The Best Soldering Tools For Your Basic Needs
Soldering is the technique of physically connecting two metal pieces with a soldering iron using molten solder. The basic soldering tools needed for the process are a soldering iron and solder wire. However, having a few additional tools such as USB Digital Microscope Camera will make the process easier for you.
Here are some of the best soldering tools for your basic needs:
- Soldering iron
It is a hand-held device that heats up to a precise temperature and melts solder. To get started with, you can buy a low-priced soldering iron from electronics parts store. But for more complex electronics project, you would want a temperature regulated and internally grounded iron.
- Solder wire
Solder is a special alloy made of lead and tin. It has a low melting point. When heated, the solder melts and flows over the heated parts and joins them. Since many countries now prohibit the use of lead in solder, it is recommended that you buy lead-free solder wire.
- Soldering iron holder
This stand holds the hot soldering iron in between use. Soldering iron stations include soldering irons stands, but the cheaper ones don’t.
- Microscope USB Camera
This tool comes handy while working with sensitive components. USB Digital Microscope Camera can be used to detect unwarranted solder joints between leads. Also, if your eyesight is not perfect, you can use microscope USB camera for debugging situations.
- Electronic snipper
This wire cutting tool can be used to cut component leads or to strip wire ends. You need not invest too much into this tool; a cheaper one is usually good enough.
- Safety Glasses
A pair of safety glasses will protect your eyes from an accidental splash of hot solder. A pair of regular glasses will work just fine too.
- Tweezers
Tweezers is a handy tool that can be used them to hold components in place or for inserting tiny parts. Use this tool to save your fingers from burning while soldering.
- Wet Sponge
It is useful for cleaning soldering iron tip. The hot tip gets contaminated easily due to oxidization. A dirt-free tip will transfer heat faster and make good soldering joints. A sponge is usually included in the soldering iron station that you buy.
- De-soldering tools
Sometimes you have to fix a defective joint or replace a part of the circuit. You can do this by de-soldering. Solder pump is a vacuum pump that draws the solder from the joint. Heat the defective joint to melt the solder and pull it away with the pump. Solder wick is also a solder removing tool that is made of copper strands that soak up the solder from the joint. Solder pump can be used to draw up big lumps of solder while the solder wick can be used to remove smaller amount of solder.
These soldering tools are usually available at any local hardware store. You can also find the best soldering tools on online stores. Get equipped with these recommended tools and components for your basic needs.