Guides/Recommended Tools: Difference between revisions
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*[https://www.ifixit.com/products/ifixit-precision-4-mm-screwdriver-bit?variant=39953684168807 4mm Loose Bits]: Avoid purchasing their PH or Gamebits. A 4mm driver handle is also required. | *[https://www.ifixit.com/products/ifixit-precision-4-mm-screwdriver-bit?variant=39953684168807 4mm Loose Bits]: Avoid purchasing their PH or Gamebits. A 4mm driver handle is also required. | ||
* [https://www.ifixit.com/products/ifixit-precision-bit-driver-aluminum 4mm Driver Handle]: A durable handle designed for use with 4mm bits. | * [https://www.ifixit.com/products/ifixit-precision-bit-driver-aluminum 4mm Driver Handle]: A durable handle designed for use with 4mm bits. | ||
* [https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807589661296.html Xiaomi Electric Driver Set]: Electric screwdriver set, does not contain JIS bits however. | |||
*[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFV5P9H4 SOONAN 150 in 1 Electronics Tool Kit] Comprehensive toolset with long-lasting components. This version is an updated kit. | |||
===Shims=== | ===Shims=== | ||
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===Tweezers=== | ===Tweezers=== | ||
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mthU7Fv MECHANIC Aax-17]: High-quality precision tweezers. | *[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mthU7Fv MECHANIC Aax-17]: High-quality precision tweezers. | ||
*[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256802610295329.html MECHANIC King Series]: Ultra Fine point tweezers. Good for cover removal. | |||
== Soldering == | ==Soldering== | ||
===Solder=== | ===Solder=== | ||
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtedT1z MECHANIC HX-T100]: Reliable solder available in various sizes. The 1mm size is recommended for general electronic repairs due to its balance between precision and ease of use. Larger sizes are better suited for tasks involving heavier gauge wires or larger components, while smaller sizes are ideal for delicate or intricate soldering work. | *[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtedT1z MECHANIC HX-T100]: Reliable solder available in various sizes. The 1mm size is recommended for general electronic repairs due to its balance between precision and ease of use. Larger sizes are better suited for tasks involving heavier gauge wires or larger components, while smaller sizes are ideal for delicate or intricate soldering work. | ||
===Soldering Irons=== | ===Soldering Irons=== | ||
*[https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/ Pinecil v2 (budget pick)]: Affordable portable soldering iron for use with TS-100 style tips. Note that shipping costs are typically around $25, and that the Pinecil requires a suitable USB-C PD charger. | *[https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/ Pinecil v2 (budget pick)]: Affordable portable soldering iron for use with TS-100 style tips. Note that shipping costs are typically around $25, and that the Pinecil requires a suitable USB-C PD charger. Supports [https://wiki.pine64.org/wiki/Pinecil_Firmware custom firmware]. Does not come with a stand. | ||
*[https:// | *[https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806674457748.html KSGER T12 (budget pick)]: Affordable stationary soldering station for use with T12 tips. Recommended is a T12-JL02 tip, which is versatile due to it being a bent, yet small tip. Supports [https://github.com/deividAlfa/stm32_soldering_iron_controller custom firmware]. Does not come with a stand. | ||
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPYNwq7 KSGER C210 Soldering Station ( | *[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPYNwq7 KSGER C210 Soldering Station (mid-tier pick)]: A robust soldering station. Choose "set 5" for the best configuration (includes C210-I+K+IS, a sleep wire, and a solder iron stand). | ||
===Tips and Tip Cleaning=== | ===Tips and Tip Cleaning=== | ||
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*[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00425FUW2 MG Chemicals 8341]: Reliable for addressing corrosion issues. | *[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00425FUW2 MG Chemicals 8341]: Reliable for addressing corrosion issues. | ||
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrODzX1 Kaisi K-2208 Extruder]: Trigger-activated dispenser for flux, paste, or solder mask. | *[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrODzX1 Kaisi K-2208 Extruder]: Trigger-activated dispenser for flux, paste, or solder mask. | ||
===Desoldering=== | ===Desoldering=== | ||
