Close
0%
0%

Stupid Simple Hardware Store Magnetic PCB Clamp

This magnetic PCB clamp costs less than $1, and can be assembled in minutes from items at your local hardware store.

dylan-radcliffeDylan Radcliffe
Following
Liked Like project

Just one more thing

To make the experience fit your profile, pick a username and tell us what interests you.

Pick an awesome username
hackaday.io/
Your profile's URL: hackaday.io/username. Max 25 alphanumeric characters.
Pick a few interests
Projects that share your interests
People that share your interests

We found and based on your interests.

Choose more interests.

OK, I'm done! Skip
Public Chat
Similar projects worth following
1.3k views
4 comments
8 followers
View Gallery
Public Chat
Just wanted to share this here, since its stupid simple and I haven't really seen anyone else do it this way. I'll leave it to you to figure out which bolt size works best for you, I'm using a 3/8" bolt.

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1x Bolt
1x Nut for Bolt
1x Circular Magnet
2x Plastic Washers (Can be 3D Printed)
Superglue to taste
CA Accelerant (Optional)

Step 1: Take the bolt and sand down the top. I did this on a bench sander, but it could easily be done with a file or sandpaper. A nice flat top free of markings will help the bolt adhere to the magnet.

Step 2: Glue the top of the bolt head to the magnet.

Step 3: Glue one plastic washer onto the nut.

Step 4: Glue the other plastic washer to the bottom of the bolt head.

Step 5: Thread the nut onto the bolt, it should spin freely. If needed, a little tiny bit of lubricant can be applied to the inside of the nut.

Enjoy on the metal plate of your choice (magnetic)

Enjoy this project?

Share

Discussions

Paul wrote 01/18/2025 at 04:01 • point

Thanks for the inspiration Dylan.  I went and rolled a version of my own: https://hackaday.io/project/202216-another-spin-on-pcb-clamps

  Are you sure? yes | no

roellascano wrote 01/16/2025 at 14:21 • point

Funny - I was using something similar to mount a webcam on devices - never thought of adding another nut to hold things down.  If you use 1/4"-20 bolts, the same setup will work as a camera/webcam mount.  I'll be building more of these over the weekend.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Dylan Radcliffe wrote 01/16/2025 at 02:40 • point

Amazing! Thanks for sharing! Glad you liked it.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Dan Maloney wrote 01/16/2025 at 00:42 • point

Hey Dylan -- this is ridiculously clever! I've been looking for some of those fancy spring-loaded magnetic PCB clips, but this is so simple and easy I can't believe I never thought of it! Headed to Depot tonight to round up the hardware. Wrote it up for the blog, too, should publish soon. Thanks for posting this, very cool idea.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Similar Projects

A PCB mill inspired by open source CNC 3D printers with a custom design to fit standard size copper clad boards (6" x 4" / 160mm x 100mm)
Project Owner Contributor

Sub $200 PCB Mill that doesn't suck!

timo-birnscheinTimo Birnschein

Actually just an adaptation of an existing guide to the better-available Lexmark E360d
Project Owner Contributor

haxmark – Direct Laser PCB Printing

fruchtifruchti

Soldering parts easy way without an PNP
Project Owner Contributor

Soldering Fine-pitch Parts Easily With PCB Fixture

rahmanshaberrahmanshaber

Convert Kicad PCB files into GCode with isolated PCB Nets
Project Owner Contributor

PCB Isolation Routing Software

michael-schembriMichael Schembri

Does this project spark your interest?

Become a member to follow this project and never miss any updates

By using our website and services, you expressly agree to the placement of our performance, functionality, and advertising cookies. Learn More

Yes, delete it Cancel

Report project as inappropriate

You are about to report the project "Stupid Simple Hardware Store Magnetic PCB Clamp", please tell us the reason.

Send message

Your application has been submitted.

Remove Member

Are you sure you want to remove yourself as a member for this project?

Project owner will be notified upon removal.