Soldering iron bits

[JE5]

Since I have to buy a new one, what type of soldering iron bit would you  recommend using?

Are the pointed ones better than the ones with an angled  flat bit? I have always used the angled flat bit in the past and I've never used a pointed one before.

[illogik]

hi,

you definitly need the one with the pointed tip; the angled flat tip is way too big for those small components you will be soldering!

best thing for a low price is something like this (a soldering station):

you can find these at most of the electronic-mailorder-companies for about 20 euros; you can control the temperature with the knob, the sponge is for cleaning/removing solder blobs from your tip.

you should also use rosin-core solder and consider buying a desoldering pump or desolder wick, both are for removing solder from your pcb/components when you made a mistake. The pump is a vacuum pump (with a spring inside) which can suck liquid solder inside, the wick is a small copper braid; you can lay it on the solder to be removed, heat the wick/ solder and the braid sucks the solder inside

cheers,

marcel

[JE5]

Thanks! I have an Antex iron and you can change the bits on them, I needed a new one anyway as the bit on mine is corroded.  I'm just compiling a shopping list now to take down to Maplin tommorrow.

Cheers.

[Sephult]

I had purchased one of the butane Weller soldering pens. I didn't expect it to work half as well as it does. I would suggest it, as I tend to get myself wrapped up in cords.

(I always love having a ground cord tied around my legs, while I am tied up in a soldering iron cord and answering a phone with a 30 foot extension at work  ;D    )

[moebius]

Antex roxx, Big time ;)

Mine has served me for 10 years now, with the original 3mm angled flat tip - just keep it tinned.

you definitly need the one with the pointed tip; the angled flat tip is way too big for those small components you will be soldering!

I have to disagree with this. ;) Hmm, what would those "small components" likely to be? I have worked with my Antex successfully even on some SMDs. A tip: Tip rotation ;) But it could just be that I'm used to it and my 1mm Multicore 60/40 (rosin flux) solder..

The problem with a fine pointed tips is that it makes soldering larger components/pads difficult. To prevent cold solder joints you should be able to hold all applied solder flowing and a larger tip is good for that.

SO, if you're antex is XS - I would recommend getting type 50 tip (2,3mm, angled flat tip) as a replacement. It's just slightly smaller than original.

Bye, Moebius

[JE5]

eek!, I just had a bad experience with the desoldering braid (never use this stuff before). I think I'm going to buy a pump instead as I know how to use them.

I'm not so sure about this lead free solder I bought either...

[Sephult]

I also have had problems before using braid, it just takes awhile to get used to. I usually spread the braid out, put it over or partially over the joint, and heat the braid. Pull as the solder starts to flow again.

It took me forever to get used to it :)

I always tend to pull the braid too fast, and the braid doesn't get hot enough for the solder to flow into it.

I can never find a pump I like to use, so I tend to stick with braid. Any suggestions for a good pump? I wouldn't mind having a backup when I get frustrated with braid.

[JE5]

Haha, I just bought a new iron. The element was dodgy on the last one and it wasn't heating up enough. The new one  works a treat now.  8)

[jimhenry]

People seem to LOVE their Hakko Desoldering Guns. This is a gun with built in vacuum pump, not a unit with outboard vacuum. They are pricey at about $160.00 US but they are supposed to be worth it if you do a lot of desoldering.