SuperMod Helping Hand Clamp (REV2 ARCHIVE)

Archive

This revision is now an archive!  The new REV3 design is much improved.  Check it out: https://www.printables.com/model/1086775-supermod-helping-hand-clamp-rev3. 

Welcome to the SuperMod collection of versatile, customizable, DIY helping hands. Quickly and easily clamp all the small things with these spring-powered parallel clamps.  The full selection of parts (stl, step, heat set inserts, square nuts) are sorted into zip files.  There is a parts checklist in the pdf file.  

You can find my Swivel clamps here: https://www.printables.com/model/719190-supermod-helping-hand-swivel-clamp-rev-2.

Revision 2

I focused on simplifying the number and type of required fasteners.  You only need 4 screws and 4 springs for a standard set of clamps!

I now recommend threading screws into plastic when attaching the clamp towers.  I noticed that heat set inserts can deform the walls and interfere with the smooth motion of the sliding clamps.  When threading into plastic, hand tighten screws and stop as soon as they bottom out.  

3D Design

The 3D 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).  For custom, perfectly smooth clamps measure the ideal value with a tolerance test and modify the square holes of the sliding clamps.

Supplies

You will need the following supplies for a standard pair of clamps: 

• (4) M3x8 screws
  • Longer screws up to M3x12 will also work
• (4) Springs, two for each clamp
• Superglue

Optional parts include the following: 

• (1) M3x12 screw for the hinge in a sliding clamp swivel
• (2) M3x8 screws to attach a cap to the horizontal adapter
  • Longer screws up to M3x12 will also work
• Adhesive-backed silicone strips (https://www.mcmaster.com/1411N201/)
• Alligator clamps and flexible arms with 1/4" NPT threads (for example: https://www.amazon.com/TOPPROS-Nozzle-Flexible-Coolant-Orange/dp/B088QRKQYK/)

Pen Springs

Pen springs are guaranteed to vary in size but should be around 25 mm (1 inch) long.  The clamp towers are modeled for springs that are 27 mm long and fit over a 3 mm (1/8 inch) tube.  You may wish to trim a spring if it is too long, but you should add a spacer if your spring is shorter than 27 mm.  (You can scale a spacer to any desired size in a slicer.)

Printed Grips

Glue the printed grips into place to form the clamping surface.  The structure of the clamps can be easily printed in PLA, while only the grips need to be printed with a more difficult, heat-resistant filament.  In place of printed grips, I used strips of adhesive-backed silicone that provide excellent grip and temperature resistance.

Slicing & Printing

Double check a few settings to help ensure the smooth motion of the clamps.  Print the clamp towers on a smooth surface, and check that the part is exactly 12.6 mm tall in the downloaded orientation.  Print the spring support rods with thin layers on a smooth surface.  

Assembly & Notes

The base comes in a variant with a spool holder for solder, and a variant with a 1/4" NPT threaded mount for attaching a flexible helping hand.  You can print your own or use coolant pipe hose and alligator clips for a budget solution.  Adding a spool of solder can give your clamps a weighted base.  

Thanks for visiting, and enjoy!

Minor update:  I no longer sort pieces into sets in order to simplify parts selection.  I now share just the largest size and recommend using spring spacers for shorter springs.  Downloads have been reorganized and several files renamed.  

Minor update: Added a parts checklist, and fixed some typos.

Major update: This is now an archive version.

In this remix I focused on simplifying the bill of materials and having an alternative to heat set inserts.  I combined and shuffled parts around to minimize fasteners, and I limited myself to the most common screw in 3D printing: M3x8mm SHCS.  The minimum number of fasteners went from 8 down to just 4.  The sliding clamps remain compatible across all SuperMod designs.