Engineer SS-02 Solder Sucker, or other nice desoldering pumps - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 01:51:12 am
content: After returning my ZD-985, I'm back to using wick and hand pump for desoldering jobs. I saw this pump on Adafruit and am wondering if anyone has had any experience with its sucking:Is it worth an extra $10 to get this one?Also available fromTME.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 02:04:16 am
content: I have experience with two very great solder suckers.Soldapult IIIJonard/OK Industries DP-100These guys are great because of several things1. Suction is an order of magnitude better than the sub $10.00 suckers I have used and broken. Removing thru hole parts out of a double layer board is usually not a problem. Sometimes an IC will fall out under gravity when you're done.2. Longevity. These guys last forever3. Maintenance : They unscrew with half a turn. The spring pulls instead of pushes. So the spring is on the other side of the seal, not in the chamber collecting solder dust.I retired my ZD desoldering gun. It didn't hold a candle to these solder suckers when factoring in maintenance. It wasn't worth the space the hose/gun takes up on the bench, not even including the station. And I have had the need to desolder MANY thru hole parts, on occasion. One such occasion coming up next week. My solder suckers will do the job, just fine.

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 02:06:33 am
content: I currently own an Edsyn product as well, although I dislike the fact that I must use my thumb to actuate the plunger.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 02:15:36 am
content: Edsyn Original SOLDAPULLT DS017

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 02:25:50 am
content: Time for some retro goodness. Fished this one out of the garbage years ago.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 02:56:12 am
content: Quote from: nidlaX on November 23, 2015, 01:51:12 amI've not got one but am an experienced user of the regular type aluminum suckers with the nylon ends. People report the performance with the flexible silicon ends is an improvement over nylon ones so having this on the ss-02 could be beneficial.Two criticisms of the ss-02 may be that some people will find it easier with a long handle shaft, the loading distance seems shorter on the ss-02 but on the normal variety your hand actually sits higher, making it less of an issue. So with the ss-02 you have less area to grip or balance and your hand will be closer to the joint, if that makes a difference.The ss-02 may not be fully dismantled to get to the plunger o-ring (or at least noone I've seen has figured it out). It's important on the regular ones to clean inside the nozzle, chamber and wipe around the plunger and add a little lubrication to it from time to time (I use graphite grease on mine).The ss-02 seems to review well. I'd not get a plastic cased solder sucker unless it's a Soldapullt. The aluminum ones can last for decades as long as the tip is nylon.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 03:35:38 am
content: QuoteThe picture of the original Soldapult looks exactly like the Jonard/OK DP-100. And the more compact Soldapult 3 operates in exactly the same way as the DP-100.I wonder which came first?Mouser carries the DP-100, is where I got mine. Under $20.00.The ss-02 looks to be about a third of the size of the DP100. And it's not convincing when they talk about taking it apart in the video to show the insides, but then deciding not. You could take apart the aforementioned suckers and put them back together by the time you finished talking about it. And they sell long silicone replacement tips for it, so I suppose the silicone might wear out? True, they sell replacement tips for the other suckers, too... I've never needed one.QuoteI broke two of these. The threading to the plastic base gave out. They pounded themselves to death from the plunger hitting the stop. And they didn't work as good as the Edsyn/OK products to begin with.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 01:41:19 pm
content: Quote from: KL27x on November 23, 2015, 03:35:38 amOn my aluminum ones the only other thing that is plastic is the thumb grip as far as I can tell, one of them has a nylon button, the other a metal button.

author: Fat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 08:45:55 pm
content: I like my Engineer solder sucker. It's not without it's issues, but I think it performs way better than the standard cheapies I've worn out.Not sure where you are, but the best price I could find was at Adafruit.Fat

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2015, 01:47:48 am
content: Quote from: Shock on November 23, 2015, 02:56:12 amFWIW, it's easy enough to put some silicone tubing on the end of the nylon tip and see if you like it better.

