After watching alot of watch repair videos I noticed many of small tools that the horologist's use that could make my life a little easier. (As fate would have it I'm getting arthritis in my left (holding) hand, and holding smaller things while I work on it with the right hand is getting harder to do).
One of them was the movement holders they employed to securely hold round watches so they could maneuver them around. I bought a pair of them on clearance, and - although they are nicely made and worth holding tiny parts - I really wanted something a bit larger. Using them as a guide I fabbed a holder out of aluminum rod and ABS sheet, making my own securing device with a knob and bolt.
The threads in the plastic are not up to the task (so I need a backing nut for now) and I'll probably make some more small ABS and rubber pieces to hold oddly-shaped objects. But the thing does work.
It's perfect for holding 1/4" ratchets so you can work in the innards.