🔧 Soldering & Electronics
Iron Wattage by Use Case
Right iron power for your projects.
Gear actually worth buying
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Hakko FX-888D soldering stationHakko FX-888D is the benchmark temperature-controlled station for hobby electronics. Fast heat-up, accurate temperature, long tip life. The upgrade from a cheap stick iron that actually matters.
63/37 rosin-core solder63/37 (tin/lead) with rosin flux core is the most forgiving for hand soldering — lower melting point, true eutectic (no pasty state). 0.8mm is the right diameter for PCB work.
Flux paste and flux penAdditional flux prevents cold joints, especially on fine-pitch SMD work. MG Chemicals 835 and Kester 186 are the go-to brands. Clean off afterward — flux residue is corrosive.
Desoldering pumpEngineer SS-02 is the consistently recommended manual desoldering pump — strong spring, replaceable tip. For high-volume rework, a vacuum desoldering station (Hakko FR-301) is the upgrade.
PCB holder / helping handsA PCB vise (Panavise 301 or 303) holds boards securely without flex. Third-hand alligator clips are cheaper but frustrating for fine work. Vise is the correct tool for regular soldering.