DIY Adjustable Stand for Small Smartphones or Small Tablets

This project guides you through creating a sliding tabletop stand for your smartphone or small tablet using common office supplies and a credit card-sized base.

Estimated Time: 5 -10 minutes Skill Level: Beginner

1. 1 credit card-sized square base (metal, plastic, etc.) size length 3.370 x width 2.125 inches.
2. 1 large binder clip
3. 2 medium binder clips
4. 4 small binder clips
5. 2 paper clips (for sliding track through binder loops underneath)
6. Pair of needle-nosed pliers (for bending)
7. Protective gloves

1. Straighten both paper clips as much as possible.
2. Take two small binder clips.
3. Insert one straightened paper clip through the small holes on the edges of each of these two binder clips.
4. Position these two assemblies so the paper clip side is on top and the parts where the paper clips inserted face each other.

1. Take the remaining two small binder clips and the two medium binder clips.
2. For each pair, interconnect the clamping edge of one small binder clip inside the clamping edge of one medium binder clip.
3. If needed, use the metal loop handles to open the binders for easier connection, then remove the handles when done.

1. Slide the two small binder clips (with the straightened paper clips from Step 1) onto each long edge of your credit card-sized base.
2. Position them towards the middle and adjust the paper clips as shown in the picture.
3. The small binders should be snug but still able to slide.
4. Slide the two medium binder clips (with the interconnected small binder clips from Step 2) onto the short edges of the base.
5. Ensure the side with the smaller, interconnected binder is on the bottom.

1. Using needle-nosed pliers, bend the ends of all four straightened paper clips into an L-shape, feeding them through one of the holes on the medium binder clip's edges.
2. Then, bend the remaining piece of each paper clip back towards the base's long edge.
3. This "locks" the track in place. You may need to bend the L-shape a few times to get it right if you need to remove or reattach it.

1. Flip the entire assembly over so the side that was previously the bottom is now the top.
2. Slide the small binder clips on the long edges of the base to opposite corners.
3. Angle the large binder clip with metal handles and slide its bottom side edges into the small binders clamped to the base.
4. The large binder clip will serve as your adjustable sliding part.

1. Place your smartphone or small tablet in the groove opening of the large binder clip.
2. Move the large binder back and forth to adjust the angle of your device as desired.

1. Back Support (for tablets or larger devices): Using the existing metal handles on the large binder clip, you can enhance the support by attaching an added medium or large binder clip (with handles). Close the handles of the extra clip to provide better back support for your device and secure it in place.
2. Charger Cord Support (for smartphones only): The binder handles can be a way to guide a USB charger cord. Insert the binder handle between the closed handles of the larger binder clip to allow the cord to pass through. Wireless chargers are often best for convenience.