Good Desoldering tool around $50 ??

ScumBum

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Is there a desoldering tool around $50 thats alot better than using wick or cheap $5 hand pump ? I have some components that are soldered on the top and bottom of the pcb and I just can't seem to get all the solder out .
 
In my experience, having used the RS one shown, it isn't good, or effective at removing a lot of stuff.

At 45 watts, you could do damage to boards with that puppy if you leave it on too long.

One tip, so if you have to pull a smaller component, well, good luck.

Here is the bottom line: you get what you pay for. If you can't afford a good de-soldering tool, either save up until you can, or try to pick up a good tool on the used market.

So, what is wrong with the RS Tool:
1. 2 hand operation. You have to hold the iron in position to heat the part, and then squeeze the bulb with the other hand while holding it in position, to pull the solder. A good, dedicated de-solderer has a pump, which you can quickly engage to pull out the solder. One hand means you can hold the board, or pull the component.
2. Since both hands are busy, you can't pull the heated component out when you have the solder liquified, to help clear the hole. That means having friends help you. (Possible, but now you need to coordinate efforts).
3. RS product. Enough said?

I've tried them - they just aren't good enough for real work. They are good for the hobby guy, working on RS projects, and for very light work.
 
Is there a desoldering tool around $50 thats alot better than using wick or cheap $5 hand pump ? I have some components that are soldered on the top and bottom of the pcb and I just can't seem to get all the solder out .

Save your $50, and put away a little more every month until you have enough to buy a good one.

For difficult to desolder things, cut the component off, grab the remaining lead with needle nose pliers, add some solder to the joint, heat the joint with your iron, pull out the lead with the pliers, this will likely leave the hole full of solder, heat one side of the hole with the iron and use the solder sucker at the same time on the other side to clean out the hole (this may require help from another person).

A desoldering station doesn't really make things possible that aren't also possible with cheaper tools (soldapult and an iron); it just makes most jobs much faster.
 
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For difficult to desolder things, cut the component off, grab the remaining lead with needle nose pliers, add some solder to the joint, heat the joint with your iron, pull out the lead with the pliers, this will likely leave the hole full of solder, heat one side of the hole with the iron and use the solder sucker at the same time on the other side to clean out the hole (this may require help from another person).

Thanks for the desoldering tip , I'm gonna give it a try . I have exactly the problem you described , I can get the leads out but the hole is full of solder and thats giving me problems . Its those damn components soldered on the top and bottom of the PCB .
 
The Radio Shack one is cheap and works great, haven't ruined anything yet. Just make sure to replace it when it stopps getting as hot.
 
In my experience, having used the RS one shown, it isn't good, or effective at removing a lot of stuff.

At 45 watts, you could do damage to boards with that puppy if you leave it on too long.

One tip, so if you have to pull a smaller component, well, good luck.

Here is the bottom line: you get what you pay for. If you can't afford a good de-soldering tool, either save up until you can, or try to pick up a good tool on the used market.

So, what is wrong with the RS Tool:
1. 2 hand operation. You have to hold the iron in position to heat the part, and then squeeze the bulb with the other hand while holding it in position, to pull the solder. A good, dedicated de-solderer has a pump, which you can quickly engage to pull out the solder. One hand means you can hold the board, or pull the component.
2. Since both hands are busy, you can't pull the heated component out when you have the solder liquified, to help clear the hole. That means having friends help you. (Possible, but now you need to coordinate efforts).
3. RS product. Enough said?

I've tried them - they just aren't good enough for real work. They are good for the hobby guy, working on RS projects, and for very light work.

I think you're doing it wrong, It doesn't take two hands :)

I've used the RS desoldering tool for several years and it has performed beautifully. Its a ONE hand operation. I've used it so much, that I'm actually on my second one (heating element quit after 2 years). Depending on the job, I also use a iron + soldapullt or hakko 808 to desolder. Sometimes, I prefer the RS iron.
 
Yep, that's how long it takes.

45 watts is pretty high power.

Yes, you can do it with one hand. You don't get full compression. If you want to really get a good pull, you compress the bulb more with both hands.

I still think you'd be better off saving up, and getting a better tool. I've done it both ways, and I'll never go back to the squeeze bulb / spring suckers.
 
Yep, that's how long it takes.

45 watts is pretty high power.

Yes, you can do it with one hand. You don't get full compression. If you want to really get a good pull, you compress the bulb more with both hands.

I still think you'd be better off saving up, and getting a better tool. I've done it both ways, and I'll never go back to the squeeze bulb / spring suckers.

Everybody would like a nice vac one, but if I saved up for that I wouldn't have fixed any of my monitors yet. The Rat Shack one does the job, and quickly too. Never had a problem. I will get a super nice one, when I am rich.
 
I have a question about keeping the radio shack desolders tip clean . It worked really well and I knocked out multiple holes I was had problems with in seconds , it sucked the solder right out , but now the tip has gotten dirty and its not getting hot enough to melt the solder .

The method I use to keep my soldering iron clean is add alittle fresh solder to the tip and let it bubble and cook , flick excess solder off and then wipe it on a damp sponge. This radio shack desolder tool has gotten dirty and will not melt any solder at all . Any advice ?
 
You just got it and it isn't hot enough? I might be defective, I get 5 years out of mine. You might just want to exchange it. Are you making sure to expel the solder after each suck?
 
Is there a desoldering tool around $50 thats alot better than using wick or cheap $5 hand pump ? I have some components that are soldered on the top and bottom of the pcb and I just can't seem to get all the solder out .

Just break down and buy a hakko 808 desoldering gun. It will be your best purchase.
 
I've used the RS one for years without any major issue. I have chewed up a board or two though. I think that has been because of the angle that I've had to hold it. It is a bit culmsy.

I currently use this one that happ sells: http://na.suzohapp.com/tools/92075900.htm.
It works great and I've had no issues at all so far.

$45? yikes

I have one like that for $7 though they are out of stock right now

http://www.mpja.com/prodinfo.asp?number=16922+TL

Ebay has some listings way under $45 as well.
 
And to the poster with the dirty tip that won't flow solder, try a toothbrush sized brass bristle
wire brush to clean the tip off. If the tip ain't clean and shiny it won't transfer heat well enough to melt the solder.
 
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