GUEST OPINION: Whether you’re planning to create the next step in human technology or you’re just soldering a broken connection on something at home, you’ll need a couple of pieces of standard kit. The obvious one is the tool itself – the scope soldering irons and stations – but what happens when you need to nail down which connection isn’t working? Then you need a multimeter. After all, it’s never so simple when you’re working with a maze of circuits. Slowly, the tools pile up – the tweezers, loupes, ventilators, and so on – but here’s what’s essential.
Soldering Iron: Your right hand man.
If there’s one tool you can’t go without, it’s the soldering iron. It's your paintbrush, your hammer and nails. Like those tools, you won’t need any special features to begin with. A cheap, standard soldering iron will serve a beginner well. But once you start working with multiple solder and component types, you’ll want to pick a more versatile piece. This should include variable heat levels, interchangeable tips, and even think about the tool’s wattage, too (30-60 is standard).
Solder Wire: The main ingredient.
Solder wire is the paint for your paintbrush and is something you’ll run through a lot during your PCB work. There are two types of solder to consider, each with a unique issue to combat. Lead-based solder is the first, and as its name indicates, it uses toxic lead. So, the fumes that are produced by its use should not be breathed in, and a ventilator will be necessary. Even so, lead-based is the current standard, as it has a lower melting point and is much easier to work with because of that.
Lead-free solder is the alternative, and may soon become the standard due to its environmental friendliness– and of course, its safety for its user. The downside is that it’s much slower to work with as it takes more time to heat up and melt. So if your workspace is not easily ventilated, lead-free is the choice, but otherwise you’ll likely opt for leaded solder.
Multimeter: The PCB doctor’s stethoscope.
Your multimeter is your troubleshooter. If you’re fixing PCBs, it’s your first port of call. You use its needles to check current between sections and can quickly tell what’s working and what’s not. And like the other tools on this list, they range from affordable to an arm and leg. Datalogging, PC connectivity, backlighting, and True RMS are a few of the features you can choose for your multimeter, but the majority of users are content with the standard off-the-shelf multimeter.
PCB Vice: Your steady-handed assistant.
Like a carpenter, you’ll want to keep your PCB rock steady while you’re soldering or else you could slip and solder the wrong connection or worse. PCB vise come in different sizes and styles, and can even be built into your soldering station. Which one suits your work will depend on the size and delicacy of your work, but regardless of that they are certainly an essential.
Tweezers: Your precision tool.
So you don’t have to deal with finger burns and fatigue, you’ll want a pair of soldering tweezers. They’re another precision tool for your detailed PCB work, and because of that, there are also many variants you can buy too — angled tweezers, sharp tweezers, flat-end tweezers — buying a set is the next step when you’re turning into a PCB pro.
Desoldering Pump: For cleanup and control.
The solder sucker is the vacuum for your PCB work floor. Offcuts, excess, and flux all get solved by having a desoldering pump in hand. When choosing your pump, be sure you can comfortably use it with one hand and that it has a replaceable tip, as the tips wear out over time. Often, you’ll have the pump in your offhand while working, so it’s a piece of kit you want to enjoy using and holding.
Soldering Station: Your circuit boards’ workbench.
You can get away with the spring-style holder and a mat for your early PCB work, but when you want to take the next step, you’ll upgrade to a precision station. Beyond just a sponge to wipe your tool, you can have an air gun, preheated tip slots, and built-in clamps. A full soldering station is very much an all-in-one tool that combines the aforementioned essentials into one machine (save for a solder sucker).
Ventilator or Air Pump: Breathe a sigh of relief.
If you’re working with lead solder, the fumes are toxic. Not only are they awful to breathe in, but they're carcinogenic too. So, besides soldering in a room with airflow, you should have a ventilator or small air pump over your PCB station to suck up those toxic fumes – a fan isn’t half as effective and can cause issues while you’re soldering too. When you’re choosing your ventilator, be sure to get on with multiple nozzles or a moveable head so that you can direct the suction as needed.
Magnifying Lamp or Microscope: Easy on the eyes.
Not all PCB work will require a magnifier, but it certainly comes in handy. The alternative is, of course, leaning in close, enjoying the toxic fumes of the lead solder, and putting your health and eyes at risk. When you’re looking for a magnifier, check for one with a built-in lamp for better lighting.
ESD Mat and Wrist Strap: Stop static in its tracks.
Your electrostatic discharge (ESD) may and wrist strap stop sensitive equipment from static electricity. The mat also protects your bench and makes the work a little more comfortable, so take those into consideration when you’re picking one too. And since there are endless styles to pick from, you can also pick one that shows off your personal flair too!
Conclusion
PCB work certainly isn't the type of hobby where one-size-fits all – like whittling – so you’ll want to consider the type of work you’re interested in before settling on your tools. After all, a precision soldering iron looks completely different from your standard iron, and for good reason. Even so, most beginners can safely start with a cheaper set of tools and work their way up as their work improves, so happy soldering!