Best Electronics tools you own.

[vxbinaca]

Still trying to tool up for a decent EE setup but right now, for the money the Hakko FX-888 is for the money one of the best buys I've made so far. Not sure whether I want to upgrade to the digital equivalent (the 951-66 I think), or just get the FX-888 hot tweezer addon (if it's 951-66 compatible I'll do both).

Ceramic heating element. 30 second heat up time. 3 second thermal recovery. ESD safe. Temp control knob (analog but still better than a wall iron). Solid metal stand with built in places for the sponge and wire mesh. Radio Crap irons burn the tips out and your stuff you're trying to fix. Havn't had a problem yet with this iron but some of that is skill.

I just cleaned off a N64 sports game and made it a doner PCB for a damaged cart and a future purchase of a ED-64 or equivelent (the CIC). That chisel tip it comes with makes wicking up those 40 long pad rows a breeze. Get it all in one or two drags at the most per row and I can move on with my day.

It looks like a toy but it don't play around. If you're looking to upgrade your setup, and get serious about modding or doing proper repairs to through-hole components but don't want to spend the $300 or more or even $500 for Metcal irons, the $100 FX-888 is the way to go.


Another really good tool is the security screwdriver (a dedicated piece) for taking apart Nintendo consoles and Sega carts.


Denatured alcohol. I run through the stuff any time I fix or build a project. Takes off flux like no ones business and doesn't leave a residue. You can't even tell a repair was made once you wipe down the work area. I use it during and after SRAM battery replacements.

Solder with a slight silver load is great stuff and I prefer it over 60/40 rosin core. Eventually I want to upgrade to Multi-core brand but the Radio Shack 62/36/2 I have now works great with no complaints and I'll probably use it in a pinch after I start using better stuff.

[BoringSupreez]

I have 4 tools I regularly use on electronics: eyeglass screwdrivers, regular screwdrivers, rubbing alcohol, and Q-tips. That's it.

[Hatta]

I use a relatively cheap Ayoue unit. It does have a thermostat, which is all I really wanted out of a soldering station.

I really need one of those helping hands magnifying stations. I've been getting by with alligator clips and C clamps, but it's not ideal by a long shot.

[Bikeage]

I'm happy with my Weller WLC100 soldering station. Entry level for sure, but for $45 quality enough for occasional, not too complex projects.

The bits and drivers I own are all cheapo Harbor Freight products. Fine for once in a blue moon stuff, but if you get the project bug frequently invest in better ones.

I really need one of those helping hands magnifying stations. I've been getting by with alligator clips and C clamps, but it's not ideal by a long shot.

Get two, and get the heavier, better built ones. They are still cheap, but the REALLY cheap ones are a pain in the ass.

[Ziggy]

I use a relatively cheap Ayoue unit. It does have a thermostat, which is all I really wanted out of a soldering station.

I really need one of those helping hands magnifying stations. I've been getting by with alligator clips and C clamps, but it's not ideal by a long shot.

Helping hands are great. I got one a while back from Radio Shit.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=3928375

I ended up taking the magnifying glass off of it. I can't use it while soldering, and without it I have more working room. I'll use the magnifying glass from time to time by holding it, if I really have to check something. Unfortunately, because this was from "The Shack," the bolts don't tighten down like they use to. So I can't hold things firmly any more.

I need to get a nice soldering station one of these days. And get some nice helping hands that actually stay put.

[CRTGAMER]

In first, my trusty now hard to find LEADED solder.

[Hobie-wan]

the bolts don't tighten down like they use to. So I can't hold things firmly any more.

I need to get a nice soldering station one of these days. And get some nice helping hands that actually stay put.

I haven't had a problem with mine yet, but replace the wingnuts with nylon locking ones (second down).

[vxbinaca]

I need to get a nice soldering station one of these days. And get some nice helping hands that actually stay put.

Yeah we all got into the Radioshack trap at one point. Ditch the iron you bought there and get a Weller WES-51 or preferably a Hakko FX-888. Instead of that magnifier, a jewlers loop or even better, magnified and lighted visor. Those visors double as eye protection when working with the iron.



Nothing beats a good vice:

http://www.adafruit.com/products/151

Multi-meter you should get (does Microamps), is very affordable at $50:

http://www.adafruit.com/products/308

Helping Hands:

http://www.adafruit.com/products/291



Thats another thing. Side cutters. The ones Radioshack sold that were tiny and looked cheap as hell, TERRIBLE. My hands are big so I never got a good grip. I got Excelite 170m knock offs that were made in Italy and are just as good ad the 170's. $7 on Adafruit, helped SO much. Next to the iron it was the best tool upgrade I've ever had. Handles are larger and more comfy. I find myself using it to strip all kinds of wire now ontop of flush cutting soldered in parts.

http://www.adafruit.com/products/152

[Ziggy]

Yeah we all got into the Radioshack trap at one point. Ditch the iron you bought there and get a Weller WES-51 or preferably a Hakko FX-888. Instead of that magnifier, a jewlers loop or even better, magnified and lighted visor. Those visors double as eye protection when working with the iron.

Oh, you don't have to tell me about Radio Shack. I hate them very much. I post my hate toward them on this forum often. But I never said my iron was from Radio Shack.

I actually have quite a few soldering irons, but it'd be nice to consolidate into one soldering station (except maybe for my desoldering iron). Currently, I have two different wattage Radio Shack irons and two Weller irons (and maybe a few others like the battery iron some one got me ). The Radio Shack ones aren't too bad, as far as getting the job done. They might not be comfortable to hold, but at least they keep a consistent temperature. But again, I'd throw them all in the tank for a nice station.

A jewelers loop is on the list of things to pick up that I don't really need. It'd be useful to have, but I don't actually need one. The only situation (as of current) that one would be useful to me in is verifying proper alignment of TSOP chips in a ZIF socket, but I can do that with my naked eye.

I haven't had a problem with mine yet, but replace the wingnuts with nylon locking ones (second down).

Those are fine on mine, it's the bold in the middle that holds the cross part of the arms that doesn't tighten. I guess the thread got messed up so I can't tighten it down all the way anymore. I'm sure I can rig it to work once more, but I guess I'm too lazy.

[CRTGAMER]

I have pretty good luck with Radio Shack. Frys is my main source, but sometimes big warehouse stores just like Home Depot; the uncommon and even common item is out of stock. When I need something now, there are enough Radio Shacks close by to pull from. They have a great anodized aluminum desoldering tool.

I put a tease earlier about leaded solder, I know can be found online. Anyone see any in LOCAL stores?

Radioshack Sony Trinitron WEGA Landfill Prevention Kit (Chips from TSM)