has some in stock. They even send it in a red Sparkfun box.<p>https://www.digikey.com/short/z4j1qh</p></p>
bbsmith on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitbbsmithurn:uuid:0fdf34a1-5128-6997-626b-d51d3b5c3baf2017-12-25T16:32:34-07:00<p>Pease update the drawing to show the right callout for the threaded holes to match your coolant pipe (1/2 20)! I assumed the drawing was right, drilled and tapped 6 holes to M14 1.25. My bad, should have double checked, or searched the comments...</p>
Customer #912795 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #912795urn:uuid:da21c7c5-9279-308f-4f63-16a01329fe2e2017-03-09T00:36:59-07:00<p>It is almost impossible to assemble manually without damaging the equipment or yourself.
Unbelievable that it is still shipping unassembled or without the warning that you would need a loc line connector tool.<p>The video is misleading too. The one on the video is either of another material , or somehow heated to make it look like it is easy too assemble.</p></p>
Customer #739228 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #739228urn:uuid:71be642d-9de5-5ccb-ff09-1e17914215192015-11-12T09:33:01-07:00<p>Ok, it's actually 1/2" NPT. The drawing is inaccurate, that's a shame.<p>By the way, I bought a pack of M14 bolts I have absolutely no use for. Thanks a lot...</p></p>
Customer #739228 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #739228urn:uuid:b47e70d0-d2cd-2f59-f6d4-dae91f4e149d2015-11-12T08:13:05-07:00<p>I blocked the yellow bit in a vice and pushed like mad the blue part. It worked. Roll the yellow part in paper in order to avoid to get it scratched by the vice. And don't crush it with the vice...</p>
Customer #739228 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #739228urn:uuid:8b8590ff-3135-91d0-e500-2162ef2b6a1f2015-11-12T08:01:44-07:00<p>I try to add some accessories to the base, but I can't find fitting screws. The plan indicate M14 screws, but that's not fitting. Has anyone a reference online that actually works?<p>Someone below indicates 1/2", but I don't know the step. Is is standard? it seems really fine...</p></p>
Customer #470975 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #470975urn:uuid:36bef48a-3988-2451-18f7-f410dd4708792015-06-08T12:23:14-06:00<p>On the dimensional drawing the hole call out for where the coolant pipe screws in is M14x1.25 but on the flexible coolant pipe page it states that the end is threaded to 1/2" - 20 pipe thread.<p>I don't have the flexible pipe yet to double check but I am assuming one of these call outs is wrong? I decided to build my own set and don't want to tap the wrong holes.</p></p>
Colin J. on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitColin J.urn:uuid:3300c989-e9e5-d0e2-4d9a-4e5d72b5b5e22015-04-27T09:52:55-06:00<p>I love this device and I use it all of the time.<p>For those folks wanting larger alligator clips I would suggest going back to the original instructable (link in the product description). The instructable calls for using larger alligator clips and attaching them to the arms with banana plugs. I was able to do this with one of the arms by heating up the threads on the banana plug so that they would soften the plastic on the nozzle enough to allow me to screw the banana plug in. I like the banana plugs as I now have the option of removing the alligator clips and then attaching something else with the same size hole in it.</p></p>
Customer #324451 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #324451urn:uuid:55316072-861e-92ca-ccff-7986483c7c4a2015-02-24T12:44:22-07:00<p>I found the pipes impossible to click together—until I warmed up the socket end with a hairdryer. Much easier.</p>
Customer #394252 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #394252urn:uuid:0a252004-acca-104e-8521-34a208c837f62015-02-18T12:00:39-07:00<p>I was really excited to get my new third hand in the mail as I've used my traditional one quite a bit and find it flimsy and hard to get wires aligned in order to solder them together. Well, this one is even harder to get my wires aligned. I'm not sure if folks are putting some kind of lube on it to make it move more easily, but I'm having a tough time using this. Any tips?</p>
Customer #602894 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #602894urn:uuid:f96b924d-f698-73b2-aa71-4ae4ac67c7c22014-11-02T22:05:40-07:00<p>I had trouble like some others getting the nubs reattached so when I finally found a way, though likely not the most intelligent approach, I decided to capture it - <a href="http://youtu.be/uAQchSHDaSA" rel="nofollow">example</a>.</p>