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2015, 02:21:37 am
content: Quote from: Fat on November 23, 2015, 08:45:55 pmThanks, I'm planning to pick one up from Adafruit during their next sale.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2015, 11:46:42 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on November 24, 2015, 01:47:48 amYeah thought about trying it out, I really don't have that much of a problem though, I have decent hands and tools with two sets of hot air and multiple irons. I normally just apply some extra solder/flux and hit it again. I do that test where you suck the tip of your finger to see if it needs a clean.

author: krivx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2015, 12:37:49 pm
content: I have the SS-02 and I like it much more than the cheap ones. Never used a Soldapult. I use a ZD-985 for most things now though

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 27, 2015, 08:16:19 pm
content: bought one of these a few years ago, the silicone tip makes it so much easier to get good contact over the molten solder while keeping the iron in contact and seems to be lasting much longer than a hard teflon tip. Apart from the main tube it is all plastic but seems to be lasting very well indeed. The little tip unblocker tool thing that comes with it is handy too.http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/desoldering-guns-pumps/2037789/

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2015, 08:53:28 pm
content: I never used a pump with a silicone tip.I have two desolder pumps. On my main one, I slightly angled the tip to lay flat on the board how I hold it in my left hand. And I cut a small notch on the right side to fit over the end of a soldering iron tip.The other, I cut to snug over the edge of an SMD IC body and hover over the pins. I did this during my short-lived foray into stencil paste/reflow soldering to fix all the badly bridged ICs I was creating. I need to reshape this one a bit, since I no longer need this feature.

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 12:34:08 pm
content: I have been using the SS-02 for more than 3 years now. I bought it from Rob@ Precision Hand Tools UK.Firstly, my hand isn't very big and using this mini sucker single hand can cause fatigue quickly if you are doing lots of desoldering. The spring tension is high and there isn't much to hold. Due to the short body, the release button is at an awkward location isn't very comfy. Also, there is quite an amount of recoil so it may hit the PCB. Anyway I never found a nice to use desoldering tool. The comfy ones are the Chinese cheapies that doesn't have very strong suction.Anyway, I have found a cheap alternative to the quick wearing flexible silicon tube after several purchase of different kinds. I have been using this for two years.http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/141175414871Buy the 2mm * 4mmIt will fit nicely and it performs better. Even if it didn't, 2 meter is plenty for heaps of replacement.The other desoldering pump I have is the Goot GS-100, this is the best and most powerful suction pump I have. Always hole in the wall! This item is big and long, interesting topic with the females.http://www.goot.jp/en/suitori-rework/gs-100/

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 06:05:43 pm
content: Quote from: nukie on December 10, 2015, 12:34:08 pmLooks a lot like anEdsyn Soldapullt DS017.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2015, 11:16:33 pm
content: Quote from: nukie on December 10, 2015, 12:34:08 pmOrdered that one, and it took only 7 days shipping, very fast.

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 05:42:47 am
content: Wow!!! I wish all my stuff reach that fast! How do you find it?

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 11:44:58 pm
content: Havent tested it yet, but it feels great, I will see if I can compare it to the original soon.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 11:56:36 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on December 10, 2015, 06:05:43 pmhttp://www.ebay.ca/itm/Blue-Orange-Plastic-Shell-Desoldering-Pump-Solder-Sucker-/231084688006?hash=item35cdb88286:g:Q6MAAOSwjVVVlXxuAnd off ebay, I have a couple of these and they work OK, the tips could be better but you get the whole unit for the cost of a tip so not a bad deal. I still use the Soldapullit but good to have as a spare.Plastic holds up really well and remember to clean and regrease the o-ring. Trimming the tip helps air flow if melted. This style pulls a massive amount of air.

author: Assafl
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2015, 11:00:34 am
content: Edyn has a 20% sale (+free extra nozzle) on the Deluxe Soldapullt at their websitehttp://www.edsyn.com/product/DS017.html.It is my go-to desoldering tool due to the suction power and rather ease of use (albeit it isn't a real 1 hand - you have to push it against something to set the spring). It also lasts forever.I think Edsyn was the original of the soldapullt design (EDSYN - have been in business since the 50's) - I remember it from the old catalogues many years ago. If you look up the Edsyn patents for desoldering pumps (desoldering "implements" back then) they go back to 1968. The Soldapullt patent (replaceable nozzle etc.) is from 1988 and has since lapsed. I think many of the look alikes (like the Goot variant) are either made by Edsyn for them or are post patent replicates.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2015, 08:16:28 pm
content: Only UPS shipping from edsyn, cheapest is $121

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2015, 08:38:02 pm
content: Just the other day, I had a job requiring a solder sucker. I removed about 20 components with 14 thru holes leads. I did roughly half with each of my suckers.Between my "Edsyn Soldapullt" (actually an OK DP-100 Soldapullt clone) and my new-er Edsyn Soldapullt 3, I have to say I preferred the Edsyn Soldapullt 3 for this job. The spring is easier to set*, which starts to matter on a bigger job, and the results (in this case) were the same (excellent).But I think the original has a little more observable suction. AFAIC, it's what other solder suckers should be compared against.*It starts out a tiny bit easier, and I also removed the spring in the Soldapullt 3 which pre-extends the plunger stick. Due to the design, the sucker doesn't feel like it's pounding itself to death with this spring removed. (There's some friction in the 3 design, which prevents the plunger stick from retaining maximum velocity all the way to impact).

