Soldering tools - the basics you need to get started

If you’re new to the world of soldering, you will probably have a lot of questions about what to do and where to start. Knowing which soldering tools and equipment you need and how to use them will no doubt be at the top of your priority list.

There is a broad range of tools out there that are used by engineers of varying degrees of skill and experience. But to get you started, we’re going to outline a list of soldering tools you need to get the ball rolling.

Soldering iron

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but we’ve got to start somewhere. You can’t do much soldering without a soldering iron, so you’re going to need one of these. Soldering irons don’t have to be expensive, but you do want to make sure you’re using soldering tools that are in good working condition.

Getting your hands on a working soldering iron is only the first step (well second after choosing one!). You need to know how to use it properly, as incorrect use of this equipment can pose a serious threat to health and safety. Before using any piece of soldering equipment, you should read the manual and make sure you feel safe and comfortable before you begin.

Solder

Although solder is not technically a ‘tool’, you will need some of this material to perform soldering. Solder is a fusible metal alloy (usually a wire) that is used to form a connection between two components or workpieces. You won’t get very far without a good supply of solder, so make sure you’ve got enough of this before you begin.

Soldering stand

A soldering stand is a highly useful piece of equipment and can make the process of soldering a lot safer. Soldering irons get extremely hot when you use them, so it’s important to have a safe place to put them between soldering.

Placing a hot soldering iron on a table is bad as it could accidentally burn through other materials. Holding a hot soldering iron in one hand while you attempt to prepare materials or reach for more solder with your other hand is also not recommended. A soldering stand allows you to quickly place your soldering iron in a secure position while you prepare for the next stage of your work.

Tweezers

Tweezers are extremely useful soldering tools. They allow you to grip and hold components to keep them in place. The additional dexterity they provide means you will have an easier time working with smaller or more delicate components. Using tweezers also means you can avoid burning your fingertips while you work. As beginners and inexperienced individuals are more likely to sustain minor injuries, we would recommend taking steps to reduce the risk of harm. Tweezers are a pretty simple way to do this.

Safety glasses

When molten alloys reach a high temperature, they can spit and splash out randomly. As you will be leaning over your solder while you work, probably at quite a close distance to make sure you’re doing it correctly, there’s a chance of being hit by the boiling hot solder.

A pair of soldering glasses is a cheap and effective way of keeping your eyes safe while you work. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so we’d recommend picking up a pair of these before you begin your soldering journey.

Wet sponge

Soldering iron tips can reach very high temperatures, which means they oxidise quickly and become dirty or contaminated. It’s a good idea to clean the tip of your soldering iron while you are working. If you don’t, your soldering iron won’t conduct heat as easily due to the dirt and debris on the tip. This means your soldering iron will become less effective, and your work will pay the price.

Luckily, you can solve this problem by cleaning your soldering iron tip with a wet sponge as you go along. The longer you leave dirt on a soldering iron tip, the harder it is to remove, so make sure you use the sponge regularly. A dry sponge will damage the tip, so be sure to keep it damp at all times.

Microscope

For beginners who are trying to understand how things work and fit together, a microscope can be one of the most helpful soldering tools available. They are also very useful if you’re working with smaller components. You can use them to examine your work in greater detail and get a closer look at the joints and pins that make up your workpiece.

Wire Cutter

Also known as electronic snippers, flush-cutters and snippers, wire cutters are very useful little hand tools. They can be used to cut a variety of materials, some of which may be too small to be worked with by hand. Mostly, wire cutters are used to cut long components into more manageable pieces or to strip the end of a wire.

Desoldering tools

Sometimes, you’re going to make a mistake while soldering. If you’re prone to the occasional blunder, don’t worry! You can solve your problem by desoldering, a process where you either apply more solder to form a stronger connection or suck up solder if you’ve applied too much.

Solder sucker

This is a mechanical vacuum pump that you can use to suck the solder away from the solder joint. You simply need to reheat the solder to make it fluid, then suck it off using the vacuum pump. It takes experience to learn exactly how much solder you need to form a strong connection, and it’s easy to accidentally melt too much. For beginners, having a way to rectify mistakes can remove the pressure of getting things right the first time. Plus, it means you’ll end up with a better final piece of work.

Solder wick

A solder wick is another tool you can use to remove unwanted solder. It’s built out of copper threads that absorb the excess solder from the solder joint. This tool is good for removing small amounts of excess solder from tricky areas. After you have removed the solder, it’s a good idea to clean the area with a swab and flux remover before you continue with your work.

Give yourself the best chance of success

Soldering is a highly useful process that many find enjoyable and satisfying. Whether you enjoy the challenge of DIY projects or you simply want to try something new, we’d encourage you to give soldering a go.

As fun as it is, we’d also strongly recommend exercising caution at all times. Soldering irons can reach extremely high temperatures, and we don’t like hearing about people sustaining avoidable injuries. As noted above, equipment such as soldering stands and safety glasses can prevent you from accidentally hurting yourself or others around you.

Even tools as simple as tweezers and wire cutters play their part in making soldering easier and safer. You can get a better grip on your materials while you work with them and keep them further away from your fingers and hands.

If you’re a beginner, make sure you arm yourself with the soldering tools you need to succeed. And for all the perfectionists out there, microscopes and desoldering equipment will help you to take your soldering work to the next level.

JBC soldering tools

From our experience, JBC is the best all-around producer of soldering irons and soldering equipment. If you’re serious about soldering, JBC can provide you with the most advanced and innovative soldering tools to help you on your way. From complete soldering iron tool stations to a wide range of soldering accessories, JBC does it all.

Feel free to get in touch with us today to ask any further questions about soldering tools or our range of products.