Desoldering tool

[Andy_B]

Hi all.

Does anyone use a powered desolder tool rather than an iron and a solder sucker/wicking braid?

Not looking to take out another mortgage for a Hakko or Weller, particularly as it will be rarely used but wondered if any of the cheaper options are worthwhile.

Thanks

Andy

 

[kevlar]

I have 1 of these, seems to do the job well but as I've never used anything else I've no idea how it compares to others. I definitely didn't pay that much for it, about half that I'd say. Think it was on offer somewhere.

https://amzn.eu/d/cYtmrRd

 

[AlanJ]

Yes I’ve got the same duratools One. It will easily desolder ics and leaves nice clean holes. Should be under £100

 

[russdx1]

I had the above one but kept clogging in me, in the end just spent the $$$ and got a hakko never looked back

 

[HomerRamone]

I've got a duratool. Love it. Another+1 from me

 

[strobey]

Got the durex too, stuff slides out

 

[kevlar]

Got the durex too, stuff slides out

You need a smaller size .

 

[carl lawrence]

https://cpc.farnell.com/duratool/d00672/desoldering-station-uk-eu-plug/dp/SD01384

As @kevlar says above is what I have ,I did by mine of eBay for £130 because I forgot about Farnell great bit of kit I found .

 

[Andy_B]

Seems a reasonable enough price .

Thanks for the input.

 

[drhex]

Ersa icon 4 - but very expensive. Also very good.

 

[Widnesbernie]

I have the Duratool as well. Think it was about 70 quid.
Get the odd clog up, but a poke with the cleaning rod is usually all that it needs.The waste chamber can be a bit fiddly to remove and replace.

 

[AlanJ]

They clog more when the temperature is set low, I found raising the temp prevents it from happening as often because the solder stays melted a little bit longer.

 

[Andy_B]

I see the identical unit is for sale through other suppliers but branded differently.

Anyone any experience with the Yihua products or similar?

 

[Andy_B]

Ersa icon 4 - but very expensive. Also very good.

Looks like you need an acre of workbench just to set it up

Just seen the price A little out of my range if I'm honest.

 

[Paul]

You could go for a Hakko FR-301 if cost isnt an option...... (circa £400)

Or i have this which is similar to the above... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201720941956



As Alan mentions above, it does tend to clog on occasion, but it comes with tools to unclog so can be just an inconvenince at times.

 

[Chilpin]

I have the Yihua 948, for the price works quite well. The soldering iron is not very good, but the desoldering works fine. https://www.amazon.co.uk/YIHUA-Soldering-Desoldering-Station-Calibration/dp/B099JWP77R

 

[Andy_B]

I have the Yihua 948, for the price works quite well. The soldering iron is not very good, but the desoldering works fine. https://www.amazon.co.uk/YIHUA-Soldering-Desoldering-Station-Calibration/dp/B099JWP77R

Yes, I was looking at that sort of 2 in 1 for the smaller foot print and general convenience.
What's wrong with the soldering iron? You'd have thought heating a thin piece of iron to an approximate temperature and keeping it there should be relatively easy task but what do I know?

 

[Chilpin]

Yes, I was looking at that sort of 2 in 1 for the smaller foot print and general convenience.
What's wrong with the soldering iron? You'd have thought heating a thin piece of iron to an approximate temperature and keeping it there should be relatively easy task but what do I know?

The soldering iron works well too, for the price and for 2 in 1, I think is a good equipment.
On second thought, I think I mentioned the soldering iron comment because of the comparison point I have. My alternative to the Yihua desoldering is nothing, a soldapult. On the other hand, for soldering I have an Ersa soldering iron, which probably outperforms the Yihua equivalent.

 

[Widnesbernie]

They clog more when the temperature is set low, I found raising the temp prevents it from happening as often because the solder stays melted a little bit longer.

Alan, what temperature do you use?

 

[AlanJ]

Alan, what temperature do you use?

It depends what I’m desoldering. But I find the hotter the better as it’s faster, 400 often.

 

[mufcmufc]

Do they sell replacement guns anywhere?

 

[AlanJ]

Do they sell replacement guns anywhere?

Yes. eBay

 

[Sgt GrizZ]

Like others I have the Duratool . With a little bit of practice it works a treat . Should have bought one years ago .

That said for many years I coped fine with a solder sucker .

If anyone after a sucker I’d highly recommend this one , best one I have used.

Precision Japanese Solder Sucker with Silicone Nozzle |allendale-group.co.uk

Precision Japanese Solder Sucker with Silicone Nozzle - Solder Sucker

www.pcb-soldering.co.uk

 

[Asiapinball]

I also have the Duratool/Anesty ZD915.
Its great value and does the job.
The trickiest part of using it is cleaning out the glass tube. the glass tube doesn't come out easily and I always fear breaking it and cutting my fingers. The instructions are pretty poor too. I will post some instructions on how to do it below.

 

[Asiapinball]

1.Click button on back end downwards to release the black catch.

2. Black catch will slide backwards

3. Pull glass tube and rubber seal backwards from front end of tube.

4 slide glass tube and rubber seal out sideways

5. Until all the way out.

 

[HomerRamone]

I also have the Duratool/Anesty ZD915.
Its great value and does the job.
The trickiest part of using it is cleaning out the glass tube. the glass tube doesn't come out easily and I always fear breaking it and cutting my fingers. The instructions are pretty poor too. I will post some instructions on how to do it below.

Been there done that

 

[drhex]

Looks like you need an acre of workbench just to set it up

Just seen the price A little out of my range if I'm honest.

More for everyday/professional use, I agree. But nice to have all the tools hot at the same time in good quality and temp control.