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2015, 09:12:52 pm
content: I made another interesting observation during this job.I tried using some flux to make the job quicker, and this was completely counterproductive, because it clogged the sucker sucker right quick.Without the flux, the far side of the joints (lead-free solder!) looked cold no matter how long I held the iron, but if I used the same timing as with the flux, it removed just as completely. Many of these components practically fell out, themselves.This suggests to me that flux does not (much) increase the thermal transfer of the iron in any other way than to help provide a greater thermal contact between the tip and the joint with wet solder. You just won't necessarily be able to OBSERVE that the joint has indeed reached the melting point if it's low on flux, because the completely melted solder won't be mobile enough to move/flow through surface tension or wetting action, alone.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 23, 2015, 09:19:51 pm
content: Quote from: KL27x on November 23, 2015, 02:04:16 amI have an original Soldapullit from 1977 still works fine, I just change the tips when they get all chewed up.

author: TuxKey
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2018, 04:12:42 pm
content: thanks for adding the TME i'm new so looking around for stores in the EU and this one seems to be a good one..don't know if i'm going for a solder sucker of desolder gun..will see ..still the link is useful wanted to thank you as it's very helpful.

author: shteii01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2018, 04:49:18 pm
content: Edsyn Static-Safe SOLDAPULLT III for 5.90 USDhttp://www.edsyn.com/product/DHT/PT409.htmlIt says it has LS197 tip. Are there any other tips for it?A small update. The shipping that Edsyn is charging is horrible.

author: oldway
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2018, 06:08:41 pm
content: I'am using an Edsyn Soldapullt III PT109 sinds 1975......simply the best......can't live without....!!!!