Cryocrat on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCryocraturn:uuid:10e45476-8358-91aa-0d3b-799ea72f91552014-09-24T20:08:57-06:00<p>You don't have cats do you?</p>
Customer #290862 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #290862urn:uuid:f5aa7a7d-2d5a-49a8-55a7-b46e5d372b382014-09-09T09:15:09-06:00<p>does anyone know the tap size for the coolant hose? i guessed that it was the same as the one used on the third hand++ (1/8-27), but that definitely doesn't match this one.</p>
Ogre on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitOgreurn:uuid:aac61081-e6c1-cac5-6f34-413aa8c6e3cd2014-08-28T11:26:21-06:00<p>Expensive for what it is, but i've found it very useful many times. If you're handy enough and want to save money, you should buy the flexible pipe and other bits separate, then build your own base.</p>
Toni_K on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitToni_Kurn:uuid:dfe3590c-b836-316f-9010-275ba6d9dbdb2014-08-04T09:10:47-06:00<p>Neat little trick Mike showed me - place the nozzle into one of the open holes on the base plate, and use that as leverage to reattach it to one of the arms. Hope that helps!</p>
Customer #580690 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #580690urn:uuid:d6347b15-c9ab-4290-1d4c-870c9e38f1782014-08-04T05:07:06-06:00<p>I just got mine and they look great!!!
The only real downside is that it is until now impossible to reattach the nozzles after they have been removed (that in itself wasn't easy).
I have strong hands normally don't have problem with things that are handled with brute force but that is not enough here.
Else it is a really nice product but useless if I don't get it assembled again. I guess I have to sand it until it can get back on. I have tried with boiling water but that doesn't help one iota.
This is not a product for children and fainthearted people.</p>
Glebun on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitGlebunurn:uuid:5b8ded4c-2611-3a43-73af-b287f5a9e7962014-05-26T13:16:13-06:00<p>Almost $30 for the base plate?</p>
KM4HPK on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitKM4HPKurn:uuid:d4c70d8c-e29c-455d-6a0d-91ec7f77bbef2014-05-20T07:19:44-06:00<p>It is ironic that this is under the hand tools section.</p>
Doov on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitDoovurn:uuid:9dd278a6-7251-57ba-bc8a-9cfd3f80dc032014-04-24T21:53:51-06:00<p>Not that it really matters, but mine didn't come with any silicon bumpers. Also the "alligator clip covers" are just heat shrink tubing -- nothing wrong with that, but it's slightly misleading. I would personally go with slightly shorter flex arms. You can shorten them yourself though, which is nice. As some people have noted it's really hard to get the nozzle off. I ended up removing the nozzle and a few joints and threading the screw from there. I'd suggest some thread locker or other adhesive on the inside of the nozzle since the screws and alligator clips rotate easily in the nozzle.</p>
GHANDiFRESH on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitGHANDiFRESHurn:uuid:34ebf67d-36d7-e585-1212-855501274fcf2014-04-17T04:12:56-06:00<p>http://www.loc-line.com/index.html: There so many useful applications for this it's crazy. "Where have you been all my life", that's all I thought when I discovered this product line. I built a fume extractor out of their anti-static 2.5" vacuum hose, anti-static 4.5" round nozzle, 120 mm case fan, and 12v power supply. In addition, you can add an optional speed control if you want (e.g. PWM). Then I just made a mount for one end of the hose to fit in a partially open window pane ( basically a tall rectangle, at least for my window, that seals the opening). Since it's flexible you can position to your working area! Thank you spark fun. It's only because of this site I discovered this product :) .</p>
Customer #235042 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #235042urn:uuid:a5dd61b9-67b3-8067-bd61-cda07a294a172014-04-03T20:28:54-06:00<p>I just received mine yesterday and guess what? I've got the same problem too, but only on one of the arms. Fraction annoying, but I guess that is what the hardware store is for.<p>Apart from that it's a really good product and it should be really useful. I'm planning on using some aralditie to glue the magnifying glass from the other third hand (TOL-09317) to this one. Hopefully it will work ok.</p></p>
