tools/tips for holding motherboards while desoldering jacks

[Lou Horton]

After much practice I don't really have any problems with desoldering (usually use hot air) or soldering but I am curious how other techs "hold" their system boards while performing the work.

I currently have a variety of gadgets including an aoyue work platform, helping hands and some other stuff that I pieced together myself. The big problem that I have with my current setup is that I spend far more time getting my work area configured "just right" than I do replacing the jacks!

My objective is always to protect the motherboard from static and physical damage but also hold it securely in a position that is comfortable to work on.

Any ideas or pictures of what has worked well for you would be greatly appreciated.

 

[centropy]

Get a reflow workstation if you do lots of soldering work

 

[arrow_runner]

I use my teeth to hold them. I usually don't use anything in particular, actually.

 

[Lou Horton]

I use my teeth to hold them. I usually don't use anything in particular, actually.

Tried that once but was hard to complete the repair with my glasses melted...

Any other helpful tips lol

 

[Alan22]

A couple of wood clamps work well, as mentioned here under the section "Get the board holder ready" http://www.capacitorlab.com/replacing-motherboard-capacitors-howto/index.htm

 

[wtigger]

It's kinda hard to have a generic solution for this, the motherboards come in so many different sizes and shapes, and the jacks are in so many different locations. I just try to support the board with whatever happens to be nearby to make a nice firm level surface when doing the job. It varies so much.

 

[Corbin]

I levitate all the mobos I get...... jk I just use some c-clamps, its easy and effetive.

 

[Lou Horton]

Thanks. I know its not an easy question because the boards and jack location do vary so much. If I can get something that does a great job 90% of the time it would be a big improvement over my current setup.

I have a picture of a stand that seems interesting but I have no clue who makes it. I haven't been able to find anything similar through google either.

Doesn't look homemade and even though it is just holding a graphics card in the picture it looks like it could be adjusted enough to hold a mobo. Does anyone happen to know who makes this stand?

 

[Larry Sabo]

Google "circuit board holder" and you will find lots of ideas. PanaVise is a renowned supplier of these sorts of clamps/holders.

 

[Lou Horton]

I finally found the brand and model of the board holder I had in the picture if anyone is interested.

It is a Weller Circuit Board Holding Vise P/N: ESF-120ESD
Here is a link to it on Newark

 

[NYJimbo]

I finally found the brand and model of the board holder I had in the picture if anyone is interested.

It is a Weller Circuit Board Holding Vise P/N: ESF-120ESD
Here is a link to it on Newark

For Use WithCBs up to 6-1/4 x 9-1/8"

 

[MobileTechie]

I can't say it's ever come up. Sure I need helping hands to hold small soldering pieces but the board just lies on the bench and I solder it. I'm not putting force on it particularly that would require it to be held down.