Checkout our latest item from the wasteland!
UPDATE: 7/5/2024 We have updated the kit to simplify the screw selection. Both large and small kits now use the same size screws. You will need:
3x - m4x10 or 8-32 x 1/2" screws
2x - m4x16 or 8-32 x 3/4" screws
The large kit should fit most common cell phones up to 177mm x 88mm x 18mm.
The small kit should fit most phones up to 153mm long, x 77mm wide x 13.5mm thick.
Please verify that your phone fits before ordering!
This kit is meant to be easy to build and easy to use. We print this very cleanly to make the process of finishing quick and painless.
Please verify that you have the following parts before continuing.
In addition you will need foam from 10mm - 20mm thick for padding around the phone.
Clean Up and Fitment
Remove any brims, tabs, or support material. You can find instructions for working with 3D printed items here: https://www.3dcauldron.com/post/instructions-for-3d-printed-kits
Please read that section then come back after cleaning up the parts.
After you have cleaned up the parts test fit them to make sure everything fits properly.
Use the following pics to see how it all fits together.
Sizing
NOTE: We no longer include the spacer as there is now more room in the body and it is not needed in most cases. If your arm is larger than 13" circumference, or you have a short forearm but it is larger than 11" circumference then please contact us about the spacer. If you contact us before we ship your kit we will include it for free.
You will want to test fit this to your forearm before continuing.
The large kit fits a forearm up to 13" circumference.
The small kit fits a forearm up to 11" circumference.
If your forearm fits nicely or is too small then you will not need the spacer. Instead you will use padding to make it fit your arm.
You will use the short wide clasp.
If your forearm is too large then you will need to use the spacer and the long clasp. The spacer adds about an inch to the circumference.
Glue the spacer to the top half of the vambrace.
Apply glue along the edge shown here.
Align the spacer with the outer edge of the top half.
Clamp or otherwise secure the spacer.
Wipe off any excess glue.
Wait for the adhesive to set.
Note: If you end up with a gap sprinkle some baking soda in the gap. Wipe off any excess soda, then soak the baking soda with super glue.
It should harden very quickly then you can sand off the excess.
This will result in a very strong connection and it will fill the gap.
Preparing for Paint
At this point you need to decide how you want to move forward.
If you want a top quality prop you will need to smooth out the print lines. There are several methods.
Sanding - It is possible to finish the kit with several iterations of sanding, priming, and then sanding again. This is the fun way, but we don't recommend you have that much fun! This method will weaken the item.
Fillers - Technically it is possible to use fillers thick such as Bondo, wood putty, ect. but you probably shouldn't. In our experience this method results in much more work than is necessary.
Resin Coating - The best way to finish our kits is to coat them with resin. This allows for smooth surfaces, adds a significant amount of strength to the prop, and can even add a little weight. All of our kits were designed to be used with resin not sanded and primed! Learn more about resin here.
If you prefer a quicker build and are ok with some imperfections then you can simply sand any rough spots with 150 grit then sand the rest of the prop with 220 to scuff up the surface. Its now ready for primer.
Primer
After smoothing, or scuffing the surface you are ready for primer. Apply a thin layer of primer over the entire kit. Start with 220 grit sand paper and sand the entire kit. At this point you can paint the prop but you will have some scratches and print lines showing.
If you are wanting a premium surface then you will need to do several iterations of primer and sanding. Gradually increasing the grit of the sand paper each time.
When the item is smooth enough for you then you are ready for paint. There are numerous tutorials showing how to paint props so we will not reinvent the wheel. The search engine is your friend!!!
Assembly
The tape holder is friction fit, the indexing pins hold it in place and act as a pivot.
Squeeze the sides of the tape holder, and slide it in place.
Press on the rear to open the tape holder.
To install the wide clasp appropriate for your size on to the bottom half first. (There is an extra included with the kit.)
Rotate the clasp outward like this.
Attach the clasp to the top half.
When assembled it should look like this.
SIDE QUEST: Alternatively you can use 2" wide double sided Velcro for the hinge.
Install the long skinny clasp like this. (There is an extra included with the kit.)
SIDE QUEST: You can also replace this clasp with 1" double sided Velcro. You will have to trim one end down to 1/2" to fit the locking mechanism.
Rotate the clasp like this.
Install the locking mechanism like this.
Moving Knobs
The knobs are held on with screws. 4 of the knobs should rotate freely on the screw. You may need to drill or file the knobs a little to make it rotate freely.
The knob with the needle should be tight on the screw.
Knobs 10 and 12 look very similar. 12 has the letter N on the underside
Use knob 10 which is lose on the screw for the side.
Moving Needle
Use knob 12 which is tight on the screw for the needle. This knob has the letter N on the underside.
Drive the screw all the way into the knob and ensure it is tight.
Slip the needle in like this.
Hold the needle against the top of the body and screw in the knob. The needle should be tight so be careful when screwing it in.
Do not tighten this all the way down.
When finished the knob and needle should move together when rotated.
Finally you can glue on the greebles.
Now you will want to install some kind of padding inside the vambrace. This will keep it from flopping around on your wrist. Just glue the padding to the inside.
At this point you are finished with the build. Rejoice in the glory of your new baby boy!
Installing the App
You will need to install the app.
iPhone: You can get it from the apple store.
NOTE: Apparently the iPhone app does not allow you to scale the display to the screen area. To get around this you can use a smaller phone or use an old android phone.
Android: You will have to grab it from a 3rd party as it is no longer available on the play store. We got it from apkmirror and it seems to work fine.
Once it is installed you will need to setup your phone to turn the screen on when tapping the screen rather than using the power button.
This process is different on various phones so you will need to look up how to do this for your phone.
Install the Phone
To install the phone you will need to cut your foam padding. Use the screen bezel to mark out the outside cut.
Next place your phone face up on the foam.
Lay the bezel on top and align the phone so that the opening is centered on your screen. The bezel should be lined up with the foam.
Remove the bezel and trace around your phone. Cut out the area you just traced.
Install the bezel in the phone. If you have a large phone you may not need the bezel.
Insert the foam.
Insert your phone.
Insert the foam you cut out behind the phone.
Secure it with the insert.
Note: The insert is meant to be friction fit. Squeeze it in until it is pressing the foam tight against your phone.
Now you are ready to strap it on.
BEWARE: this is the Pinch Master 3000 be careful not to pinch your arm when putting it on.
Using the App
At this point you should have the app installed, the phone installed, and you should be wearing the prop.
Android users:
Double tap your screen and open the app.
On the "Display Mode" screen, select "Hardware".
Click Next
The "Display Area" screen will allow you to move the screen area to match the screen.
Pinch to scale, drag to move.
Once the screen area is set you are ready to go. Use the app with your console or in demo mode if cosplaying.
iPhone users:
The iPhone app does not allow you to fit the display to the screen area. For this reason we recommend that you use an old android phone. Alternatively you can try to use a smaller iPhone with padding.
