When restringing a mandolin, I find it helpful to have a way to hold the instrument steady so I can use both hands to guide and wind the strings onto the posts correctly. I have tried different approaches and finally came up with a support that is inexpensive and works well.
I cut off a 6" piece of a swimming noodle and then carved a groove across it. The mandolin neck fits into the groove and holds the headstock slightly elevated to allow easy access to the posts and tuner buttons. With the instrument in a secure and convenient position, restringing is easy and quick.
Total cost: $0.00 (I already had the swimming noodle).
Total time: 10 minutes (plus 3 years thinking about it).
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