Do You Need A New Solder Sucker - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: George_Race
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2015, 03:40:50 pm
content: Ran across a really good deal on a Solder Sucker. My 40 year old one from Sweden has seen better days!Just could not pass up an Engineer SS-02 for $14.87 from Adafruit! That includes a 15% extended Black Friday discount. Their shipping is only by UPS, but you still end up getting it for the cheapest price available from Japan, and don't have to wait 2 weeks for it to be delivered.Here is a link to their product:https://www.adafruit.com/products/1597

author: v8dave
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2015, 03:58:18 pm
content: I've got 2 off these and although they work very well, they do tend to block up easily and you find you need to use something to clear the silicone tube often.In saying that, if you can live with having to clean it more than you would any other solder sucker, they do a damn good job if you don't want to invest in an actual desoldering gun.

author: George_Race
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 02:03:20 am
content: Anything will probably work better than the 40 year old one that is being held together by blue plastic tape!I don't do that much work any more, so for an occasional use I am sure it will do just great.Pleased to hear it works well! Have my eye on one of the Chinese hand held vacuum pumps, but really don't think that it would get used enough to have just sitting around on the work bench.Thanks for your comments

author: v8dave
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 02:08:57 am
content: It will be perfect for your sort of use.By the way, the spring is pretty heft so it will give your thumb a good work out

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 02:29:58 am
content: I still am using my first one as well. It's not 40 yet but getting close. Looks like they still make it.http://www.amazon.com/EDSYN-INC-DS017-Delux-Soldapullt/dp/B000PDNOZU/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1448763673&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=soldapullt+model+ds+017At the price, do they still have the same quality?Curious, looking at this picture, how many of you notch the tip to fit around the iron for better suction? I was showed this when I was just getting started. Nice trick.

author: v8dave
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 02:36:15 am
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on November 29, 2015, 02:29:58 amWith the Adafruit one, the fact that the tip is a piece of silicone tubing, it deforms nicely around the soldering tip and I've found that this gives better suction.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 05:21:22 am
content: Quote from: v8dave on November 29, 2015, 02:36:15 amI have damaged circuit boards before with mine because of the hard tip (Teflon?) when I slipped. Rare, but happens. The soft silicone tube may prevent this as well.

author: djQUAN
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 05:48:14 am
content: I have this one which has been in use for more than 10yrshttp://minkara.carview.co.jp/en/userid/307576/car/402622/1969845/parts.aspxand bought a spare but haven't used it yet. Seems to work ok all these years, works much better than the chinese crap.Will it be a decent upgrade to get the one in the OP or just use my spare?Or just get a silicone tube and "upgrade" mine?I like the idea of the soft tip.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 05:56:36 am
content: That's a rather touchy subject!"I swear baby, it's not mine!" - Austin PowersTim

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 05:17:30 pm
content: Does anyone remember the scene in the Woody Allen movie "Sleeper" where the rebels give Allen's character a sedative using a Radio Shack solder sucker (repainted into different colors)?

author: George_Race
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2015, 01:59:50 pm
content: It arrived yesterday and I am impressed with the overall quality. And yes, it does have a very strong spring! The overall size of the unit is about one half the size of my 40 year old one. Need to see how it works on a circuit board, like the way the soft tip can be cut to fit around the tip of the iron. Seems to fit in my hand nicely, will make some further comments after I have had a chance to try it out. My overall rating is great, especially for the price I paid.

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2015, 09:24:37 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on November 29, 2015, 02:29:58 amI (and the guy who showed my this trick) DO notch the tip. I cannot see the image, but I understand what you are writing about.I have the same tool (EDSYN blue one) and just to-day I ordered a second one.No other pump I've tested works so well (there is one from JBC that is very similar, but more expensive).Best regards

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2015, 12:51:23 am
content: ^ Jonard/OK Industries DP-100 appears to be 99% identical, at $18.00 from Mouser. Practically indestructable, these things, yeah.Edsyn Soldapult 3 is a little smaller but seems to have about the same level of suction. Also indestructible.

author: George_Race
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2015, 07:24:39 pm
content: Here is a picture of the new and the old, actually purchased the old one in 1970.

author: amc184
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2015, 06:44:18 am
content: These look really good, I'll be getting one. I use an Edsyn SS750LS at the moment, and while it removes solder really well, it's not durable enough. With the SS-02's aluminium body and easily replaceable tip, that shouldn't be an issue.

author: brillopad
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 09:32:18 pm
content: Amazon UK sell them - I bought two - I like them for the silicone tube and the small size - much easier operate and reset.UK price as usual is $1 = £1.http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002MJMXD4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

author: jh15
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 09:44:28 am
content: I thought most of these were an esd hazard.

