this post was submitted on 14 May 2026
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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/46848072

I very recently became paralyzed in my left (and dominant) arm, fingers and foot, which believe it or not, was not planned for.

The timing was pretty bad, as I've just purchased a couple of ESP3266-boards, a soldering kit and two pressure mats with the the end goal of making a basic bad sensor (one mat for my girlfriend and my side). (Here's the guide I intend to follow: Make your own bed sensor)

The obvious issue is how one, as easily as possible, can accomplish this? Main issues right now are that I can't hold the board, the wires or anything in my hand.

Any and all tips are greatly appreciated.

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[–] Zwuzelmaus@feddit.org 7 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Back in the day when I learned soldering, the master told me that usually I need 3 hands:

One for the iron, one for the soldering wire, one for the piece that I want to fix (while the other piece is already fixated, for example the board)

Before I used the "3rd hand tool" with the alligator clamps, I often held the soldering wire with my mouth and moved it precisely into place. It takes some practising, but it is doable.

So maybe this is a way for you: always use that "3rd hand tool" AND use your mouth for the soldering wire.

[–] Tolookah@discuss.tchncs.de 18 points 2 days ago (1 children)

This needs to be said less and less these days, but Hopefully lead free solder for the mouth.

There might be tools people have designed on sites like thingiverse to help with this as well.

[–] Grass@sh.itjust.works 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

even fumes from lead free solder make me feel ill and cause headaches if I don't use an extractor and keep my face back. Holding it with my mouth seems like a bit much.

[–] Zwuzelmaus@feddit.org 0 points 2 days ago

fumes from lead free solder make me feel ill

That's the (doubtful) aroma of the flux that's inside the wire, not the metal itself. You would touch only the metal with your lips.