SuperMod Helping Hand Swivel (ARCHIVE)

Revision 1 Archive

This is now an archive!  I made several improvements in the Revision 2 remix, so I recommend that you check that out instead: https://www.printables.com/model/719190-supermod-helping-hand-swivel-clamp-rev-2. 

Welcome to the SuperMod collection of versatile, over-engineered, customizable, DIY helping hands.  These models feature a swiveling ball and socket mount designed to make fast and precise adjustments as easy as possible.  My favorite combo is “the Scorpion" with dual clamps on a mini base and a single flexible third hand.  

You can find my Standard clamps here: https://www.printables.com/model/1086775-supermod-helping-hand-clamp-rev3. 

3D Design

The downloadable files are modeled with 0.26 mm tolerance for general parts assembly, and 0.36 mm tolerance for freely moving parts (primarily the sliding clamps).  You can edit the step files for your own custom, perfectly smooth clamps.  Measure the ideal value with a tolerance test and modify the square holes of the sliding clamps with your favorite CAD. 

Supplies

You will need the following: 

• (4) M3x35 SHCS to attach the mount to the base
• (4) M3x5x4 heat set inserts for the base
• (2) M3x5x4 heat set inserts for the clamp tower
• (2) M3x8 screws to attach the upper to the clamp tower
• (1) M3x20 SHCS and (1) M3x5x4 heat set insert to attach the clamp and ball
  • Threadlock is recommended
• (1) M5 hex nut and (1) M5x16 SHCS for the swivel lock
• (2) pen springs for one clamp
  • Details on length discussed below
• Superglue

Optional parts include the following: 

• (1) M3x12 screw for the hinge in a swivel clamp
• Adhesive-backed silicone strips (https://www.mcmaster.com/1411N201/)
• Filler for a weighted base
• Alligator clamps and flexible arms with 1/4" NPT threads (for example: https://www.amazon.com/TOPPROS-Nozzle-Flexible-Coolant-Orange/dp/B088QRKQYK/)

Springs

Pen springs are guaranteed to vary in size but should be around 25 mm (1 inch) long.  I have parts for two spring lengths: Set A = 27 mm and Set B = 22 mm.  You should interpret these spring lengths as a minimum value.  For example, a 25 mm long spring will work with Set B, but is too short for Set A.  A 29 mm long spring can work with both sets, but will work best with Set A.  

For full flexibility with spring length, I made spacers that effectively increase the length of a spring.  Spacers are only required if your springs are loose when fully extended.  You do not need to trim a spring if it is longer than 27 mm, but you can if extra length is getting in the way.  

Slicing

Take care when slicing and printing a few of the parts.  Slice the clamp towers so that the height is 12.6 mm exactly!  The tolerance for the sliding clamps is designed to work with this exact value.  The clamp towers should be printed on a smooth surface.  Both the spring support rods and screw pad should be sliced with thin layers for best results.

Assembly & Notes

I recommend using threadlock on the M3x20 SHCS that attaches the clamp to the ball.  The M5x16 SHCS threads into the knob and should be secured with some glue.  The screw pad is installed between the M5 screw and the ball, and the concave side of the pad should be touching the ball.

Printed grips make up the clamping surface and are glued into place.  They should be printed with heat-resistant filament to provide some insulation, while all other parts can be printed in PLA.  The concave grips may help with parts that want to slip out of the clamp.  In place of printed grips, I used strips of adhesive-backed silicone in order to have excellent grip and temperature resistance.  

The base for the swivel mount is hollow, and attaching the mount on top will seal the cavity. Thus, you can easily add filler to make it a weighted base!  I modeled several bases with ¼" NPT threads designed to mate with flexible arms made from coolant pipe hose.

Thanks for visiting, and enjoy!

Minor update: Corrected a fastener length in the description.  The ball and clamp mount with a M3x20 SHCS and not M3x25.  Sorry for the confusion.