SuperMod Helping Hand Clamp (REV3)

Welcome!

Welcome to Revision 3 of my versatile, DIY helping hands!  These models were entirely reworked for improved flexibility, fewer fasteners, and enhanced functionality.  It is not compatible with previous revisions but offers a more streamlined experience.  

You can find an up-to-date list of SuperMod designs here: https://www.printables.com/@FlyingGyroscope/collections/2284604.

Revision 3 Key Features

• Fewer fasteners
• Modular design - every clamp slides along the base
• Printed springs or pen springs
• Two entirely new clamps
• Improved file organization (for real this time!)
• Gridfinity-ready bases
• Customize with step files
• No supports - designed for FDM printing

TLDR

(1) Pick a base, (2) print the 3mf file for a specific clamp, then (3) use a file to smooth rough spots on moving parts.  You can print just one clamp, or multiple variations of each one.  Clamps contain all of their required printed parts in the 3mf file.

Sorting Through Parts

Choosing a base is straightforward.  Sizes range from 80 to 240 mm.  The 3mf file includes a plain base, and one with holes on the backside for accessories.  All of the Gridfinity-compatible bases (42 - 252 mm) have been combined into one 3mf.  Simply choose a size and ignore the rest.  

Parallel clamps come in vertical and horizontal versions, and each one uses a printed spring or pen springs.  You can mirror the horizontal clamp tower in a slicer to make it slide the opposite direction.  Inside the 3mf, you will find four variations of clamp grips.  Pick your favorite style and print two copies, one for the tower and one for the sliding clamp.  

The parallel clamp with a swivel jaw is separated into its own 3mf.  The clamping surface is cut down to make room for the swivel mechanism, and the grips are a slightly different size.

The file for the vise clamps contains alternate grip patterns for the sliding grip and stationary tower.  Pick your favorite matching pair and ignore the others.  

The PCB holder comes in a regular and tall version, and each one has two options for the central shaft.  The standard version has a plain hole, and the shaft spins freely when the knob is loose.  The friction grip version has small, springy levers that hold the shaft in place when the knob is loose.  Use extra pressure to install the central shaft for this version.  

Springs

You can make your own springs with PETG, though ABS and Nylon also work.  Do not use PLA for printed springs.  You can also repurpose springs from a clicky pen.  I designed for springs that are 25 mm (1 inch) long.  If yours are too short then use a spacer.  Scale the Z dimension to make a spacer of any height.

Printed Threads

I made printed threads with my template here: https://www.printables.com/model/989431-custom-threads-for-3d-printing-parametric.

Tune your seams!  I have success printing threads with 0.2 mm layers (or smaller), scarf seams, and random seams.  Printing external perimeters first can sometimes help.  

Gluing and Clamp Grips

Grips for parallel clamps are glued into place.  You can use TPU to make squishy grips.  If you are soldering with your clamps, I recommend using high-temperature filaments for grips or adding some protective Kapton tape.  

You can try commercial products in place of flat grips on parallel clamps.  Look for grip tape or anti-skid pads used with carpet, furniture, tool handles, …  I used this roll of high-temperature, adhesive-backed silicone: https://www.mcmaster.com/1411N201/.  

Fasteners

When you need a metal fastener choose between M3 x 12 mm and #4-40 x 0.5 inch screws. Shorter screws may work for some parts, but these sizes are guaranteed to work.  If a part or clamp requires a fastener, it will be in the filename.  For example, “Accessory_M3_HexNut” uses an M3 screw and M3 hex nut for assembly.  

If a filename lists a fastener type but does not list a nut or heatset insert, then the screw threads into plastic.  For example, “Swivel_Sliding_Clamp_M3”.  Use caution to avoid over-tightening these screws.

Base Accessories

The base accessory 3mf includes two parts.  The plain cylinder is a spool holder and the threaded cylinder has 1/4 NPT threads, a common connector on flexible helping hands.  For my clamps, I bought flexible coolant pipe and glued on alligator clips: https://www.amazon.com/TOPPROS-Nozzle-Flexible-Coolant-Orange/dp/B088QRKQYK. 

Assembly and Final Notes

I highly recommend using a file to smooth the inside of the rectangular holes of the sliding clamps.

The only tricky part of assembly should be squeezing the springs as you slide the parallel clamps into the base.

Thanks for visiting, and enjoy!

Major update:  Completely reorganized files and folders.

Minor update:  Corrected some broken links.

I have expanded upon all previous revisions.  Added new clamps and changed the mounting for sliding clamps.  Added printed threads.