Best desoldering tools.

I've got one of these (or something very like) it came from CPC I think.

BUT .... it (like all such machines) is of very limited use. There are times that it's handy but not many.

I've used a variety of solder suckers over the last 40+ years an now I almost always use de-solder braid (I keep three different sizes). Mostly it works better than pumps (manual or electric) and it's a lot cheaper.

MK

Hi Kevin,

Like Michael I too use the braid quite a bit. Often the action can be improved by adding some fresh solder first. If there is a lot of solder on the joint I will use the red bulb first and then use the braid as this conserves the amount of braid that is used. For anything with more than 6 legs the only thing that works well for me is the hot air. Sorry I do not have any information on the unit you are looking for.

John

Hi John, so you say you use Hot air for anything over 6 legs?  Are you saying you use a heat gun?  Other than something with many legs do you use a regular plug in soldering iron, desolder bulb/pump, and desoldering braid?

Hi Daniel,

It has been three years since I wrote that posting and I have grown and learned so much from the guys on this forum since then. Currently I do most of my desoldering with a ZD985 desoldering station.

https://www.element14.com/community/people/jw0752/blog/2016/06/20/hacking-and-upgrading-a-zd-985-desoldering-station

I also use a Tenma SMD rework station

https://www.newark.com/tenma/21-10125/hot-air-rework-station/dp/32T0389?st=tenma%20rework%20station

for the hot air that I posted about before. I still use the solder wick but now only occasionally. The desoldering station works best on through the hole parts and usually removes all the solder needed so that the chip will readily lift out of the board. The SMD rework station is designed for surface mount boards and components.

A regulated hand soldering iron is a must as well and I am very happy with the Tenma 21-10115.

https://www.newark.com/tenma/21-10115/soldering-station-esd-safe-60w/dp/56T2208?st=tenma%2021-10115

These pieces of equipment work very well for me and I use them almost every day. Most of what I do is building and experimenting at a learner's level of electronics. Nearly everyone on this forum has their own opinions and preferences with respect to soldering and desoldering. This tells me that it is quite a subjective activity and what works for me may not work for you or anyone else for that matter. You are obviously doing your homework and checking out different sources and opinions or you would not have found this older post. I am glad you did and if I have triggered any further questions feel free to ask and perhaps we can get some of the other guys to chime in again and we will see what they have learned in the last three years.

John