When soldering or doing other hobby-related tasks, it’s helpful to have what’s usually called “helping hands.” This is typically a weighted base with two alligator clips to hold something, like say a small circuit board, in place, while you work on it. These helping hands are often paired with a small magnifier. Today I’m reviewing a product that is the Frankenstein’s monster of helping hands, the Aweek LED Light Magnifier Help Hand Clamp and Stand.

You get two alligator clips, a soldering iron holder, LED light, and not one, but three kinds of glass magnifiers. The main magnifier is a larger 90mm 2.5X magnifier, which can be modified with one of two interchangeable 34mm 7.4x or 10x magnifiers. The light, which is driven by five LEDS, is powered by three AA batteries, which are not included, or an AC adapter, which is included and which disables the batteries when active.

My only frustration with this unit was the assembly. There are no instructions, so you’re on your own when trying to build this monster. It proved a worthy companion when soldering, however, so I can’t complain too much.

Thanks to Aweek for the discounted review unit.