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2018, 06:43:18 pm
content: Quote from: shteii01 on March 18, 2018, 04:49:18 pmThe main reason that desoldering guns have different tip sizes available is because they need to make contact with the annular pad. A solder sucker does not need this and the tip size doesn't make much difference as long as it is sufficient to fit the component lead.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2018, 09:11:34 pm
content: QuoteWow, I had no idea it was that old.The original Soldapult is cloned by OK industries and called the DP-100. It is carried by Mouser, which is how I first got a hold of an Edsyn - by design if not by name.I would caution that these clones are not necessarily that good. I recommended this model to a colleague, and when I noticed they later had purchased a vacuum desoldering station, I asked about the old DP-100. I took a look at it, and the o-ring didn't form a seal, making it completely useless. No wonder.My DP-100 works great. But I think the Edsyn III is an improvement, for sure. Smaller, quieter, and smoother-cocking, but still as much suction as you would ever need. There's also a small detail in the way it only goes back together one way after cleaning. (Original can be put back together in 2 orientations, 180 degrees apart; the way I use a solder sucker, I cut/melt/form the tip in a specific way so there is only one way I want it to go back together). Another small but important detail is if you want to finely adjust the rotation of the tip, you can spin the tip in the III, and it stays put. The original is fixed.I don't know what shipping is, but I probably paid around $20.00 for my Soldapult III, several years ago, and I'm pretty stoked with it. I don't see how the tip shouldn't last the rest of my life. Mine is blue with yellow button/endcap. I wonder if the black is an antistatic version.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2018, 10:36:30 pm
content: I have the SS-02 solder sucker, but I have got mine from Amazon, not Adafruit. It works really well, especially compared to the cheapies. The flexible silicone tip is great because it actually seals around the hole and the soldering iron tip - that allows much cleaner result than the suckers with the rigid tip.Now, not all is rosy, though. The SS-02 was obviously designed for a Japanese hand - with my bear paws it is a bit awkward to hold. The silicone tip also wears out but the tubing is easy to replace. The sucker comes with a piece and it is not a problem to buy it neither.All in all - I like it, the old sucker stays in the drawer. And my electric desoldering gun gets out only for major jobs, this little thing can handle everything else no problem.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2018, 10:34:42 am
content: QuoteThe tip of the solder sucker should fit around the tip of the soldering iron. This will eventually occur by high temp deformation, if you are careful how you orient the thing, but it helps to just cut a slight notch with a knife.The silicone tubing would be useful for odd jobs, for sure. But I don't see why you couldn't slip a piece of it over the tip of a regular solder sucker.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2018, 11:21:33 pm
content: Quote from: KL27x on March 19, 2018, 10:34:42 amYou can, and I think it works better than just the nylon tips IME (melted, notched, or otherwise to fit the iron's tip).But despite the fact I've large hands (long, thin fingers*, not a ham + sticks of butter for fingers**), I like the size of the SS-02 better than the larger counterparts I've used (Edsyn, and a bevy of unknown brands, such as those sold by Tandy/RadioShack). I just find it easier to maneuver & control to clear the hole.YMMV of course, as we're not all the same size, build, ....* For perspective, I'm 6'-4".** Paraphrased from a comment by Jeremy Clarkson during his tenure on Top Gear.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2018, 09:50:48 pm
content: Quote from: KL27x on March 19, 2018, 10:34:42 amSure you can do that. But that's a hack and the tube will likely keep slipping off from the teflon (= slippery) and slightly conical tip of a normal sucker. Unlike the SS-02 which is designed to have that tube there.I didn't need to cut a notch or wait for it deform - the silicone tubing is soft enough to deform around the iron tip from the start. It works actually better when it isn't too much abused because then it doesn't seal that well.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2018, 07:50:02 pm
content: QuoteI have to cut a notch... once.QuoteThe tip doesn't wear out or need to be replaced/trimmed.The Edsyn isn't just a name in a sea of same. The Soldapults are big enough in air volume to do the job. They utilize a custom-made coiled tension spring for the power, rather than a coiled compression spring that lives in the dirt chamber. This keeps the solder particles separated from the spring by the O-ring. This is a nice improvement which makes emptying/cleaning easier. Rather than machined threading, it has locking lugs molded in so that you only need to twist the body a little bit to open/close it (about 60 degree twist on the I; only about 25-30 degrees on the III), and you can plug and lock it back together with uncoordinated ballistic movements (like without any fuss or attention). And they also have spring loaded pluinger that will auto-extend after cocking it. This performs two functions. It removes the "stun gun" aspect, making it impossible to accidentally shoot out the bulb in your magnifying lamp, and it reduces the mass that the spring needs to accelerate. Whoever(s) designed these paid attention to a lot of little details and this is a seriously awesome tool. They even lock in the closed position for travel.QuoteIf I really wanted the silicone tubing to stay on there, I imagine I could mill (or just shave with a knife) a recess around the middle of the tip, leaving a sharp lip to catch and retain the tubing.I like the all metal construction of the Engineer, though, for heat and solvent resistance. Hopefully, it will stand up to the test of time, for the $$.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2018, 12:46:40 pm
content: Quote from: nidlaX on November 23, 2015, 01:51:12 amI have this and an ordinary one, and I grab this every time. The silicone tip lets you place the tip over the joint and part of the hot soldering iron, so that the solder is truly well and molten.I have medium-to-large hands and I love the size.The only thing I’d improve, and honestly I could do this with some Sugru, is to add some kind of shape to it to feel its rotational position by touch, to make it easy to grab and not have to search for the trigger button.

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2018, 01:00:32 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on March 22, 2018, 12:46:40 pmSo after using this for over two years, I've concluded that while it's nicely built, it isn't very ergonomic.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2018, 03:47:55 pm
content: I have Pace desoldering stations but still bought an Engineer SS-02. In my working life we used to modify Radio Spares high quality solder suckers by fitting a rubber Hellerman sleeve to the cut down tip. This became a standard mod in the service. After using the SS-02 I decided that it was well worth getting a spare so I bought another ! For a manual soldear sucker I find it excellent. My three Radio Spares manual solder suckers now sit on the shelf unused.Some useful info I picked up on this forum.... the SS-02 uses a common car brake cylinder seal on the piston. If it wears out, go to your local motor factors with it and buy another of the same size and profileFraser

author: technogeeky
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2018, 03:18:16 pm
content: FYI, any one of many silicone lubricant sprays works very well to keep the motion of the plunger smooth. Every time you clean it, you will remove some of the original lubricant.Also, for people who are replacing used silicone tips with your own silicone tubing: there is an ideal length/sweet spot. If you make the tubing tooshort, then the solder will stay molten slightly too long and harden inside the metal shaft of the tip. If you make the tubing toolongthen you won't quite get enough suction, and the bendiness of the silicone tubing will make it more difficult to position and hold the silicone tip in place.

