Desoldering station - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tizi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 02:51:34 am
content: Hi all,i bought a cheap Chinese de-soldering station, works very well until...............it blocked up and im unable to clear blockage. blockage is write at the end of the heat element just before solder enters the glass tube.i then turn on the unit to full heat 480w waited 5min then tried to clear ...........still blockedis this normal for de-soldering station or only cheap sh_t Chinese models.Tia

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 03:13:34 am
content: You need to insert a drill bit of the correct size into the element and twist it until the solder is free to move. Always use a cleaning pin to clear the airway before powering the unit off, to prevent future blockages.

author: eKretz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 03:36:53 am
content: It should clear with a pin after heating up, but tough cases may require a drill. I like to use an acetylene torch tip cleaner after every use of my desoldering gun:https://www.google.com/search?q=acetylene+torch+tip+cleaner&oq=acetylene+torch+tip+&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0l3.7924j0j4&client=ms-android-motorola&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 03:37:19 am
content: It's a problem with pretty much all desolderers. Hakko have some new models, where they have an extra heating elemt JUST for the end, to solve the problem.As commented, either use a drill bit (long as possible) or there are push pins available, in all sizes 1.0-3.0mm. Basically very stiff long wire, with a curled end to hold.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 04:28:25 am
content: As above suggested, drill is the only way, as most of the times the clogging is not only from the solder lead, but sometimes mixed with non lead materials like copper strands and etc, and once solidified, mechanically its quite stiff & strong.Push pin or cleaning pin also sometimes wont help even the lead inside is melted.Just make sure you have enough length for the drill and its straight when drilling. Mini bench press drill might be useful instead of hand held drill.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 04:53:33 am
content: Quote from: BravoVThe only trouble withjustusing a drill for all occasions is - scratching of the inner plating and eventual destruction. Once that happens, clogging becomes FAR more frequent,and difficult. ... oops, forgot to look for the 474 hand pieces, I'll do it now :-)

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 06:40:53 am
content: Quote from: digsys on May 02, 2017, 04:53:33 amYes, have to admit its not easy, the drill bit "must" be smaller in diameter and the drill and the barrel must be secured and fully aligned, hence that is why holding with bare hand either the drill or the barrel is likely to ruin it.Quote from: digsys on May 02, 2017, 04:53:33 amThank you !

author: dimkasta
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 09:19:43 am
content: I am having the same issue quite often on my ZD917No need for drilling that can damage the tubeJust remove the waste chamber, set temperature to max and leave it a few minutes to nicely heat up until the solder in the tube melts. Then put the waste chamber back and use suction.If there is a blob of solder at the end of the tube just use your soldering iron to remove it, since it will probably never melt completely on its own. You can also use your iron to help the back of the tube heat enough to melt the solder inside it.I do not like using the pins. They will probably damage the tube.Just let heat do its job.

author: tizi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 09:24:14 am
content: thanks for the tips guys.i found a piece of rod 150 mm in length same dia as the barrel, ground the top to produce too sharp edge's attached to the drill pressed easy on the trigger and presto worked first shotcheers everyone

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 07:15:42 pm
content: Running a decent thickness solid copper wire down the tube (tip removed) works well too - it conducts element heat down to the blockage much better than the steel cleaning rods. Just make sure you hold it securely in pliers and let it cool well afterwards, efficient heat transfer has its downsides too!

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 06:17:32 am
content: I used vac desoldering irons with glass collection tube. I use stainless steel wire ~ .7mm dia and poke it down the hole. Just be careful to insulate the end of the wire you are holding...made that mistake more than once.