21 Soldering Accessories You Need to Know

Sit up, grab a Red Bull, because we're about to rip through 21 soldering accessories that you need to know in 12 minutes. If you love to solder or love someone who does, check out my links below.

My Preferred Soldering Irons

Auto Shutdown Timer

Fume Extractor

Solder Reel Stand

Digital Microscope
or

Magnifying Headset

Chip Quik Flux Pen

US Forge Liquid Flux

Needle Nose Bottles

Soldering Mat

5 Pack Flush Cutters

Eclipse CP-301G Wire Strippers

Soldering PCB Holder

Brass Solder Tip Cleaner

Mechanic Soldering Tip Refresher

Mini Heat Gun

Soldering Wire Holder

Soldering Tweezers

Desoldering Iron

Solder Suckers

Desoldering Wick

Solder Temperature Tester

[AnotherMaker]

My Preferred Soldering Irons

Auto Shutdown Timer

Fume Extractor

Solder Reel Stand

Digital Microscope
or

Magnifying Headset

Chip Quik Flux Pen

US Forge Liquid Flux

Needle Nose Bottles

Soldering Mat

5 Pack Flush Cutters

Eclipse CP-301G Wire Strippers

Soldering PCB Holder

Brass Solder Tip Cleaner

Mechanic Soldering Tip Refresher

Mini Heat Gun

Soldering Wire Holder

Soldering Tweezers

Desoldering Iron

Solder Suckers

Desoldering Wick

Solder Temperature Tester

[alexsandermagalhaes]

Heres some I like:
Play dough to hold small wires/parts
Suction pen for pick/placing chips
Ring light for lighting and camera
Syringe and needle for solder/flux paste

[kingforaday]

At a thrift store I bought what I believe is called a diopter, magnifying lens with a built in light. I remember seeing them in the dentist office and a jewelry store.
It comes on the end of a movable/flexible arm on a stand with a heavy base so it doesnt tip over. This one was "vintage". Stand and arms are metal and the lens is glass, not plastic. Works where you would use a digital microscope. Ive used the heck out of it.

[anon_y_mousse]

These are all great tips. I didn't even know they made ceramic tipped tweezers or timer switches for plugs. Have to add some things to my next shopping list for sure.

[jimsubtle]

Love this video so much. I have watched it a few times now. I wish at 9m7s you have demonstrated a perfect solder wire join with the voice over like it was no big deal. It would have been a nice flex

[JohnJones-oymd]

I like to solder SMD under the microscope. An optical binocular zoom scope (AmScope, etc) with a 0.5x barlow lens to increase working distance makes life so much easier.

[tripplegracing]

Cant believe I missed this video. Love that microscope, like you sa for inspection especially with discreet smd components. FLUX, the best thing since sliced bread. I have a solder mat I got from Sparkfun, need some of those needle bottles, we have a store here that sell those. The extractor fan is great need to look at your desing. Cutters yes!!! I have the board holder, absolute must, prefer that almost to a helping hands, havent had good results with normal helping hands. Copper / brass sponge works better than water that a lot of people use. The 3d printed wire solder assist is a great idea.. Desoldering gun looks great I also think that Hakko gun is going to work better, the braid has a tendency to lift tracks.

[smartassist]

I watch your videos as they are tremendous help. As a newbie, I am a sponge to absorb what I can. Then later, try to apply it. What Most take for granted, I would have yrs ago as well.

But I struggle now with disability that makes all things a bit of a challenge. But I am determined as I look at it as mandatory to accomplish.

Hence, to others, I seem to ask the most elementary questions. I have 1 size solder. Do they sell different sizes in a package deal? If so, what sizes should I get as a group?

Most humbled! Also, happy Thanksgiving, I hope yours was safe and enjoyable in your plans.

[GnuReligion]

Well, your kit outclasses mine by a long way. Going to get your small wire strippers right away. 30awg Kynar is wonderful stuff, but very hard to strip ... even with their special (expensive) tool.

[jstro-hobbytech]

I need a microscope I can attach to a screen on my wall. I don't know crap about the specs when I look at them. I have the same one as your small one and I've repaired it a thousand times. You're right about side cutters. I got more time off cheap ones than I did from the pair of knipex my wife got me for Xmas.

[karigisla]

been looking at that soldering gun for a while i have the pump its almost useless for smaller stuff usually the recoil punches what im working on ( not like there is much kick to it just the small hit from a still point usually kicks whatever small component i have and for that reason i almost never use it ive done good with the wick but sometimes the heat and time needed isnt very friendly with the component, i feel sold on the gun now

[smartassist]

Is flux pen refillable? (Hmm, if not I could cut top and make rubber cork to fit tight..lol i reckon.)

[PriorUniform]

I bought something similar for a poorly designed battery charger that was destroying expensive proprietary Li-ion packs by trickle charging them or otherwise doing something it shouldn't. Plug pack in charger, press 3hrs, battery saved. I have considered doing the same for my soldering station but I think I would really rather just get a new iron... Pinecil or T12 compatible probably.

[smartassist]

I see there is many types of flux..I gues designated by number or number/letter. Wow a new world.

Ineed to order soon if you can most humbly I ask…reply. Thanks again! Have a blessed Thanksgiving and gathering.