The endlessly versatile binder clip is one of our favourite tools for MacGyver-like inventions. Reader David writes in one of his favourite creations: a 5-second smartphone dock.
We’ve shared one binder clip smartphone dock before, but unlike that model, this doesn’t require any bending, clipping, or any other kind of DIY skills. All you need is two binder clips and a piece of paper. Clip them onto the paper, throw your phone in between the tabs and you’re good to go.
It works great for keeping an eye on the time, playing music, or (as David notes) getting a good steady photo from your phone’s camera.This may not work with bigger, thicker phones, but you could always see if a bigger size binder clip would fit your phone . Thanks, David!
DIY Cell Phone Camera Stand [Flickr]
iNiff
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 10:32 AMGENIUS. WHERES THE STATIONARY CUPBOARD?!
Looks unstable on the… handles? I’d take the lower ones off for a nice flat surface.
ba!
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 10:54 AMand….done.
Sam
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 11:14 AMI’m doing this now. Only suggestion I have is make sure the base piece (that the foldback clips grasp) has plenty of over hang front and back for stability, and remove the clip hands that sit underneath the dock so it doesn’t rock about as much.
Sam
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 11:18 AMAlas, without pliers – my Nexus S is too thick :(
Dee
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 11:32 AMHmmm… I could only got the EXP binder clips here, which definitely require bending:
http://blog.fabshophop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/BindersClipN00004.jpg
Dee
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 11:35 AMBUT… I simply pulled the handles (proper name) out and bent them open, before bending them back closed around a AA battery. Result — perfect size for an iPhone 4/4S
titanium
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 12:21 PMAlas, doesn’t work with those mini binder clips.
Deb
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 12:59 PMmy phone is too fat, too wide and too heavy :( hahah
Drew
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 2:36 PMFor extra stability just remove the bottom two handle things.
Dan
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 10:55 PMDamn, we only have little clips at work. I’m sure I can convince the stationary purchasing chap that we need these.