franklin97355 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitfranklin97355urn:uuid:c1dc5e21-8476-ab7b-8775-19f48b47d2552014-03-20T13:00:06-06:00<p>you should link to the pipes https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12054 from this page.</p>
KM4HPK on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitKM4HPKurn:uuid:f5c3d706-9c11-b9ea-85cf-4437fb30dafd2014-03-17T15:48:46-06:00<p>What legal circuit would a person be building that they would need a lock box?</p>
KM4HPK on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitKM4HPKurn:uuid:6adf934c-7332-5441-57f2-17dbf6567cb12014-03-17T15:40:31-06:00<p>Why is this in hand tools? It is not like you hold it in your hand while using it. Just wondering.</p>
Customer #235042 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #235042urn:uuid:e7f82238-4f61-1b32-7d48-4546739c93322014-03-17T03:45:02-06:00<p>Would love a light and magnifying glass attachment.</p>
theksmith on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kittheksmithurn:uuid:8cfeb001-de81-1372-532a-7a2f1991eca22014-02-20T05:19:39-07:00<p>i put the part number for some larger & stronger clips in my review here: http://theksmith.com/consumerism/sparkfun-third-hand-review/</p>
Customer #520658 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #520658urn:uuid:94ca7dd5-36b6-6146-7057-42d91400c8262014-02-17T11:24:02-07:00<p>All this is a perfect electric Engineering project. Why not do all this for fun. It will be cheaper. You could add an LED Clock. Or perhaps if your working on an important project a pcb sized lock box.</p>
lallerb on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitlallerburn:uuid:fd1fde50-27df-12c1-fdbc-436b5557c21e2014-02-07T12:37:56-07:00<p>It would be nice to have bigger alligator clips as an option. I have had problems holding onto pcb's securely with the heat shrink tubing applied. I still think it's a great product, though!</p>
jm on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitjmurn:uuid:b0fd4a78-6f58-fe70-d5a7-53da1b247cfd2014-02-01T10:21:01-07:00<p>Wonderfull!! What a great idea! I bought one and use it everyday at my workbench. FAR FAR FAR superior to the old Radio Shack 3rd hand. I now have 5 hands when assembling, wiring, soldering my small robots.<p>I recomment buying an extra arm to go with the 2 that ship with the base.</p><p>Yes, screwing the plastic arm into to the aluminum base can be a little tricky. Take your time. You only need to do it once.</p></p>
FutureInventions on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitFutureInventionsurn:uuid:65681a92-7678-c2bf-5399-8c6c9188d1592014-01-20T17:26:58-07:00<p>These are so insanely useful. I love mine! :)</p>
pstemari on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitpstemariurn:uuid:fab14350-2118-49ce-4efa-7537b3de358b2014-01-02T14:50:45-07:00<p>Now you've got me thinking about using a Noga-style arm like this: http://www.shars.com/products/view/1456/Test_Indicator_Holder_Arm_Only<p>I don't know how well the no-name clones compare to an actual Noga, but it's something to think about.</p></p>
Customer #497210 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #497210urn:uuid:99c95037-0419-40c2-9711-feb23a2693872013-12-27T18:18:02-07:00<p>FWIW, this happened to me, too (also a Christmas gift). I'm emailing customer support as well and will probably see if I can get the right screws at the hardware store.</p>
RobertC. on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitRobertC.urn:uuid:5c8b2db7-22c2-bbb7-e2a8-b75ab12be5c52013-12-26T09:53:06-07:00<p>that's very strange. we'll look into it. in the meantime, can you email customer service and let them know? they can take care of you and get the correct product for you. sorry about that.</p>
Customer #320849 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #320849urn:uuid:bf6ae74d-849a-33ec-6edd-203eac0263412013-12-25T11:24:08-07:00<p>Well I got this as a gift for Christmas and there is obviously no quality checks at sparkfun since the screws that came with it are the wrong size and don't even screw into the alligator clips. Thank you for taking the wind out of my sails ....</p>
RERo on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitRERourn:uuid:50217b27-d699-7d08-9e73-c16044050a292013-11-24T05:39:46-07:00<p>Instead of a somewhat fixed custom aluminum base plate you can also use fitting pipe T-pieces (3xfemale) and straights (male-male) to form an easily extendable base as needed.</p>
