Desoldering tool advice needed - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rodak
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 25, 2019, 07:07:08 pm
content: Hi. First time posting here. I work on mostly electronic keyboards and amps from the 1960s and 1970s.I've reached the point where I'm tired of desoldering with a sucker or solder wick, and want to get a decent desoldering tool. I won't say money is no object, but I don't mind spending a few dollars for a quality tool that I won't regret buying.Virtually all of my work is through-the-hole boards from the 60s and 70s. I've read a few threads here and elsewhere, and here's what I know so far:The Hakko 808 was well-liked but not made any more(available on eBay from time to time)The Hakko FR301 appears to be the new version of the 808, but is kind of pricey ($260-ish)There are Chinese knockoffs of the 808 and others, which are generally not good. I think I'd kind of like to avoid Chinese altogetherThe ZD-8915 got some good comments here - I see it's marketed as a "lead-free" tool - what does that mean, and would that not be a good choice for the work I'm doing?I'm just a hobbyist, so this isn't something I'd be using for hours a day, but I do want to get something that will do the job well and last a long time.Recommendations?

author: MosherIV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2019, 08:42:47 pm
content: Hi.Welcome to the forum.If you do lots of desoldering then the ZD8915 is probably your best bet.When using, keep the vacuum on while moving the tool off the component/pcb to avoid solder setting in the shaft.If you only do occaisional desoldering, this is very cost effectivehttps://cpc.farnell.com/duratool/d01849/desoldering-iron-sucker/dp/SD01702Get it from a repitable company, do not get a cheap chinese one, there are a few youtub videos about how bad they can be

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2019, 09:33:05 pm
content: I still use a Soldapullt that I have owned I would guess for 30-40 years so I won't be of much help. The site's advanced search works fairly well. You may want to have a look through some of these threads.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/low-cost-electric-desoldering-pump-which-one/msg1176397/#msg1176397https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/choosing-the-right-de-soldering-gun/msg2377953/#msg2377953https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/whats-a-good-solder-sucker/msg978539/#msg978539

author: rodak
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 26, 2019, 01:31:47 am
content: Many thanks!This thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/choosing-the-right-de-soldering-gun/msg2377953/#msg2377953nearly made up my mind to go for the Hakko FR-301.A couple of questions:1) The FR-301 is an all-in-one tool, whereas most of the others have the "tool" connected to the power supply/pump box by a cable and (presumably) a hose). The latter would seem to be a better way, as the part your hand holds could be lighter, but I've read more than one comment that the all-in-one (at least, the Hakko models) is super easy and comfortable to use, and is considered superior.Any thoughts about one design over another?2) Nozzle size - as I said, most of my work is with 1960s musical instrument gear, no ICs or tiny pieces, so would the N61-08 nozzle included with the basic FR-301 be sufficient, or might a different size work better? (trying to decide if it's worth the nearly $100 extra for the kit with the stand and four nozzles).

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2019, 02:41:45 am
content: No, Hakko-301 has a base station connected to the gun with a hose (and cable). If you want the gun with internal motor, you have to buy an old 808.Carry on.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2019, 03:21:11 am
content: Quote from: rodak on August 26, 2019, 01:31:47 amI can vouch for the FR-301 as being excellent for up to medium-plus desoldering. For huge terminals you may need some extra heat. For thru-hole disassembly I haven't lifted a pad yet. Harvesting old boards can be done quickly and easily. I haven't tried a system with a base, hose and nozzle, but those probably work fine as well. As far as nozzles, the kit isn't really a deal--I just bought ones as I needed them and they have quite a variety of useful ones depending on what you do. I have the 1x4 oval nozzle for big, flat terminals like old filter caps

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2019, 04:15:24 am
content: Quote from: KL27x on August 26, 2019, 02:41:45 amCompletely incorrect.The FR-300 and FR-301 are self-contained. The desoldering tools with a desk unit currently made by Hakko are the FR-400, FR-410, FR-701, FR-702, or FM-204.

author: rodak
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 28, 2019, 05:19:32 pm
content: I ordered the FR-301 from tequipment.net (just the gun, not the "kit")Thanks, guys!