quality bench clamps for soldering

[m4rtin]

I would like to buy (high) quality bench clamps for keeping the parts in place during the soldering. I would prefer the form factor which is intended to stay on the table. I had following bench clamp before:



..but it was made of plastic, vacuum came off the table from time to time and overall built quality was very poor. Other than that, it did it's job

Which bench clamps are good for keeping the parts(small electronic components and wires) in place during the soldering? It would be best if this particular bench clamp model is on sale for example in Amazon, Mouser, Elfa Distrelec etc

[poodyp]

I got my panavise from amazon. I think all the models are accepted universally as quality. I too have a suction cup, but haven't been able to get it to stick to anything other than glass. Doesn't matter too much as the thing is heavy enough to just stand on it's own.

[Alex]

Hi Martin,

I would try to avoid the clamps usually marketed as 'third hands' (the ones with the croc clips) as they a) have too many degress of freedom and b) scratch the boards. Also, I would only consider fixing the clamp to the table (vacuum or g-clamp) if the pcb must be mounted way off its centre of gravity.

Here are two suggestions I have used and would recommend:

1) http://rocky.digikey.com/WebLib/Cooper%20Tools/Web%20Photo/0051502699.jpg

This one is very easy to load the PCB. The arm with the sponge keeps the component in place and rotates with the PCB. Weller makes this type, but I believe it is available from other manufacturers. It will be practically impossible to tip this over during use.

2) http://www.conrad-uk.com/medias/global/ce/8000_8999/8100/8100/8105/810592_BB_00_FB.EPS_400.jpg

This one clamps on the bench securely, rotates  to fixed positions, has no sponge (bend leads to keep component in place) and loading the pcb takes longer than (1). Also, the position of the screws that secure the PCB will require components not to be placed very close to the edge. This one also comes with a fixed 'tripod' instead of the g-clamp.

I am sure you will find a variety of these clamps from a local distributor to you.


Alex

[Bored@Work]

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/pcb-board-holder-what-are-you-using/

[grenert]

The Panavise 350 with the wide "parts tray" base is not going to go anywhere under normal electronics use.

http://panavise.com/index.html?pageID=1&page=full&--eqskudatarq=5

If you want a standard vise head, then you could get the standard Panavise and get the wide base separately.

[whatchitfoool]

Yes, look up the "PanaVise"  line and pick what you like.  Great stuff.

[Telstar]

Here are two suggestions I have used and would recommend:

1) http://rocky.digikey.com/WebLib/Cooper%20Tools/Web%20Photo/0051502699.jpg

This one is very easy to load the PCB. The arm with the sponge keeps the component in place and rotates with the PCB. Weller makes this type, but I believe it is available from other manufacturers. It will be practically impossible to tip this over during use.

I have this one (also sold as Weller in europe). it's flimsier and uglier to use than it looks. I should have spent the extra money for a Panavise.

[SteigsdB]

I'll add another vote for Panavise

[qno]

I have used this for year

http://nl.farnell.com/bernstein-werkzeugfabrik/9-205/swivel-vice-small-70mm/dp/830756

[SLJ]

The Panavice's are nice but if you have time, wait for older used ones to show up at auction.  You will save some money.  Got both of these below off the Bay. 

The top one is my favorite. It clamps to the bench and its easy to rotate the board (up to about 7 inches wide). It was made by Production Tool and Fixture.  The oak holding blocks I made as the old wood ones originally with it were pretty worn.

The second will handle up to a 13 inch board (huge). It was made by OK Industries.