Soldering Tools and Equipment
Get started soldering with Jameco's wide selection of soldering equipment-- including irons, kits, & stands ideal for both beginners & experts. Whether you're looking for a soldering iron stand to hold just about any soldering iron safely & securely, or our soldering starter kits which include all the basic tools you'll need for your soldering projects, Jameco has what you're looking for. Fuse small electrical components with ease with our stock of soldering stations & irons below.Soldering Equipment and Accessories
Soldering is a difficult skill to master and the old saying "practice makes perfect" most certainly applies. For those who have never soldered before, it can be intimidating dealing with high heat and electronics, but there is nothing more rewarding than completing a clean soldering job. Anyone can become a pro-solderer but it will take some practice.It's time to graduate from wire-wrapping and get started in soldering. Step one is putting together an electronics workbench with the right gear. This article will review the tools and equipment you'll need to quickly become a soldering professional.
Soldering Irons and Stations
Choosing between a soldering iron and soldering station depends on how big of a project you're working on and how much space you have available. Soldering irons are more convenient for both small projects that require a few solder joints as well as fast and easy storage.Stand-alone soldering irons are powered by simply plugging into the wall outlet, which does not allow users to adjust the temperature of the iron. Most soldering irons include a soldering stand, but some may not. Stands are important for keeping the soldering tip clean and, of course, for safety reasons (you wouldn't want an 800°F iron balancing on the edge your desk). Jameco carries a variety of soldering irons from butane-powered irons and SMD tweezer irons to the traditional soldering iron.
Soldering stations come with a soldering stand and allow for temperature adjustment for more precise controlled soldering. Stations will take up more space on your workbench, but they're also much more convenient for bigger projects where you would need to use it on a consistent basis. Most new soldering stations have a digital display showing the exact temperature of the iron, but you can still find analog soldering stations, which are usually available at a lower price. For those who want a heavy-duty station, there are high-powered soldering/desoldering stations with enough power to handle any job. They come equipped with everything you will need except the solder.
Solder
Solder comes in many shapes and sizes: solder bars, rolls, coils, just to name a few. The type and composition of the solder is really all that matters. You can perform lead-free soldering if your application calls for it, or you can go industrial-size and use some solder bars with a solder pot. Solder pots can melt a larger quantity of solder and have it ready to be used immediately. They are helpful with larger projects that require lots of solder.Soldering Accessories
There are plenty of accessories available to make your soldering experiences as fun, quick and simple as possible. Workstations such as third hands and vises keep your project board still and steady while you handle the iron. Solder spool stands keep rolls of solder neatly in place while giving you access to as much or as little as you want. Tweezers, wire strippers and wire cutters are available individually or as sets so you can move the sensitive components on your board without having to touch them with your bare hands.
Solder flux allows solder to flow more easily and creates better contact between the solder and the board, which is especially helpful with surface-mount soldering. If you happen to make a mistake and need to desolder, Jameco has high-quality desolder braids and desoldering pumps that will soak up the solder in seconds, leaving a nice clean work surface.
There are also formula solder paste fluxes that help make desoldering and reworking easy. It comes in a syringe with plunger and nozzle for easy and clean application. This quick video demonstrates how easy it is to work with.
Fume extractors take away the noxious fumes that soldering can produce. You should always solder in a well-ventilated area whenever possible, but when it isn't, use a fume extractor, or build your own fume extractor.
Soldering Tech Tips
Soldering requires patience. Rushing it will only decrease the quality of the solder job. If you're a beginner, take your time and be sure to add enough solder onto each joint without overdoing it. A shiny solder joint with all edges clearly contacting the pad is always a good sign. Having a clean solder tip is key to every job, so be sure to wipe clean the tip with a wet sponge and/or a brass cleaner before and after each solder joint. Impurities are passed from solder to tip every time they touch, so keep it clean.Soldering Safety
As with all electrical or mechanical devices, soldering stations and equipment must be handled with care. The soldering iron and tip can reach extremely high temperatures and chemicals that can be hazardous if not handled properly. Here are some simple safety precautions to follow:- Keep soldering station out of reach of children.
- Never touch the element or tip of the soldering iron. They are very hot (200°F and above) and will cause immediate burns.
- Keep a clean work surface and avoid having flammable material near the soldering station.
- Be careful that the hot iron or tip does not touch any electrical cords.
- Do not cool an iron by dipping it into any liquids or water.
- Always work in a well ventilated area.
- Always return the soldering iron to its stand when not in use. Never set it on your workbench.
- Turn off the soldering iron when not in use. Position the soldering iron in an area where you won't have to go around it or reach over it.
Search the entire line of soldering products, and as always, if you think we are missing anything from the offering, feel free to send us a suggestion.
You may also want to review the following articles:
Soldering a Humbling ExperienceTech Tips for Soldering Beginers
Basic Soldering
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About the Author
Robert Cong obtained his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. During his undergraduate career, he developed a strong foundation in circuits, electronics, and digital signal processing, which sparked his passion for emerging technologies. He enjoys participating in sports , discovering new films and music in his free time, and exploring the latest innovations in consumer electronics.