5 Must-Have Soldering Upgrades

Tools:
Engineer SS-02 Solder Sucker
Amazon link: www.amazon.com...
Adafruit link: www.adafruit.c...
Also see our separate video for a closer look at the Engineer SS-02:
• Best solder sucker
Hakko Wire Tip Cleaner
Amazon link: www.amazon.com...
Adafruit link: www.adafruit.c...
Solder Spool
Adafruit link to Helen's specific model: www.adafruit.c...
Amazon link to similar: www.amazon.com...
PanaVise Jr.
Amazon link: www.amazon.com...
Adafruit link: www.adafruit.c...
KOTTO Fume Extractor
Amazon link: www.amazon.com...
Guest: Helen Leigh
Subscribe to the Crowd Supply RUclips channel to catch Helen's upcoming Teardown video series:
/ @crowd_supply
Helen's book:
DIY Music Tech (upcoming) and Crafty Kid’s Guide to DIY Electronics
www.amazon.com...
On Twitter as @HelenLeigh and @Crowd_Supply.
Also mentioned, Wermy at Sudomod's soldering technique of bringing wires to the spool holder instead of spooled solder to the wire:
sudomod.com/so...
Helen also mentions this open source fume extractor kit, available on Crowd Supply:
www.crowdsuppl...
Quote:
So one of my favorite tools, which I do not shut-up about, is this spectacular solder sucker. I first came across this at a hackerspace. Somebody brought it with them because the the usual hackerspace desoldering pump was terrible. I used it and I have never gone back -- never. I could never go back. It feels great in your hand. It's got really satisfying sound. But it's also got this great silicone tip, so you can really smash it in there while you're soldering.
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You can find thousands of reader recommended tools like these at cool-tools.org
#cooltools

[@crowd_supply]

Thanks for the shout out for our upcoming livestream series! It's going to be super fun and extra specially nerdy :D

[@karllaun2427]

The rapid spinner is a nice accessory for the pana vise

[@robertendl9205]

The solder sucker is available under other names for about $10 to $25 . Shop carefully.

[@mlune666]

The Skull CTF and the Anavi fume extractof. Gotta love Crowd Supply

[@bigfoottoo2841]

I use a fly fishing reel for holding my solder, works great

[@bengarland]

I used a nice spring loaded solder sucker for far too long -- then I upgraded to a Hakko FR-301 vacuum desolderer. There is no comparison. If you're doing enough soldering to have a dedicated bench, you need a vacuum powered desolderer. This thing has paid for itself in time saved and the ability to confidently remove components without worrying about damaging anything. Spring loaded solder suckers are too fiddly and often do more harm than good.

[@johnflower8648]

The solder dispenser is also available in a double decker version.

[@ThatOneOddGuy]

Functionality is better than aesthetic long as it doesn't smell or look like crap

[@qwaqwa1960]

Why can't *I* meet a gal with a resistor on her arm...? :-}

[@zingsting9595]

I'm surprised makers still use leaded solder given what we know about how toxic the stuff is. The latest generation of lead free solders are easy to work with if you have a good lead free capable soldering station. If you use leaded solders, if you to be super careful about cleaning up those little solder balls and bits you sometimes get flinging about while desoldering. You have to make sure you elbows or clothing did not pick up lead slivers and you can't eat around your work area and have to keep pets or children away in case they pick up and eat bits of lead.