Soldering tools

What do I need for soldering?

You need different products to solder. Not only a soldering iron or soldering station will suffice, but you should also not forget soldering tin. We also have many other products to help you with your soldering projects. Consider, for example, anti-static mats, screwdrivers, pliers and other tools and accessories.

Soldering irons & stations

You need a soldering iron to solder, that's for sure. But which one should you choose? That depends on what you want to do. For thick wires you need a strong soldering iron, say more than 100W with a large tip. For smaller jobs, a 10W soldering iron is enough.

If you are a beginner or only solder occasionally, a loose soldering iron is fine. Do you solder often? Then a soldering station is more convenient. They are more expensive, but you can set the temperature and it comes with a holder.

Solder tin

Solder is an essential material for making solder joints. It usually consists of an alloy of tin and lead, although nowadays there are also lead-free variants. The ratio of tin to lead can vary, but a common composition is 60% tin and 40% lead. Lead-free solder often uses a combination of tin and other metals such as silver or copper. The solder is heated with a soldering iron, after which it melts and can form an electrical connection between two components. Solder can also contain something called a rosin core or flux, a chemical that helps clean the surface and improve the flow of the molten tin. This ensures better adhesion and therefore a more reliable connection. Solder comes in different shapes and thicknesses, suitable for a variety of applications, from fine electronics work to coarser jobs.

Desoldering ribbon/pump

Desoldering ribbon, also called solder suction tape, is a copper ribbon used to suck up molten solder. You place the ribbon on the solder and heat it with a soldering iron. The melted solder adheres to the ribbon, and once you remove the ribbon, the excess solder comes with it. This is especially useful for fine, detailed work and surface mount components.

A desoldering pump, also known as a solder sucker, is a mechanical device that sucks up the molten solder by means of a suction mechanism. To use it, first heat the solder joint with a soldering iron. Then place the tip of the desoldering pump close to the molten solder and activate the suction mechanism. This is especially useful for removing larger amounts of solder and is often used on feedthrough components on printed circuit boards. Both desoldering methods are indispensable for correcting errors and reusing components.

Third hands and PCB holders

A " third hand " is often equipped with clamps, magnifying glasses, and sometimes even a fan or LED light. It serves as an extra pair of hands to help you hold small components, wires or printed circuit boards (PCBs) while you solder. This ensures that you have more precision and control while working.

PCB holders are specially designed to hold printed circuit boards securely. They are usually adjustable, so they can fit different sizes and shapes of circuit boards. Some PCB holders also have the ability to rotate the PCB, making it easy to work on both sides of the PCB without having to remove it from the holder. Both types of tools are designed to make your work more efficient and easier, and they are virtually indispensable for more complex soldering and electronics projects.

Clean soldering iron

Cleaning your soldering iron is an important step to extend the lifespan and maintain the quality of your soldering work. Keeping the soldering iron clean prevents oxidation and keeps heat transfer to the solder efficient. Here are some tips for cleaning your soldering iron:

• Sponges: Many soldering stations come with a cleaning sponge. Wet the sponge and squeeze out excess water. Gently wipe the hot soldering tip over the sponge to remove excess solder and dirt.
• Brass curls: Another option is a holder with brass curls. Insert the hot soldering tip into the curls and rotate it a few times. The shavings are effective at removing dirt without lowering the temperature of the soldering tip, as a wet sponge can do.

Spare soldering tips

Having spare tips for your soldering iron is not only useful, but also essential for an optimal soldering experience. Different soldering jobs require different types and sizes of soldering points. With a range of spare points you can easily switch and choose the most suitable type of point for the work you are doing. For example, a fine tip is ideal for detailed work on small components, while a wider tip can provide more heat for soldering thicker wires or larger components.

In addition, each soldering tip will wear out over time due to oxidation and frequent use. A worn or oxidized tip will not only affect your soldering work, but can also reduce the efficiency of your soldering iron. That's why it's a good idea to always have a few spare tips on hand so you can keep soldering without interruptions. It not only extends the life of your soldering iron, but also ensures consistently high quality in your soldering projects.

Etching tools

Etching tools consist of handy tools that you need to design your own printed circuit board. Etching is a surface treatment in which a copper plate is treated with a substance to create a circuit. A chemical reaction occurs in which the printed circuit board partially dissolves, onto which components can then be soldered to create a printed circuit board.