FastCap 3rd Hand Support System 57-to-144-Inches, 2-pack #3HAND5

I am a DIYer and purchased this tool to assist with installation of crown molding. I had three 16 ft sections of crown to install, plus smaller pieces. The poles came in pristeen condition, packaging was fine. As others have mentioned, there are no instructions except for the photos on the box. The setup is about as easy as it gets, however; one look at the box, and knowing what the tool is for, and you are ready to go. The surface of the articulating feet provide a good grip to the floor and the molding. I didn't realize until I used the first pole that the feet should snap very firmly into place. I thought I had them set up properly until I applied pressure to expand the pole via the handle, at which point the ball-ends of the pole popped loudly and firmly into the articulating feet. Although surprised by that (wondering if I snapped the crown molding), I was happy and ready. The poles were pretty easy to use, which was a blessing. I had visions of swaying on my ladder trying to balance the 16ft crown at the same time as balancing the poles and cranking them into place. Fortunately the poles did not move and the feet stayed firmly in place to allow me to set the crown where I needed and apply pressure. I was thrilled to find the first piece of crown set in place in no time, thanks to the poles. On longer runs like mine, a third pole would likely have been even better to ensure the crown was held firmly in place along the entire length, allowing maximum ease while nailing. This tool made it possible to work alone and do as good a job as possible; I could not have done the job without it. Some reviewers have commented on having difficuly with the ball detents and finding the pre-drilled holes in the pole to place the detents. I had no such trouble, and there is an alignment marker on one side of the hole that, when aligned with the pre-drilled hole, indicates exactly where the detent will be as you expand or contract the pole. If this wasn't there in earlier iterations of the tool, the manufacturer has obviously been paying attention to comments. Further, the set includes a pair of dust cover feet, to erect a dust/ plastic wall. As a DIYer with limited projects, I don't know if the contractor set with 4 poles and various accessories is necessary. A third or even fourth pole would come in handy in a bigger installtion, but I think I would buy a second two-pack in that instance. All in all, an excellent tool and well worth the expense.

These things are great!!! Sturdy, click into place fairly effortlessly. The only con is the release is positioned to be done with your thumb. If you're locked tight, its pretty hard to get the lever to click loose. I have arthritic thumbs so I'm going to weld a longer lever for more leverage. Aside from that, I'm not sure why I've waited to long to add these to my tool bag. They work great for hanging crown molding or ship lap on ceilings/lanais. Plus you can use them like zip poles to divide a workspace with plastic. I bought them for $70/pair. Can't beat that price!!

Good product.

I’ve had the opportunity to use them three times since purchase a few weeks ago. I’m pleased with their sturdiness and general function (they perform a simple task - extend outward to hold something in place). My one frustration is with the foot pads on the end of the rods falling of very easily. The rods have a plastic ball shaped end cap and the pads have a molded in socket shape that is supposed to snap onto the ball and articulate. The molding of the plastic is too loose and end caps fall off readily until under pressure. It’s a real frustration when you have everything ready for install, holding a heavy item up with one hand, and when you grab the third hand to support the item, a foot pad just fall off and you have to lower everything back down and all start over. It would be such a simple fix adjusting the injection mold of the pads to stay on better.

I was looking for a solution for how to mount the HTC Vive's lighthouse base stations, I used these in conjunction with Smallrig's Clamp Mount V1 w/ Ball Head Mount Hot Shoe Adapter and Cool Clamp, and it has made an excellent mounting solution! I wasn't sure which support system to buy, but at the end of the day I picked these because of their price, the fact you get two, and that they go up to 12'! Some people have had some issues with the quality of these items, and I have to say from my experience the quality is excellent. They are well constructed, the none of the plastic feet were broken, they were well packed, and they are super easy to operate. Can't really see any problem with them at all. I love these for the mounting application for which I purchased them, but I believe I will be buying another set to help me with various renovation projects as well, they really are a very night piece of kit!

If you are, say . . .74 or so - or have diabetis (which means having less than normal feeling in your feet) and no help available - and several "sagging" ceiling pieces of drywall in the garage, that need to be brought back into position, then these Fastcap 3rd-hand supports will become your best friend. Understand that I only need to be elevated a bit over a foot to reach the ceiling - and this need is handled perfectly by the use of a short 2-step ladder. An old man, losing his balance at 18 inches elevation can do incredible damage if he falls off the ladder, while holding a screw and electric drill over his head. So, obviously the Fastcap 3-rd hand will push up (and hold up) the sagging drywall into original position - easy! But before that, I take a second Fastcap 3rd-hand and place it right next to the step-stool and secure it to the ceiling. I now have a very reliable and sturdy "banister", close to my body that I can easily grab, if the need arises (my "safety net") That's my story and I'm sticking with it! Hooray for Fastcap 3rd-Hand Support System (2-pack) drywall kit!!! J. Pickens