jm on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitjmurn:uuid:e0b50e83-7f6a-adbf-db91-dfa9d65b41472013-11-20T20:19:16-07:00<p>I bought one based on the video. It's just as they claim, FAR superior to my old 3rd hand from Radio Shack. I thought the guy in the video was a bit theatrical when he tossed his old 3rd hand model in the trash. Nope, he was right. I just deposited my old one in the same receptacle.</p>
Customer #58385 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #58385urn:uuid:ed6e543a-1933-30f0-c3f8-954f3374db8c2013-11-13T14:17:08-07:00<p>Yea, 100% agree with this.<p>I ordered the kit and neither of the two arms fit into the base. In addition, one of the ball joints cracked when installing the end piece (the clip holder) exactly as per the video instructions.</p><p>I was sent two replacement arms, one of which fit and one of which did not. On the one that fit, the ball joint at the base was so loose as to make this completely useless.</p><p>Basically, it seems that SF should have just used Loc-Line instead of messing around with cheap, poor-tolerance, brittle knock-offs. This product is not ready for prime-time and in my opinion should not be sold until the issues are fixed.</p><p>Having said all that, SF gave me a refund so pretty good customer service despite the poor product.</p></p>
Customer #302734 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #302734urn:uuid:147c383e-f64d-df76-769f-3f9c80f64fc52013-11-04T18:46:14-07:00<p>I got one of the first versions of this and had better success with it. All of the parts were included but I found that the included alligator clips weren't as long or well made as those in my cheapie helping hand from Harbor Freight. I ended up using my better HF clips and just crimped them onto similar sized screws as those included in the kit.<p>The nozzle is hard to get back onto the hose, I had the most success when I put the tip of the nozzle into the base (hang part of the base off the edge of a table to get full clearance for the tip) and snapped the hoses on that way. It's a tough fit for sure.</p><p>One this is for certain, they aren't going to fall of by themselves.</p></p>
tedivm on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kittedivmurn:uuid:8715fb5f-5404-59fc-dc58-e9f14116b5c82013-11-04T17:19:37-07:00<p>How are you supposed to put this together? One of the pieces I was given doesn't even fit the base board (I'm guessing it's one of those "oversized" ones that keeps getting mentioned), and there is no way that I can tell for attaching the alligator clips to it. I also did not recieve any of these 4x silicon bumpers.<p>Between the missing pieces, the wrong pieces, and the lack of instructions I'm very disappointed in this product. It looked really cool, but the version I got at least seems completely unusable.</p><p>Edit: Figured out that you have to snap the end pieces off. I was really worried about breaking something, especially since there were no instructions. It may not be a bad idea to ship these with the nozzle tubes off.</p><p>Further Edit: Okay, this thing is impossible. I don't know if I just got a really messed up hose or what, but I'm about to put this damn thing through a window. It's next to impossible to put the nozzles back on the house once you take them off, but that's the only way to screw the alligator clips in. Multiple people in my house have tried, but the thing will not go back together. Between the lack of quality control (missing parts, wrong parts) and difficult assembly I would strongly push people away from this product, despite how cool it looks in principle.</p></p>
rben13 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitrben13urn:uuid:09dcc983-e3ba-c17c-03ff-a0fa5affd7b42013-10-11T19:11:51-06:00<p>Please make more</p>
Toni_K on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitToni_Kurn:uuid:7d28ba1a-1ec9-0b6e-e7a9-8ffe0a4c417b2013-10-10T15:10:25-06:00<p>Please choose the notify button above under the stock numbers. This will auto notify you when stock is available for order. Thanks!</p>
con-f-use on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitcon-f-useurn:uuid:109e7949-56dd-d4d3-8f61-f3e0b1a2a01a2013-10-06T03:14:26-06:00<p>Please make more of those. Unfortunately it's impossible to get the 1/8" snap flow/loc-line hoses in the EU. If anyone knows an online shop that sells the SMALL 1/8" hoses please let me know. Elsewise I rely on you guys at sparkfun to sell the kit again!</p>
