DIY Third Hand - Budget Mod

I really don't want to spend $40+ on a third hand, so today I walked down to the local hardware store and picked up some parts to build my own. I left spending around $5, granted I have a few of my own tools to build it. You will need a tube cutter and a drill.

Alligator Clips - 2 inch, $1 gets you four.



6-32 x 3/8 Screws, Washer and Wing Nuts, 8 pack about $3 for all



Cotter or Split Pins - 1/8 x 2

I picked up 3 of them they are about 25 cents each.



Aluminum Tube - 1ft, about $1

Check the diameter of the aluminum tube, you want it to fit tight inside the back of the alligator clip. Also when you cut the tube make sure you are leaving enough room for the Cotter Pin to go all the way through.



The Base (free)

I had a broken clamp light laying around so this is what I used for my base, but you can pick up a plastic clamp for under a $1. Just make sure you get a big enough one to drill a hole in the top handle.



Third Hand Assembly

1. Cut the tubing to your desired size
2. Attach alligator clip to the tube
3. Insert a pin to the opposite side of the tube
4. Drill a hole on top of the clamp handle
5. Screw the arm to the base, use a wing nut for easy adjustments