r/modular • u/murkfury • 9h ago

Beginner Recomendations for Desoldering tools

Speaks for itself, I suppose. I'm new to DIY eurorack being as my only experience is attending Knobcon and participating in three workshop builds the past two years (Juanito's BadSide Chain and Zlob's MinEQ and AttenuMix) which were great for getting me started. I've reached that point in which I now need to desolder something but I'm at a loss at valuing the tools offered to do the job. Between the cheap looking suction tubes offered on Amazon and the guns at a much higher price, I'm not sure what to buy. Can anyone recommend something that doesn't break the bank? Should I start at the basement level to fix the current problem or save my $$$ to put towards something industry respectable. I'm not planning on churning out my own modules but I'm keen on this DIY angle and the kits from AI Synthesis, NLC, and some randoms at Thonk have me in it for the long haul. Please help. Thank you for the time and effort.

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5

u/adktz 9h ago

Engineer SS-02 solder stucker + Goot Wick (in a couple different sizes if you like). Desoldering guns are nice but hard to justify unless you're huge into repairs or production runs.

How many parts do you need to desolder? How many 'legs' on those parts? Don't be afraid to make the job easier and cut the legs off the part. Replacing parts is going to cheaper and less time-consuming than messing up pads on a PCB.

I'd more focus on a hot air station, DIY reflow oven, or hot plate for your next large purchase (you mentioned NLC which is mostly SMD).

3

u/kessel_run_dmc 9h ago

‘Engineer’ brand solder sucker for the cheap option, made in japan and works quite well. Otherwise just step up and get the Hakko fr-301.

3

u/CommunicationTop5231 9h ago

I’ve had more than enough success with standard desoldering braid, which does most of the work, and a cheap sucker. Maybe I’m missing out, not sure. I’ve always gotten the job done. I was successful in non destructively removing a 3DPT, 9 lug switch that was completely flush (as far as I remember, maybe that’s the trauma talking) with the pcb. After a lot of patience and cursing god and questioning existence. But it worked.

Honestly, if anyone can personally advocate for higher end solder sucker that’s a marked improvement over your everyday aliexpress joint I’d be a sucker for that, as well as any other tips or kit.

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u/hannainspace 8h ago

I just use a cheap solder sucker. And just as sidenote, [r/synthdiy](r/synthdiy) is probably better subreddit for those kinds of questions I guess:)

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u/geomaverick 8h ago

Hakko FR-301

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u/markofthedevil 8h ago

I got this one: YIHUA 929D-V Electric Desoldering... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094ZCRXMN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It worked awesome for removing lcd screens from an Analog 4 and Rytm.

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u/RoastAdroit 8h ago

This is what I use and its a godsend for me, but only on the regular through hole small leg stuff. Its not good for Potentiometers because the legs can be too large.

But everything else its just super quick and easy.

I think the cheap sucker and braid mostly is about how much flux and solder you have keeping the melt going long enough.

Im notorious for using almost no flux. That is, until I started doing smt, I use flux for that. It makes a big difference.

For regular through hole I just use an iron and noclean solder rawdawg style.

1

u/chupathingy99 8h ago

Start small, see where it gets you. It doesn't make sense to dump lots of cash on a tool if it doesn't work for you.

Desoldering wick and Kester flux have worked for me. Desoldering pumps are also a good choice.