Clothespin Third Hand

This is a work in progress of a simple ball and socket based "third hand" work holding tool that uses a clothes pin. I chose a clothes pin as the clamp because it is commonly available, and because they are wood, it can be used for soldering without melting under the high heat. The ball and socket system allows the clamps to be positioned where needed very easily. This tool would probably be best suited to small work, because clothespin jaws do not open very wide. However, the ball socket system could probably be adapted to hold other things.

Included in this design are the files for:
-socket base (with countersunk holes for 1/8" diameter screws)
-double ended balls and sockets
-mounting clamp for the clothespin
-a single ended socket with screw hole (if you choose to screw the socket directly to the work area, without using the base file)
-a 1 to 2 "y joint" socket

Note: for the clothespin clamp, you must drill a 1/8" hole through the clothespin to line up with the holes o