Good for: These all in one kits are very good if you are really not sure if soldering is right for you, or if you are only doing a few projects. They come with all the basics so you won’t really need anything else to get started. It also travels and stores well.

Not good for: If you plan on doing a lot of soldering or more intricate/detailed soldering, you might want to consider higher quality individual tools.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

I have the The Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station. To be honest I am not the biggest fan of it for a few reasons:

1. The solder plugs into the station using a standard outlet plug and I have found that over the years the electrical outlet cover on the station pulls and it is difficult to remover the solder from the station.

2. The solder stand will often fall.

3. A pro and a con: At the beginning I really liked the temperature control knob because I did not need a specific a temperature to set it to I could just guesstimate. Now, however, it would be nice to have an actual temperature read so I could share it with you all.

There are many different models and prices range from $25 to $100. These listed on the left both come with: Soldering Station, Different Solder Tips, Sponge, Desoldering Pump/Solder Sucker, Tweezer, Sponge, Solder Wire Bracket, Spool of Solder.

The black one comes with 2 Helping Hands with alligator clips.

• One thing to think about is if you want the Helping Hands (see below for info) attached to the station of if you want it separate. The only thing I can think of is that having your Helping Hands separate may give give you a little more flexibility.

• I have not personally tested this but the orange one seems to have a similar iron stand as the one I have, so I’m not sure if it will stay in or if it will fall out. In contrast, the black model appears to have an iron stand that is built in.

Wire Stripper

What is a Wire Stripper? It is a tool that is used for removing the protective plastic coating that wire comes with to protect them. In order to adapt toys, you need to be able to access the metal wire inside the covering to attach it to another wire.

• To learn about wire check out Jacks and Wires page on my site.

I have this pair and I have been pretty satisfied with them. The only issue is I misused them and dulled the cutting part underneath the largest circles but otherwise they work pretty well.

Or click the picture the on the right for a link to this specific one.

Helping Hands

What Are Helping Hands: It is a tool that uses two alligator clips to help hold things as you work, so you can focus on holding the soldering iron and solder. They are very helpful!

My Thoughts: I have this one with the metal arms and magnifying glass. It is okay, but after several years the alligator clips have come off many times. I never use the magnifying glass. I have also found the clips can be a little difficult to adjust. However, it is cheap, worked decently well, and has lasted many years.

If I were to buy a new set now, I would buy a different style. When I first started out, I was looking for the cheapest option available which was the one with the metal arms. However, since I really enjoy soldering I would get an option that allows for a little more flexibility. The two alternatives pictured have alligator clamps that are attached to flexible arms. This allows for more movement and easier arrangement than the one I currently have.

This is a set of multiple different sizes and colors. I have found the I use the 1/24, 1/16, and 1/12’’ tubes the most.

If you don’t plan on doing a lot of adapting, many of the solder kits come with a few tubes. Some of the Female jacks you purchase may also include tubes.

What are Tin Snips? They are a hand tool used for cutting sheets metal.

Since I use circuit board for my battery interrupters, I bought a pair of tin snips. If you are going to use circuit board you really need these.

Originally I did not have these and I used my wire strippers which are destroyed as a result.

What is a Utility Knife? It is a kind of knife that usually has replaceable blades that retract into a handle. There are retractable ones and ones were you can replace the razor blades (some of this kind are also foldable)

I use my utility knife all of the time (e.g. cutting wires and cardboard).

Personally, I like the ones that you change the blade out rather than the one where you break off the dull part of the blade to reveal a new blade. The reasons I don’t like this type: I could never manage to get a nice clean snap when trying to break off the old blade, I alway had to ask my roommate to help me.

I usually buy my utility knife from the local hardware store. Here is one from Amazon.

With this type you have to be careful when closing it.

What Are Files? These are used to file down battery compartment covers in order to have a space for wires or battery interrupters come out of the battery compartment.

These range in price from $5 to $20.

I bought mine from Walmart which are similar to the black and yellow ones on the right.

Links to some DIY Fume Extractor:

• https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Make-a-Cardboard-Solder-Fume-Extractor/

• https://www.instructables.com/DIY-PVC-Solder-Fume-Extractor/

• https://www.instructables.com/Solder-Fume-Extractor-1/

Solder Sucker

What is a Solder Sucker (aka Desoldering Pump)? This is used to remove hot solder.
To use press down on the plunger at the top. Using a soldering iron, heat up the solder that you wish to remove. Then place the nozzle of the solder sucker over the hot solder and press the release button, located in the middle of the solder sucker. To empty it press the plunger down.

I have one that came with my soldering station, but here are similar ones that include desoldering wick.

My Thoughts: If this did not come with my soldering station I probably would not have thought of using it. Before I knew what it was, I would use the tip of my soldering iron to remove the extra/old solder and then cleaned the tip. I did find using the solder sucker easier and more time efficient, however, it is not necessary.

Desoldering Wick

What is Desoldering Wick (aka Desoldering Braid or Solder Wick)? This is braided pieces of copper wire that are used for removing old solder.

Some people find this easier to use than the Solder Sucker because it is less cumbersome. Additionally, it’s better for smaller or closer together areas. You can even cut the end of the wick on an angle creating a smaller point to work with. As you use it you will need to cut off old pieces of wick. Personally, I have never used this.

To use it place the end of the wick over the solder you wish to remove and then place the soldering iron on/over it. The soldering iron will heat up the metal in the desoldering wick and “wick” up the solder.

What are Soldering Iron Tips? The interchangeable parts at the end of the most soldering irons.

These tips, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common tips for adapting are Conical or B-series and Chisel tips

Conical or B-series Tips – Is a rounded pointed shape that allows you to solder from any angle. Therefore, it is the most commonly used tip and it is good for general purposes and precision soldering.

Chisel Tip – These tips got their name because it kind of looks like a chisel. It is commonly used for general purpose. However, unlike the conical B-series, these tips have a larger surface. There are different sizes in this series so that you don’t get solder where you don’t want it. This tip is well-suited for soldering wires or other larger components because of its broad flat tip. You can buy extra soldering tips. This isn’t necessary right away but might be later.

The specific tips you get will depend on what soldering iron you buy.

What a Cutting Mat? It is used to protect your working surface so you don’t cut it when using your utility knife.

Personally, I have a 18x24 inch mat because I cut foam core and cardboard.

But for switch adapting you can go with a smaller size or a soldering mat.

I like this brand, but I have also found small cutting mats at the DollarTree and I have also used their cutting board for cutting.

What is an Insulation Silicone Repair Mat? This is a different kind of way to protect you surface when soldering.

I bought the smallest size since it was the cheapest. It has worked very well

Silicone Repair Mat vs. Self Healing Cutting Mat: The repair mat is used more for protecting against soldering and heat where the self-healing mat is for protecting agains cuts from a utility knife.

If you use a utility knife on this Repair Mat you will cut it. You can, however, use it to lightly cut wire as long as you don’t cut all the way through.

For a list of additional supplies that you may want for your projects, including jacks, copper plates, wires, and things for securing wires.