*https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005T8TJG4 MG Chemicals SuperWick]: High-quality desoldering wick with a generous length. | *[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005T8TJG4 MG Chemicals SuperWick]: High-quality desoldering wick with a generous length. | ||
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqzn3dV MECHANIC R350 Desoldering Braid]: Avoid smaller sizes (e.g., 1mm–1.5mm) as they are prone to breaking. | *[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqzn3dV MECHANIC R350 Desoldering Braid]: Avoid smaller sizes (e.g., 1mm–1.5mm) as they are prone to breaking. | ||
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0RCEUn MECHANIC SR20 Desoldering Braid]: Packaged in a reusable dispenser. | *[https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0RCEUn MECHANIC SR20 Desoldering Braid]: Packaged in a reusable dispenser. | ||
* [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7Q293KV ENGINEER SS-03 Desoldering Pump]: Reliable manual pump for desoldering tasks. | *[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7Q293KV ENGINEER SS-03 Desoldering Pump]: Reliable manual pump for desoldering tasks. | ||
===Wire=== | ===Wire=== | ||
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*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMGp3yb RELIFE 10ML 3S Quick Dry Solder Mask]: Quick-drying and effective. | *[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMGp3yb RELIFE 10ML 3S Quick Dry Solder Mask]: Quick-drying and effective. | ||
====UV Light ==== | ====UV Light==== | ||
*[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804118797123.html MECHANIC L1 Pro UV Light]: Rechargeable UV light. Note that USB PD compatibility can be achieved by adding two 5.1kΩ resistors from CC1 and CC2 to GND. | *[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804118797123.html MECHANIC L1 Pro UV Light]: Rechargeable UV light. Note that USB PD compatibility can be achieved by adding two 5.1kΩ resistors from CC1 and CC2 to GND. | ||
===PCB Heater === | ===PCB Heater=== | ||
*[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256806551201571.html MECHANIC IX5 Preheating Platform]: Compact and efficient for its price. This heater is particularly useful for preheating printed circuit boards (PCBs) during repair tasks, such as reflow soldering or desoldering components, ensuring even heat distribution and reducing the risk of thermal shock to delicate components. | *[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256806551201571.html MECHANIC IX5 Preheating Platform]: Compact and efficient for its price. This heater is particularly useful for preheating printed circuit boards (PCBs) during repair tasks, such as reflow soldering or desoldering components, ensuring even heat distribution and reducing the risk of thermal shock to delicate components. | ||
=== Hot Air=== | ===Hot Air=== | ||
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPSM0Yn MECHANIC 957DW (budget pick)]: Reliable hot air station. | *[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPSM0Yn MECHANIC 957DW (budget pick)]: Reliable hot air station. | ||
*[https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005001900973775.html Atten ST-862D (high-end pick)] A higher-end, higher quality hot air station, which homages the Quick 861DW. | *[https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005001900973775.html Atten ST-862D (high-end pick)] A higher-end, higher quality hot air station, which homages the Quick 861DW. | ||
==Testing Equipment== | ==Testing Equipment== | ||
* [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PWZTNJK Hantek 2D72 Handheld Oscilloscope (budget pick]: Affordable oscilloscope and signal generator | *[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PWZTNJK Hantek 2D72 Handheld Oscilloscope (budget pick)]: Affordable portable oscilloscope and signal generator. Its bandwidth and functionality is more limited in comparison to a stationary, higher-end oscilloscope. | ||
* [https://www.amazon.com/Siglent-Technologies-SDS1202X-Oscilloscope-Channels/dp/B06XZML6RD Siglent SDS1202X-E or similar (high-end pick)] | *[https://www.amazon.com/Siglent-Technologies-SDS1202X-Oscilloscope-Channels/dp/B06XZML6RD Siglent SDS1202X-E or similar (high-end pick)] | ||
==Miscellaneous Tools== | |||
===Microscopes=== | |||
When working with fine-pitch components, magnification is often essential. While magnifying loupes can provide some assistance, their short working distance often leads to neck strain and limited tool maneuverability. Microscopes address these issues and come in two main types: digital and analog. | |||
