SuperMod Helping Hand Clamp (Simplified)

Quickly and easily clamp all the small things with these spring-powered parallel clamps.  I made an effort to keep the design simple with easy to print parts while updating the CAD to match other SuperMod clamps. 

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

Key Features

• Simplified parts and fasteners
• Printed springs or pen springs
• Improved file organization
• Customize with step files
• No supports - designed for FDM printing

Where to Start?

(1)  Choose your fasteners.  The metric version uses M3 screws, and the imperial version uses 4-40.  In order to simplify this project all screws thread into plastic.  Plastic threads this small will easily wear out, but should last around a dozen insertion cycles with care.  Be sure to hand-tighten screws and stop as soon as they bottom out.  

(2)  Choose between vertical or horizontal clamps.  Then choose between printed springs or pen springs.

(3)  Finally, use a file to smooth rough spots on moving parts.  

Sorting Through Files

Picking a base is straightforward.  The threaded hole is 1-4 NPT, a connector often found on flexible helping hands.  The plain cyclinder at the back is a spool holder for solder.

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 swivel jaw for parallel clamps 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.

Metric Fasteners

Each vertical tower uses (2) M3x8 mm (or up to 12 mm) screws.  Each horizontal tower uses (4) M3x8 mm (or up to 12 mm) screws.

The swivel clamp uses (1) M3x12 mm screw.

Imperial Fasteners

Each vertical tower uses (2) 4-40x3/8 inch (or up to 1/2 inch) screws.  Each horizontal tower uses (4) 4-40x3/8 inch (or up to 1/2 inch) screws.

The swivel clamp uses (1) 4-40x1/2 inch screw.

Springs for Parallel Clamps

You can make your own springs for a mostly-printed project.  PETG is the best choice, while ABS and Nylon should also work.  PLA is not a good filament for 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 you will need to use the spacer.  Scale the Z dimension to make a spacer of any height.

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.

Alternatively, you can use grip tape or anti-skid pads for carpet, furniture, tool handles, …  I used this roll of high-temperature, adhesive-backed silicone: https://www.mcmaster.com/1411N201/. 

Assembly and Final Notes

You can use XY size compensation in PrusaSlicer to fine tune how the parts fit together.  A positive value makes the fit tighter, and a negative value makes the fit more loose.  

History

Yes, this is technically a remix but I have not labeled it as one.  I retired the original because the new designs are better in every way.  This is now the oldest (but updated) published design. 

Since this design is an update without any drastic changes, I am just updating the files and description.  However, every part has changed some.  If you have come back to this page to print more parts, you will need a whole new set.  

Major update:  I moved this project from an archive state to an updated one with a new title.  Every part has changed some.