Universal Magnetic Helping Hands – PCB, Soldering & Small Parts Holder | FluxGrip

FluxGrip – Universal Magnetic Helping Hands

FluxGrip is a compact, spring-loaded holding system for soldering, electronics, prototyping and general workshop use.

The holders can be freely positioned on a magnetic steel surface and are useful for holding PCBs, wires, connectors, small 3D printed parts and many other objects while soldering, assembling, gluing or testing.

📸 FluxGrip in Action

🔧 What You Need

For one FluxGrip holder you need:

• 1× M3 heat-set insert

• 1× M3 screw

• 1× compression spring

• 1× magnet 15x3mm 

• 1x base plate should be ferromagnetic

• Printed FluxGrip parts

Recommended Spring

The design works best with approximately:

Wire diameter: 0.8 mm
Outer diameter: 8.25 mm
Length: 25mm

The spring dimensions do not have to be exact. Springs with slightly different dimensions can also work.

🛒 Hardware Links

These are the parts I used:

M3 Heat-Set Inserts

M3 Screws

Compression Springs

Magnets:
The links are only recommendations. Equivalent hardware with similar dimensions should also work.

🧲 How It Works

FluxGrip uses a spring-loaded mechanism to keep pressure on the workpiece.

The magnetic base lets you quickly:

• reposition the holder

• rotate it

• move it closer or further away

• combine multiple holders

• adapt the setup to different workpieces

No fixed mounting positions are required.

💡 What Can You Use It For?

FluxGrip is not only a PCB holder.

It can be used for:

• PCB soldering

• electronics repair

• holding wires

• holding connectors

• Arduino / ESP32 projects

• prototyping

• multimeter measurements

• oscilloscope measurements

• debugging electronics

• small parts assembly

• gluing parts

• RC and model building

• holding small 3D printed parts

• general maker projects

Basically, whenever you need an extra hand on your workbench.

🔩 Assembly

Step 1 – Print the Parts

Print all required FluxGrip parts using the recommended orientation.

Step 2 – Install the M3 Insert

Heat the M3 heat-set insert with a soldering iron and carefully press it into the designed hole.

Make sure the insert goes in straight.

Step 3 – Install the Spring

Place the compression spring into the holder.

Recommended spring size:

0.8 × 8.25 mm × 25mm

Step 4 – Assemble the Holder

Insert the moving part and secure everything using the M3 screw.

Do not overtighten the screw. The mechanism should still move freely.

📐 Dimensions

Overall dimensions:

Height: 45mm
Width: 20mm
Base diameter: 22mm

Compatible workpiece thickness:

approximately 5mm

🧩 Modular System

You can print as many FluxGrip holders as you need.

Two holders are enough for many simple tasks, while three, four or more holders can create much more flexible setups.

⚙ Steel Base

FluxGrip works best on a flat ferromagnetic steel plate.

You can use:

• a steel sheet

• a magnetic workbench plate

• another flat magnetic-compatible surface

Stainless steel and aluminium are not always magnetic, so check your plate before buying or building the setup.

🔄 Customization

The system is designed to be simple and easy to modify.

Feel free to:

• change the holder geometry

• adapt it for different springs

• create different tips

• create larger or smaller versions

• design additional FluxGrip accessories

If you make an interesting modification, feel free to share your Make!

❤ Show Your Make

If you print FluxGrip, I would love to see your setup.

Post a Make and show what you are using it for!

Feedback and improvement ideas are always welcome.