author: amc184
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2015, 07:16:22 am
content: I followed through an bought an Engineer SS02. First impression is that it's good but small.Pros:The quality is very good, with the sort of materials and finish I'd expect on something ten times the price. The action is quite powerful, and it gets the job done without jamming. The silicone tip works quite well, but I'll be interested to see what the life is like. A length of spare tube is included, enough for about 6 changes.Cons:It is small, the body is only 85mm long. For me, a guy with slightly under average sized hands it's okay .... just. If you have above average sized hands, don't bother buying this, it won't work. I also found the spring pressure to be on the high side, a bit more than an average desoldering pump. Might cause fatigue issues with prolonged use.All up, looks good, I don't regret buying it.

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 09:17:29 am
content: Just buy thishttp://www.ebay.com.au/itm/141175414871Buy the 2mm * 4mmIt will last you forever

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 10:05:44 pm
content: Quote from: brillopad on December 08, 2015, 09:32:18 pmI just ordered one from that vendor, too, but through amazon.de — only slightly higher numerals, but with € in front of them instead of £!!!They actually had to create a separate SKU for me, though, because "Fulfillment by Amazon" doesn't ship to Switzerland!

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 10:52:23 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on December 30, 2015, 10:05:44 pmyou could do it direct fom their shop:http://www.precisehandtools.com/

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 12:56:30 am
content: Yep, I know that, but the price on their own website is significantly higher than their price on amazon.de (€24.32 including shipping, vs. €27.56).

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2016, 04:21:26 pm
content: Actually now the price is the same between Amazon.de and their own websiteNot sure about the shipping cost through Amazon, though.

author: BobbyK
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2016, 11:25:55 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on November 29, 2015, 02:29:58 amI second that sucker! it is very powerful even after two years of use. Got in on Amazon, and haven't had a complaint, except maybe the size (it's huge)....and the fact that its hard to operate with one hand. But it certainly sucks as it should.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 04:37:56 am
content: Quote from: ciccio on December 03, 2015, 09:24:37 pmThe spring in mine is quite stiff and after cleaning and lube, there is enough suction to catch a fly with it.Quote from: amc184 on December 21, 2015, 07:16:22 amQuote from: BobbyK on January 02, 2016, 11:25:55 pmNow I am curious how people use them. If I have a lot of work to do, I hold the iron in one hand and the sucker the other. I rotate my wrist and bang the plunger on my leg to set it. I made a short video to better explain it. The Soldapullt can take a fair amount of abuse.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 09:41:32 am
content: That is crazy. I have only ever pressed the plunger with my right hand while still holding the iron. It's not nearly as fast as that. Your vid makes desoldering guns look slow!

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 10:02:03 am
content: On top the calculator keys?What gives! or am I missing something?To me it looks like the soldering iron is off and just demonstrating how fast he can desolder pins but not really doing so.I still use one of those Radio Shack desoldering Irons (40W I think) works great if you don't linger around, otherwise it will burn pads.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 02:54:59 pm
content: Quote from: miguelvp on January 03, 2016, 10:02:03 amThe calculator's buttons were sticking and need to be replaced. I thought it would be quicker to unsolder them from the top.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 04:47:07 pm
content: Quote from: janoc on January 02, 2016, 04:21:26 pmUmm... no...Their website: €22.71 + €5.02 shipping = €27.73 (gone up a few cents since the other day)Amazon.de: €20.99 + €3.33 shipping = €24.32You sure you weren't comparing amazon.co.uk, where their GBP prices are indeed the same? Or maybe it's because you're in the EU, whereas CH is not?

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 07:09:35 pm
content: Yes it is possible that the prices for CH are lower, because you have lower VAT (if they even charge it to you, since you are outside of EU). For me it came to the same price +- few cents, I didn't compare the shipping, though.

author: amc184
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 11:15:10 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on January 03, 2016, 04:37:56 amI do usually use my thumb, partly because I prefer not to move it away from what I'm working on, and partly because my last one had a fixed shroud that covered half the plunger (so using anything other than your thumb wouldn't work). I usually don't do enough work with one that fatigue is a problem.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 11:21:32 pm
content: I love my DS-017 it is older than some of you out here and still works like the day it I bought it (back in 1978).