Customer #322685 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #322685urn:uuid:e2e5d4ac-1367-610c-f728-3a02530bb0862013-10-03T19:15:47-06:00<p>who long are the fles arms?????</p>
BB on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitBBurn:uuid:c6789904-3213-df97-50bc-bbed1d929c3f2013-10-01T13:41:11-06:00<p>Only if they copied the <em>text</em> verbatim. That <em>guide</em> is not a specific design (e.g. a schematic) or a patent. It contains a parts list, and a set of instructions for how they may be used. That same information is provided here too, only the parts themselves are for sale.</p>
Customer #382389 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #382389urn:uuid:fa377d9d-292a-7f44-c8c2-4f38a452ebe22013-09-16T18:31:46-06:00<p>dam this thing needs a peltier beer cooler as well....and a.....and a....and,,, coasters would be great so i can slide from one side of the desk to the other.....<p>got mine in the male to day i found a great led with power supply at ikea's scratch bin for $3 it works great....</p></p>
jrshell on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitjrshellurn:uuid:bfcc1ecf-6142-88d4-a9d4-5d018b0c48802013-09-16T17:41:34-06:00<p>Good to know, Robert. Thanks!</p>
Paul Smith on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitPaul Smithurn:uuid:c3e7faa4-7df0-6e83-8644-90bbd4d47d2b2013-09-16T13:40:02-06:00<p>I use one for coolant and it works just fine!</p>
RobertC. on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitRobertC.urn:uuid:bd33a8b5-0870-4e04-21f6-723ddb0ac3582013-09-16T12:35:24-06:00<p>we're addressing this. as it turns out, we got two different sizes of hoses. contact customer service and they'll take care of you.</p>
wgillaspy on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitwgillaspyurn:uuid:0aa90c88-3714-22e1-85b8-30d18f0867462013-09-16T09:56:19-06:00<p>Use a bit of paper towel to fill in the gap. It should allow the threads to fit snugly.<p>The fit and finish on these are pretty poor. Wrong thread size, sharp edges, and a lot of cutting lube on the aluminim block.</p><p>That being said, it works pretty well. Having the parts held high off the workbench while soldering is surprisingly easier on the eyes and neck.</p></p>
jrshell on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitjrshellurn:uuid:e5ff05a9-d88c-d1e8-4f65-5c97fde6f3662013-09-13T20:46:11-06:00<p>Mine too. I have a call/email in to customer service but the floods are obviously slowing things down. I'm a little bummed.</p>
Customer #459540 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #459540urn:uuid:44bfda2a-0103-7385-b318-1f14de563c6a2013-09-13T16:33:02-06:00<p>I just received mine and it seems the holes in the base are just slightly too large for the arms. They just slide right in and out and won't secure at all.</p>
Blacklab1 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitBlacklab1urn:uuid:e16509be-5664-6e2f-790d-e2a62889ad632013-09-08T16:45:29-06:00<p>More Units please !!!</p>
TeslaFan on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitTeslaFanurn:uuid:eb4849b8-194e-3182-7321-32900e8d34f62013-09-08T16:28:37-06:00<p>Huh! Interesting use of coolant hose! I like it!<p>For people who really want to get jiggy with this, you can get sets of coolant hoses from people that actually expect you to use them for coolant. Here's a set of similar 1/4 inch hoses:</p><p>http://www.grizzly.com/products/1-4-Adjustable-Coolant-Hose-Set-with-Pliers/T25180</p><p>Note that the "hose" itself is a series of plugged together sections, so there should be nothing stopping you from connecting several into a longer hose, or removing links to make it shorter. Note that the kit comes with the tool needed.</p><p>They also have 1/2 inch hoses in a similar set, for when you REALLY need it.</p></p>
dsffasdfdsafadsfasdfadsf on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitdsffasdfdsafadsfasdfadsfurn:uuid:c16f974d-3eaf-e8cf-6aa9-fd29f22d9b802013-09-08T11:06:16-06:00<p>I was about to buy one to but they went out of stock way faster then I expected!<p>@ Sparkfun PleasE get some more in stock!</p></p>
gamaral on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitgamaralurn:uuid:da5e1384-05ae-c414-176c-2c051e2b03d82013-09-08T10:38:56-06:00<p>Not even the According to Pete stickers? man you are heartless...<p>I was about to buy one, but the only thing that stopped me was the tube colors... they will look "ridonculous" in my bench.</p></p>
