THIS $20 Soldering Iron Is My New Favorite Guitar Mod Tool!

Don't you love it when you find the perfect tool for the job? Now, all of my guitar mods that involve soldering are going to be a lot easier. This wire feed, one handed soldering device makes pickup swaps so much more painless, and it's super affordable!

What are some of your favorite / must have guitar tools?

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Rubric: -5 points for Danzig references. -5 points for not reading the description. -5 points for not watching far enough into the video to answer your own question. -5 points for misquoting me in your comment. 20 points possible. Everyone starts with an A!

[WardNH]

Harbor Freight sells a set of “Helping Hands” for under 5 bucks for soldering and other fine detail work where you wish you had an extra hand (or two). Even with an auto feeding solder gun, it’s still useful to keep the work still and in contact for good clean solder joints.

[FlyGuy]

Kinda neat, but if you are soldering a p/u lead to a pot (or switch), just put some solder on the pot lug, then put some solder on the wire end. Once they both have a blob on them you don't need to feed any more solder into the joint; at this point you just hold the wire end on the solder lug and heat up the joint until they are fused.

I use one of the 60W soldering irons that allow you to adjust the temperature; they aren't as good as a soldering gun/station that has a sensor in the tip, but you can find them for around $10 (and they take the standard Hakko-style tips). Don't forget to order a solder sucker for desoldering.

BTW, thanks for the review on the Wolf guitars, I picked up an LP style and couldn't be happier with it!

[Acousticeg]

This is exactly what I've been looking for. Thanks for sharing.

[scottboutin]

I gotta say, this video popped up on my YouTube feed. And crazy as it seems, THIS is a majorly helpful subject. I've been playing for 35 yrs, & I just decided, I'm tired of buying guitars that lack 1 feature or more, and i cant afford to go custom shop buying, so...time to learn these skills. I've been watching vids on soldering, and this was way more helpful. I was afraid to jump in start. Knowing this tool is out there, has inspired me! I was worried about the pitfalls he discussed. Wow. I immediately subscribed and ringing that bell!!! Thank you so much! You r so clear, calm, & concise, I'm on my way to modifying my guitars, looking forward to future content!!!! Cool man!!!

[stricknine]

It's things like this that continue to validate and confirm this channel and Max himself...Thankyou !!

[elwoodlodge]

Even though I was already aware of everything you mentioned in this vid, I still think this is good info to pass on. Another great job, Max.🙂

[petersuddath]

Thanks Max, I’ve been doing the same as you, old school style. I even stopped changing out pickups because it was such a pain. Now, I’m going to get one of those new soldering guns!!!

[sugarchocolateslim]

Oh my gosh thank you so much!!! I have been soldering for years and it's always been awful holding the wires, the iron, and the solder, and that this thing will change the game forever!! Thanks again!

[blaiseroche]

A good tip that makes the soldiering of any guitar pots, pickups or switches much easier is to use wire with the highest amount of lead as possible. Requires a lot less heat to make a clean and pretty joint.. These days the highest amount is called 60-40, that's 60% Tin and 40% lead. I use 60-40 Tin Lead flux rosin core soldier .039/ 1.0mm. Lead is poisonous, so if your soldering a lot use a mask. Always keep the tip clean and always pre Tin all wanted connections.

[romerosneck]

I'm on my here to remind everyone not to forget that max is an absolute unit

[Dzo]

Been looking at these for awhile now... Every time I see one, I'm down to the "last" guitar, I'm modding... Hell with that, I'm getting one!!.. Thanx Maxx..

[leonardszubinski]

What a wonderful tool! I am definitely going to get one! Thanks for showing this!

[CliffFoxKUGW]

I recommend getting you a soldering accessory I use frequently called Helping Hands sold by Radio Shack & Amazon. It has 2 alligator clips and a small magnifying glass all mounted on arms that pivot so you can move things where you need them when soldering. I use mine a lot assembling electronic kits for Ham radio. Radio Shack also makes a plastic type device about the size of a brick that has places cut into it all over it that will hold wires and many different types of connectors while you solder them. I believe it's called a solder helper.

[christophedupuis]

Nice video for this useful tools.
I just ordered mine.
Thank you. 😉

[donald-parker]

Very cool. For your request for other cool tools, a cheapy fret level tool can be made with a metal carpenters level, various grits of sandpaper, and some double sided masking tape (or even easier - sandpaper with an adhesive already on the back). The level gives a very good straight edge that is wide enough to do the job and is available in lots of different lengths. Good for both fret levelling and edge bevel.

[yamakawirodebike]

A review of the Black " EXPLORER" behind ya ??? Stay safe MAX!

[scaredycat]

I like using this thing called helping hands. It has 2 clips to hold what you need. This is awesome though

[Peasmouldia]

I have one. It packed up after about a year of use, and the feed tube had to be cleared a few times when it did work. When it worked, it was useful though.
Thanks Max.

[Alyks]

Love these 'budget friendly' videos.

[DinsdalePiranha]

I did the pickup swap on my Stratocaster using the pencil-type iron you show in the video. Mine came from Radio Shack. I just wrapped the wires through the lugs on the pickup switch and could hold the iron in one hand and the solder in the other.