Soldering Irons - What to buy
I thought I would put together a post about soldering irons and solder. Not a deep-dive or definitive list, but just scratching the surface for those needing to see what's out there. These are US-available. Other countries may have different products for availability.
A good, solid starter unit:
Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station - Soldering Iron - Amazon.com
A couple of good intermediate units (I have used both with good results):
Hakko FX888D-23BY Digital Soldering Station FX-888D FX-888 (blue & yellow): Power Soldering Accessories: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
X-Tronic 4010-PRO-X • State of the Art •"Platinum Series" • 75 Watt Soldering Iron Station • Features a Calibration Func, 0-30 Minute Sleep Func, C/F Func, Unit Lock Func and 3 Temperature Presets! - - Amazon.com
A good professional unit (I currently have this setup and it has been very good for me):
Hakko Soldering Station, FX951-66: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
I would stay clear of the units that are obviously Chinese (anything with a goofball name like TOAUTO, LONOVE, YIHUA, etc.), although most of all of the above is made in China, it is under supervision of the parent company. The exception is Hakko which makes/assembles their 120 volts units in Malaysia, but the heating elements and tips are made in Japan. Hakko 220/240 volt units are made in China, but are still very good quality with Japanese heating elements/tips.
I have seen garbage Chinese units with temp controls that are set for 650F actually heat to almost 900F!!! They are wildly inaccurate and generally unsafe. Purchase an established brand if you plan on soldering more than every so often.
What kind of solder?
Stay away from Lead-free (Pb free). It does not adhere as well as the tin/lead alloy versions. (only MY opinion!)
A good all-around solder is Kester .031 size 63/37 (Tin/Lead) rosin-core. I use it for everything from lights, capacitors, semiconductors and so on. The 60/40 (Tin/Lead) version is also good to use. Rosin (aka "flux") core is important as the rosin helps to clean the surfaces which lets the solder adhere better.
A good large spool (either one) that will last for a long time:
Kester 24-6337-0027 Solder Roll, Core Size 66, 63/37 Alloy, 0.031" Diameter: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
KESTER SOLDER 24-6040-0027 Wire Solder, 0.031"Dia., Pack of (1), 32117: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
A good compact size:
Kester 83-4000-0000 SN60PB40 Solder Pocket Pack, 0.031" Wire Diameter: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
What to use to remove solder?
A solder sucker or solder braid/wick. Same goes for solder sucker/pumps...the Chinese ones are almost the only option so they won't last long or perform all that well. The exception is the first on the list. It is made in Japan and is mostly metal, higher quality. I am currently using it along with the Hakko FR301.
**NO LONGER RECOMMENDED -ENGINEER SS-02 Solder Sucker Desoldering Pump: Power Soldering Accessories: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
GOOT Solder Sucker Desoldering Vacuum Pump Solder Removal DIY Tools 10.8"(275mm) Length GS-104 - - Amazon.com (Taiyo Electric - Made in Japan)
MG Chemicals 425-NS #3 No Clean Super Wick Desoldering Braid, 0.075" Width x 5' Length, Green: Solder: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
A more expensive, but professional level solder removal tool:
American HAKKO FR301-03/P ESD Safe Portable Desoldering Tool with Precise Temperature Control °F /°C: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
A good, solid starter unit:
Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station - Soldering Iron - Amazon.com
A couple of good intermediate units (I have used both with good results):
Hakko FX888D-23BY Digital Soldering Station FX-888D FX-888 (blue & yellow): Power Soldering Accessories: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
X-Tronic 4010-PRO-X • State of the Art •"Platinum Series" • 75 Watt Soldering Iron Station • Features a Calibration Func, 0-30 Minute Sleep Func, C/F Func, Unit Lock Func and 3 Temperature Presets! - - Amazon.com
A good professional unit (I currently have this setup and it has been very good for me):
Hakko Soldering Station, FX951-66: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
I would stay clear of the units that are obviously Chinese (anything with a goofball name like TOAUTO, LONOVE, YIHUA, etc.), although most of all of the above is made in China, it is under supervision of the parent company. The exception is Hakko which makes/assembles their 120 volts units in Malaysia, but the heating elements and tips are made in Japan. Hakko 220/240 volt units are made in China, but are still very good quality with Japanese heating elements/tips.
I have seen garbage Chinese units with temp controls that are set for 650F actually heat to almost 900F!!! They are wildly inaccurate and generally unsafe. Purchase an established brand if you plan on soldering more than every so often.
What kind of solder?
Stay away from Lead-free (Pb free). It does not adhere as well as the tin/lead alloy versions. (only MY opinion!)
A good all-around solder is Kester .031 size 63/37 (Tin/Lead) rosin-core. I use it for everything from lights, capacitors, semiconductors and so on. The 60/40 (Tin/Lead) version is also good to use. Rosin (aka "flux") core is important as the rosin helps to clean the surfaces which lets the solder adhere better.
A good large spool (either one) that will last for a long time:
Kester 24-6337-0027 Solder Roll, Core Size 66, 63/37 Alloy, 0.031" Diameter: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
KESTER SOLDER 24-6040-0027 Wire Solder, 0.031"Dia., Pack of (1), 32117: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
A good compact size:
Kester 83-4000-0000 SN60PB40 Solder Pocket Pack, 0.031" Wire Diameter: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
What to use to remove solder?
A solder sucker or solder braid/wick. Same goes for solder sucker/pumps...the Chinese ones are almost the only option so they won't last long or perform all that well. The exception is the first on the list. It is made in Japan and is mostly metal, higher quality. I am currently using it along with the Hakko FR301.
**NO LONGER RECOMMENDED -ENGINEER SS-02 Solder Sucker Desoldering Pump: Power Soldering Accessories: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
GOOT Solder Sucker Desoldering Vacuum Pump Solder Removal DIY Tools 10.8"(275mm) Length GS-104 - - Amazon.com (Taiyo Electric - Made in Japan)
MG Chemicals 425-NS #3 No Clean Super Wick Desoldering Braid, 0.075" Width x 5' Length, Green: Solder: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
A more expensive, but professional level solder removal tool:
American HAKKO FR301-03/P ESD Safe Portable Desoldering Tool with Precise Temperature Control °F /°C: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
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