rben13 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitrben13urn:uuid:c48225c3-0294-92a8-3265-2c342a5a08262013-09-08T07:00:49-06:00<p>I really wish they'd made more, or I'd checked the site earlier in the day on Friday. I would love one of these. I'm teaching electronics to a couple of ten year-olds and they find using a regular 3rd hand even more frustrating than I do. When I get mine, I plan on adding a magnifying glass and a light source.<p>As for other people's comments about it being too much like an ordinary 3rd hand: are you kidding? Yes, it performs the same function, but it looks like you can get it in position far faster, plus it has greater overall range. I think this is well worth the price. Apparently a lot of other people do, too, since it sold out within hours. :)</p></p>
Blacklab1 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitBlacklab1urn:uuid:a8ff5c0b-a13e-477a-3d9c-1e5a5dd20de82013-09-07T17:47:16-06:00<p>What about a hole for a soldering iron holder like what the Third Hand (TOL-09317) has?<p>And someone said "What about a LED for light?" That's also a great Idea.</p><p>@AustinSpafford - shallow bowl-shaped - Great Idea !!! One bowl to hold your solder sponge. A second to hold parts and what ever.</p><p>I also really like the comment by @Pauld001, down below, the for a good magnifying glass.</p><p>But then you also will need a spool holder for your solder too.</p><p>Sparkfun could sell all these other things as additions to this.</p></p>
Shiftycow on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitShiftycowurn:uuid:3c11b92d-9c03-ddf2-b743-1cda1702e11f2013-09-07T15:34:44-06:00<p>Lots of people have built these over the years, myself included (http://shiftycow.net/diy-3rd-hand/). I was inspired by rstraugh, but I'll bet that many people have thought of this independently.</p>
Customer #98837 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #98837urn:uuid:cc694abd-f4cf-1c52-7785-e4257400bc042013-09-07T02:16:25-06:00<p>About fell out of my seat when I saw the price for these. I'll pass.</p>
dsffasdfdsafadsfasdfadsf on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitdsffasdfdsafadsfasdfadsfurn:uuid:97a1fee2-9110-9861-764e-464258b728782013-09-06T18:35:44-06:00<p>How many were originally ordered? They went fast!</p>
dsffasdfdsafadsfasdfadsf on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitdsffasdfdsafadsfasdfadsfurn:uuid:ed0a6942-1b76-5215-792e-980ed9f170a62013-09-06T18:34:25-06:00<p>"Improvement patents do exist" Well that is obvious, however, there must be a noticeable improvement. I don't see much of a difference between this and the regular helping hands. They both grasp the object the same way. The only difference is this one flexes a little more. I don't think it's patent worthy, but thats just my opinion. Even if it could have gotten patented It is not eligible any more as the one year time frame expired years ago (assuming it was never patented). If that is the case spark fun does not owe rstraugh a cent or a few stickers! Giving him money would be like giving the person who made spoon money for every S.H.O.V.E.L. the sell. Unless you own the rights you have no clam to the $$$. That is they way the world works. Get on board or get over it!<p>I will be buying one soon (assuming they get them back in stock) and I hope spark fun keeps EVERY CENT!</p></p>
gamaral on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitgamaralurn:uuid:0eef553f-d197-e642-f775-95bc5052fe522013-09-06T18:23:58-06:00<p>Improvement patents do exist, IIRC sewing machines went through at least a couple of patent iterations to get up to where they Today.<p>That said, they did mention they got the idea from a third-party, Don't Be A Dick law says they should give the guy a cut or a maybe couple of According to Pete stickers and a hug.</p></p>
Paul Smith on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitPaul Smithurn:uuid:1d440cb6-6512-d912-ff46-afee5eddfc032013-09-06T16:34:21-06:00<p>Great idea! I'll keep that in mind for the next bulk order. Hopefully it wouldn't add too much cost.</p>