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 11:32:18 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on January 03, 2016, 04:37:56 amThat's exactly how I've always re-cocked one of them too. A quick rotation of the wrist and press the plunger against either the bench edge or my leg, whichever happens to be more convenient. I thought everybody did it that way.-Pat

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2016, 12:39:38 am
content: Quote from: Cubdriver on January 03, 2016, 11:32:18 pmProbably not, given that most solder suckers look like the one below, with a channel the plunger rides in, making it impossible to press against a surface:

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 04, 2016, 02:07:39 am
content: Quote from: tooki on January 04, 2016, 12:39:38 amI was thinking purely of the larger one like that shown in the original video, with the cocking plunger that extends out from the back. We had one of the smaller ones that rode in a channel at work, and I was completely underwhelmed by its performance, so I've never been inclined to use that type.Many years ago I had a smaller one purchased from Rat Shack (1980ish time frame), called a Soldavac, IIRC. It was the same blue and yellow colors as the Edsyn one, but shorter in length. It had a rocker on the top side to act as the trigger, two hooked finger rests at the front and a hooked cocking lever at the bottom rear of the plunger. That one I held with my index finger over the trigger rocker, middle and ring fingers in the front rests, and would cock it with my thumb, then stabilize it after cocking by pressing the bottom ahead of the cocking lever with my thumb. It was easy to use once you got the hang of holding it, but alas the urethane-ish back cap eventually dried out and crumbled away.-PatETA image of old solder sucker from 1978 Rat Shack catalog:ET further add: the image should also show the cocking hook - a hook similar in appearance to the one at the front top area but yellow and protruding from the bottom, facing to the rear, either at the back end or under the rear end of the rocker, depending on whether it's cocked or not. This hook was part of the plunger, and moved back and forth as the unite was used. It also had a longer tip than shown, with a white nose like the Edsyns.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 04, 2016, 02:40:19 am
content: Quote from: tooki on January 04, 2016, 12:39:38 amI have one of those; I think it sucks.Not in a good sense though...

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2016, 02:43:20 am
content: Quote from: Cubdriver on January 04, 2016, 02:07:39 amWasn't that made by the same company as the Soldapult? I have not seen one of those in long long time.Sounds like most use the thumb type. I bought this one from Radio Shack in the 80s before buying my Soldapullt. This thing had way too little volume and the action was too slow to be very useful. I would end up having to heat the joint way too long.

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 04, 2016, 03:25:10 am
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on January 04, 2016, 02:43:20 amIt might have been made by the same company - the colors were exactly the same. I think I still have it buried somewhere; will have to dig at some point to see if there are any manufacturer's markings on it. One downside that I recall was that the plunger was entirely made of plastic, even the small extension that extended into the nozzle to poke out the solder build up. It eventually started getting melted at the tip and was less effective at clearing the nozzle than it should have been. Still was orders of magnitude better than the little aluminum ones.Those little tiny aluminum ones look nice, but they are worthless as far as I'm concerned. As you pointed out, the volume is too small to effectively clean a joint, and the draw is weak to begin with.-Pat

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2016, 04:31:12 am
content: New Edsyn product:The Soldapult 3 has replaced the metal guide rod at the BACK of the device with plastic. And the overall size and length have been reduced, significantly, but the suction still seems to be about as effective as the original. Maybe the original is overkill?There are a couple other minor differences. such as the spring that returns the plunger can be removed. (In the original, the spring is dual function and holds the device together, so it has to stay in there.) This makes the plunger even easier to depress. And the super light mass of the smaller plastic plunger doesn't seem to adding undue wear and tear after this modification. (You can still manually retract the plunger if you find yourself shooting your mag lamp).Another minor difference is that the original Soldapult can be reassembled in two distinct positions 180 degrees apart. The Soldapult 3 goes back together the same way every time, so you don't have to check the orientation of the tip if you have modified it (or if a little notch has been melted into one edge over time, simply from use).After a year or so of proving itself, the Soldapult 3 took the first chair on my bench. Edsyn makes good suckers.

author: kemal
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 04, 2016, 06:57:20 pm
content: I have only owned three plunger suckers in 35 years. The Paladin wouldn't exert a vacuum. The blue aluminum one would but still worked poorly. Funny my sample of the blue one never exploded. I bought the Engineer one from Amazon (US) for nearly USD30. Then realized I would need more of the silicone tubing. The only place I could find replacement tubing was from Amazon UK at a cost of USD12.I noticed AdaFruit sold the Engineer plunger (for a lot less) but not the tubes. Dropped them an eMail and now they have'em.The Engineer works very well. When you have tubing to spare it is reasonable to make extra tips to deal with stubborn jobs. You can cut a notch in the tip for your iron tip or cut the silicone at an angle for a larger opening, etc. I use a length of #12 copper to keep the silicone clear as it clogs with almost every use.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2016, 08:05:21 pm
content: QuoteQuoteIf adding RA to the joints before desoldering, you will clog the device, frequently. If not, then I wouldn't say this thing is working "very well."