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKmuRbZ 4K Digital Microscope Kit]: A cost-effective option for magnified viewing on a screen, offering comfort by reducing neck strain. However, these microscopes lack depth perception (stereo vision) and may exhibit lag, which can make precise soldering difficult. Avoid cheaper models, as their image quality is typically inadequate for microsoldering tasks. | |||
*[https://aliexpress.com/item/1005007286024727.html Analog Eakins Microscope (AmScope white-label)]: Using optical lenses for real-time magnification, analog microscopes provide better image quality and depth perception (stereo vision). Trinocular models offer the additional benefit of connecting a camera for digital image capture. While analog microscopes are ideal for precision work, prolonged use may cause eye- and neck strain, and their higher cost can be a consideration. | |||
===Fume Extractors=== | |||
*[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007498883311.html SK-102 Fume Extractor]: Essential for soldering to avoid inhaling harmful flux fumes. If you solder regularly or are sensitive to fumes, use a three-layer fume extractor with a cotton pre-filter, HEPA filter, and carbon filter. Avoid carbon-only extractors, as they are less effective and comparable to a standard fan. | |||
*[https://aliexpress.com/item/1005006187279385.html Vevor XF180U 100W Fume Extractor]: A floor model fume extractor with better suction compared to desktop models. | |||
===Mats=== | |||
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqvzccn RF4 Insulated Silicone Soldering Mat]: Durable and heat-resistant. | |||
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLrEKLl RELIFE RL-170]: A simple, thick silicone mat for soldering work. | |||
*[https://www.amazon.com/Building-Electronic-Grounding-Antistatic-Wristband/dp/B0B1ZK26SW Anti-ESD mat]: Starter kit containing a heat- and chemical resistant mat for soldering and a high-resistance plug to ground. Note that you should '''ALWAYS''' use a high-resistance grounding plug with these types of mats and '''NEVER''' connect the mat directly to ground, or you risk getting electrocuted! | |||
===Tapes=== | |||
*[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256802834145815.html Device Marking Tape]: Easy to use, leaves no residue. | |||
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPIjNn1 Mechanic High-Temp Resistant Polyimide (Kapton) Tape]: Excellent heat resistance. Choose "400 35M" for optimal performance. | |||
== | ===Manual Tools=== | ||
* [https:// | *[https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0pIrEr Exacto Knife]: Cheap generic exacto knife, suitable for scraping traces and precision cutting. | ||
* [https:// | *[https://www.amazon.com/Engineer-PA-14-Stripper-universal-crimping/dp/B001YHELPS PA-14 Engineer wire stripper]: High-quality wire strippers from Engineer. Comes in various sizes for various gauge wires (PA-06/PA-07/PA-14). PA-14 can strip 22 to 34 gauge wire. | ||
* [https:// | *[https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807670711029.html Mechanic GDR2 Grinding Pen]: Useful for grinding away PCB layers or solder mask. Also stripped screws. | ||
*[https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-56818-Precision-Electronic-Diagonal/dp/B002S0O7SQ?crid=LC8L23DEJRPT Wiha 56818 Precision Flush Cutters]: igh-quality diagonal cutters designed for precise trimming of wires, leads, and PCB components. | |||
*[https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808480264487.html Manual Air Bulb]: Cheap Manual Air Blower. helps remove dust from inside lens. | |||
==Additional Information== | ==Additional Information== | ||
The links provided direct you to reputable sources and products known for their quality and performance. Mechanic-brand tools are frequently recommended due to their reliability and [https://hardware.hacks.guide/wiki/File:Mechanic_Patent_Policy.png transparency in manufacturing]. Ensure you choose items tailored to your specific requirements for best results. Additionally, verify the availability of tools and confirm their compatibility with your projects before purchase to avoid potential issues. | The links provided direct you to reputable sources and products known for their quality and performance. Mechanic-brand tools are frequently recommended due to their reliability and [https://hardware.hacks.guide/wiki/File:Mechanic_Patent_Policy.png transparency in manufacturing]. Ensure you choose items tailored to your specific requirements for best results. Additionally, verify the availability of tools and confirm their compatibility with your projects before purchase to avoid potential issues. | ||