AustinSpafford on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitAustinSpaffordurn:uuid:eb795124-5bef-0905-5fc8-94e6408f386a2013-09-06T16:13:34-06:00<p>Indeed, I was about to suggest some shallow bowl-shaped areas!<p>Oddly enough, I started thinking about that when seeing the thumbnail for the product, where I initially mistook the silicone sheet sitting on the base to be a wedge-shaped depression to place loose parts in.</p></p>
dsffasdfdsafadsfasdfadsf on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitdsffasdfdsafadsfasdfadsfurn:uuid:d7cff55d-517a-2ed9-137c-673d4761806d2013-09-06T13:52:35-06:00<p>This product is fair game. After one year of an invention not being patented it becomes fair game in the US and it can never be panted and can be made by any body! Also I don't think this can be panted as it is two similar to helping hands which is clearly not panted as many people make them.<p>Also why would spark fun give money to rstraugh? Unless somebody owns the right to a product there is no point in giving them money!</p><p>I could be wrong, but thats the way I see it.</p></p>
Chilly on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitChillyurn:uuid:a453cf6a-fff7-5740-b03b-8c70fdbc95fd2013-09-06T12:30:47-06:00<p>Add a valve and air to either cool off parts or blow away solder fumes....</p>
JerZ on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitJerZurn:uuid:f9178a46-d65a-daca-c089-3bbe69066f8e2013-09-06T12:26:38-06:00<p>Probably not enough to be "Mug worthy", eh? :P</p>
Paul Smith on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitPaul Smithurn:uuid:21fa571a-ea8a-9e1e-b074-79ef63f757552013-09-06T11:57:55-06:00<p>I had <a href="https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9317" rel="nofollow">one of these</a> sitting around:
I hot glued the outer ring and glass to the end of a flex arm. Works great!</p>
andy4us on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand Kitandy4usurn:uuid:f9b74d3b-da1c-0fc0-59fe-33be82e999ff2013-09-06T11:57:28-06:00<p>I like the idea of getting rid of the center three holes and machining a recess to act as a small parts tray. Maybe even another 4 smaller areas between the threaded arm holes.</p>
M-Short on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitM-Shorturn:uuid:bc2c7d3a-9cdc-ae8b-9c70-466287f0a5152013-09-06T11:45:37-06:00<p>Give it a while. We don't release upcoming products to our distributors before the rest of the world, so the distributors just found out about it today.</p>
Customer #47110 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #47110urn:uuid:09701830-ad64-8d39-37c2-0bdd4ced719c2013-09-06T10:57:28-06:00<p>Anyone knows about an EU distributor carrying this? I could use one of these, but the shipping from US to France is crazy :(</p>
One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chris on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitOne Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chrisurn:uuid:108a8587-6f01-374e-9ef4-d67ae5fb76a22013-09-06T09:51:52-06:00<p>Fixed :)</p>
Daniel H on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitDaniel Hurn:uuid:0fd51433-45c9-853c-0880-fd9a5c02ae792013-09-06T09:45:45-06:00<p>The instructions for making the project would fall under copyright law and the CC license, but the object would likely have to be patented to receive protection.</p>
Pauld001 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitPauld001urn:uuid:1bce58f3-b045-9500-663b-90beb4d7c8ab2013-09-06T09:35:02-06:00<p>Is there a Magnifying glass that attaches to the arms to help with us sight challenged individuals?</p>
Paul Smith on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitPaul Smithurn:uuid:2bb0461f-b68d-0d21-7820-413dcc6088372013-09-06T09:27:50-06:00<p>You are correct, I'll change it.</p>
JerZ on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitJerZurn:uuid:8c60fdee-5022-ed5b-9c08-ceed579b0f112013-09-06T05:50:58-06:00<p>Looking through the dimensional drawings, I'm 95% sure this product actually uses 6061 aircraft aluminum, not 6160.</p>
MostThingsWeb on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitMostThingsWeburn:uuid:ffa7709c-a594-5432-da80-1b904d9d43932013-09-05T20:58:06-06:00<p>I'm going to guess that SparkFun was granted permission, possibly giving a portion of the sales to rstraugh.</p>
Customer #26095 on TOL-11784 - SparkFun Third Hand KitCustomer #26095urn:uuid:1834da8f-5204-44b4-8321-a828ade78e712013-09-05T20:39:48-06:00<p>Doesn't this infringe upon the Creative Commons "Non-commercial Share Alike" license of this project? http://www.instructables.com/id/Third-Hand-A-multi-use-helping-hand-for-electro/</p>