author: Addicted2AnalogTek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2018, 03:33:31 pm
content: ^^ Good info on replacement parts/lubricants! Thanks! I just picked up a fresh can of PB silicone spray lube, so I'll be giving that a shot once I re-lube.I have the SS-02 and I think it works great. If you buy one, make sure it comes with some extra silicone tubing, or buy some extra. It wasn't long before I managed to split the first piece in half. The charging handle is a bit tough to push if you need to do it repeatedly, but the suction is quite strong. I don't have much for reference to compare since the one I used before this was a cheap, worthless unit that I had to modify the seal on to get to function at all. I think I paid around $25 for one that came with a length of replacement tubing. They're on Amazon for $25 - $30, so make sure you don't over pay for it if you order one.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2018, 04:00:29 pm
content: FWIW, Adafruit sells them for $17.50 and shipping was reasonable (here). Comes with 2x pieces of silicone tubing + what's already installed at the factory.Might also want to note they seem to run out quickly as of late (hmm... wonder why).

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2018, 04:12:04 pm
content: Personally, I've used these before and never had much success with them so I purchased a powered one, like Dave did a review on and I have to rate it very highly indeed. As the tip is heated, there is no loss of heat ever and the pumping action is extremely strong.

author: technogeeky
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2018, 04:13:47 pm
content: With regard to replacement tips, I bought somehigh temperature silicone tubing(10 feet of it) and I will have enough it until I die.The only requirements are:* the ID of the tubing needs to be 5/64"* it needs to be some high temperature material (high temperature silicone in this case)The tubing I show has a slightly thicker wall than the original tubing (in other words, same ID but larger OD), but it works just fine.

author: technogeeky
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2018, 04:15:56 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on March 23, 2018, 04:12:04 pmYes, but I suspect the pricing is an order of magnitude higher. Which is fine. The point of the SS-02 is that it's probably the best of the manual solder suckers.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2018, 04:21:24 pm
content: Quote from: technogeeky on March 23, 2018, 04:15:56 pmWhile that might be true, the price of the powered ones is not that expensive, maybe 4 to 5 times the price but when you consider the advantages against is cost, it seems to be a good deal. It is so so simple to harvest loads of use parts from duff boards that can soon cover the purchase price and you do this in the minimum of time and effort.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2018, 05:14:07 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on March 23, 2018, 04:21:24 pmI think both tools have their place and one doesn't really replace the other.I have an electric desoldering gun as well, but as I wrote earlier in the thread, it stays mostly in the drawer. If I need to change only one or two parts, the SS-02 is a much quicker solution than getting the electric gun out and warmed up.The electric gun comes out for bigger jobs - like desoldering a power supply worth of bad caps. Doing that with any manual sucker is a major PITA.

author: seanspotatobusiness
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2018, 08:00:09 am
content: Quote from: technogeeky on March 23, 2018, 04:13:47 pmThat tubing is only rated for 177 °C and a typical soldering iron temperature is 350 °C. This website claims the originals are good to 350 °C:https://thepihut.com/products/adafruit-replacement-tubes-for-professional-silicone-tip-solder-sucker-ss-02?variant=27739965393&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7HdBRDPARIsAN_ltcJyqZWS1IlXmgfatIEXgAgTgFtzNjcexyGzVNMAVLiQE-DJiS8S5CQaAjaFEALw_wcB#fo_c=1889&fo_k=bd1198913337626c66caff08db3dacd6&fo_s=gplauk

author: technogeeky
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2018, 03:40:21 pm
content: Quote from: seanspotatobusiness on September 28, 2018, 08:00:09 amFWIW, that must be underspecified or I pasted the wrong link. I can directly heat the tubing with 350C (and I do all the time when I'm desoldering, I push the tube right up against the joint and the soldering iron). It never melts or burns.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2018, 10:01:04 am
content: SS-16 is the their P/N for the silicone tubing, and it's rated for 350C.Source(scroll down to the bottom of the page).