Clipboard for Left Handed People

If you are left-handed, you know how difficult it is to write on a clipboard. The clip, even on a low profile clipboard like the one shown here, is in the way of your hand constantly.

It is nearly impossible to write near to the top of the paper without turning the paper upside down or writing with the paper held by one side. Then the paper is often creased by running into your stomach while you write, if you are sitting on a chair in a hall where there is no table surface for you to use.

Or, you can remove the paper and write with it loose. But, it still has to bend upward where the clipboard contacts your stomach.

I wanted a clipboard for a left-handed person. I had some scrap luan mahogany panelling about 3/32 of an inch thick and I had a clip as shown here. The clip is 3/4 inch wide.

I cut a piece of panelling 10 x 14 inches. At 14 inches it is short enough to fit into a fabric attache' I have, but also long enough for 8 1/2 x 14 inch legal paper.

I drilled a series of holes 1/8 inch in diameter next to one another to make a slot for the clip. The slot begins 5 inches from the top end of the clipboard and is on the right side of the clipboard. I wiggled the drill bit while the drill was "on" to smooth out the slot between the holes. The slot prevents losing the clip later.

Insert one wire handle on the clip into the slot.

With a little muscle power spread the clip as much as possible and work it into the slot fully. Be careful. What is left between the slot and the edge of the panelling is fragile and can break away easily.

The clip is not visible, but is just off of the right side of this photo. Notice that I can now write at the top of the paper with ease. There is even enough of the panelling to support my hand. I drilled a hole at the top of the clipboard in case I want to hang it on the wall. Sand and smooth any edges. I did also round two of the corners: one under my hand in this photo, and its mate at the bottom of the left side of the clipboard as shown in the photo.

For storage, I can fold the handles on the clip so they lie flat on the clipboard.

I do not use a clipboard a lot, but having one that fits my left hand is a big improvement.

Here is the whole clipboard as I would use it on my lap.