Help borrowing tools in the UK - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: ZenoArrow
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 01, 2011, 09:37:06 am
content: Hi, new to the forum, but looks like I could have fun here.I'd like to ask for some advice. I've been trying to do some surface-mount soldering for a while, but I can't justify buying a temperature controlled soldering iron just for one job. I know it would be a good investment, but my funds are what they are.What I was thinking is that it would be good just to hire one. I tried contacting my local hackerspace to see if I could sign up and share their tools (even offered to buy a mini-wave tip they could keep), but got no response. My question now is, are there any places in the UK that hire out electrical engineering tools? Places like Hirestation and HSS only seem to hire out tools to the building trade. If not, do I have any other options?Thanks in advance for your advice.Tom

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2011, 12:15:41 pm
content: Tom,there is a firm in Australia,called Tech Rentals,who rent out electronics stuff.I think they are also in the UK,but I might be wrong,They're not cheap,though!VK6ZGO

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2011, 12:27:12 pm
content: Just keep looking on Ebay.Try looking for 'Spares or Repair'. You can sometimes find soldering stations for cheap that way. With a bit of work you can usually repair them and you are good to go.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 01, 2011, 01:07:55 pm
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on July 01, 2011, 12:15:41 pmNot cheap is an understatement. It's not viable to rent anything worth less than a few grand. Two weekends rental would be line ball with the purchase price of small items.I'd suggest if money is tight to read through the forum and find out a few of the less tragic e-bay and online bargains, and also keep an eye out for good brand second hand stuff.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2011, 04:11:07 pm
content: If you can't afford a real temperature controlled iron, connect a normal soldering iron to a lamp dimmer and adjust until it's slightly hotter than the solder's melting point. This is no substitute for the real thing as you'll need to increase the power to solder large items but it's fine for working with small parts.

author: ZenoArrow
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 05, 2011, 10:23:46 pm
content: Thanks to vk6zgo, FreeThinker, Uncle Vernon and Hero999 for the replies. I have decided to sell the devices I needed the SMT solder tools for (needed to solder extra RAM into a modded Xbox), but having the feedback I got here did help me make that decision (such a shame tool hire isn't a decent option). I'll certainly bear your suggestions in mind when I have money/time/space to invest in a decent range of EE tools.Thanks again.Tom

author: Armin_Balija
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2011, 10:28:05 pm
content: Dave did a review on an OK for the price heat gun. It's an ATTEN 858D Hot Air Rework Station. There's a few threads about it on these boards. I haven't gotten to use it but I've heard something about the heating element inside the gun not being connected to ground..so be careful.