How to maintain your Desoldering tool | Hakko FR301 Deep Dive

The Hakko FR-301 is the best desoldering tool at its price point. This is how you keep it running like new.

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[RetroTechUSA]

If you need any product links, please check the description. Also a question, what desoldering tool are you using?

[GarmrNL]

Today I tried to remove a chip from an old NES board with this tool and it didn’t suck up the solder at all. I’m definitely going to do some proper maintenance later on, thanks for this super informative video!

[joshmiller]

I finally spent the money for this tool. I had a cheaper tool prior and this is one of those things where you get what you pay for!

[seanm]

Thank you. Caught your segment on RetroRGBs 400th and knew I had to come check it out. Learned about servicing the back end which I had never thought about cleaning.

[johnstory]

Man, this is all great information. I am a real novice at using my soldering/desoldering equipment and videos like this help me and the retro community an awful lot. Thank you for producing this content.

[djdannis]

Appreciate the video. Well done. Still hoping to see that deeper dive in the tool. Just bought one!

[Demokirby]

Thank you for this tutorial. While I dont do heavy projects often, wife did get me one of these for my birthday last year since I hate desoldering so much. Wasnt sure how much cleaning I should do on a regular basis, so thanks for this video

[retrobitstv]

Great info! I have been using the Hakko for a year or so now and I only knew about cleaning the primary tip and the container. Learned a lot from this, thanks!

[TheRetroChannel]

Awesome, thanks Steve. I finally upgraded from the ZD915 to the Hakko recently so this is great info

[SacredKeebs]

thanks, you saved my day with this cleaning guide.
doesnt know about membrane cleaning.

now my fr works like new <3

[oefzdegoeggl]

Excellent video on this device. Using the FR-301 a lot. The only drawback is the weight ... so if you do desoldering for hours every day, the JBC (base unit separate from head) might be the better option. For 5 times the price of course. Though for the gun-shaped desoldering devices, the FR301 is the best. Also get the C1100 holder and not the one from the video. Also, if you do a lot of THT on e.g. PSU boards, I'd recommend getting the 1.6mm tip ... the 1mm that comes with the unit is often too small.

[Luke]

Super timely video for me! I was just trying to use mine yesterday and was getting absolutely zero air flow. I always clean the nozzle and chamber, but I had never taken apart the back end for cleaning. In my case, one side of the plastic diaphragm (Hakko calls it the "B5023 Valve Plate") had actually broken and was plugging the hole. Annoying that I have to put my project on hold to swap that piece out, but awesome that Hakko makes basically every piece of this thing available to buy for fairly cheap.

Anyway, great video! Really helped me out.

[csabasanta]

Great info, Thanks Steve! I've been using mine for years and this is the first occasion I've cleaned the tube and the membrane. It was high time :).

[thomask]

Thank you.i had a hard time a couple months ago locating maintenance tips on desoldering guns

[cdoublejj]

favorited. good stuff to know, glad i haven't used mine yet. going ot have to get that holder and some filters

[ancelb]

subscribed...my hakko lost vacuum today. The silicone diaphragm was in pieces and the clear tube was half choked with flux residue. Ordered parts from Hakko to repair.

[theskroobs]

Great video. Do you "tin" the tip after using it and storing it? Like try to cover the tip in fresh solder? Thanks!

[tallB]

Thanks! Quick tip: you can keep your IPA in a small spray bottle (2oz or so) rather than dumping it on things from the original bottle.

[justzt]

Don't got a Hakko desoldering gun but I go Chinese knockoff station the Anesty ZD-915. They really make recapping a breeze. These same tips apply to these guns as well.

[SolKnightt]

Thanks for this!! Came here from RetroRGB. The "Parts/Components Tester" you linked isn't in stock anymore. Is there another you'd recommend?