Keyboard shortcuts

Press ← or → to navigate between chapters

Press S or / to search in the book

Press ? to show this help

Press Esc to hide this help

Tools for Soldering Trackers

This is a curated list of soldering gear and supplies, chosen for providing affordable and performing well entry point.

If you cannot order from AliExpress, try to find them by name on your preferred online store.

Table of Contents

Tools

Soldering Iron

  • Sequre S99 (AliExpress) - Recommend the K-tip bundle, you can get it with or without a power supply. Uses JBC T245 series tips, and if paired with a genuine tip this iron is basically endgame. Uses type-c cable, 21V maximum used voltage, up to 150W depending on tip type.

  • PINECIL (Version 2) (pine64.com)

Diagonal Pliers

For legs cutting.

Warning: When cutting legs use safety glasses, as legs tend to fly away with dangerous velocity.

Tweezers

Example links (Not Community Tested):

Silicone Soldering Mat

Can be substituted with stacks of newspaper, cardboard

Desoldering Pump (Optional, Convenience)

SS-03 clones:

Original SS-03:

USB Type-C Cable for Soldering Iron

Tend to come with soldering iron.

Store Links:

USB Charger to Power Soldering Iron

If not bought in set with soldering iron.

Example links (Not Community Tested):

Protection Glasses aka Protection Goggles aka Safety Goggles

Safety glasses and goggles are measure to reduce risk of cut pin header hitting your eye. They are very common personal protection item, and likely sold in your local retail stores. They can be supplemented with using regular glasses, but with higher risk of hitting eyes.

Example links (Not Community Tested):

Expendables

Solder Wire

  • 0.4mm wire recommended

🟢 Sn63Pb37

Easy to Use, Affordable and ⚠️ Toxic. Solidifies instantly (Eutectic).

Links:

🟢 Sn60Pb40

Same as Sn63Pb37, but stays flexible couple seconds till cools down(Non-Eutectic)

🔴 Sn99.3Cu0.7, Sn99Cu0.7б, SnCu

  • Category: 🟢 Lead-Free
  • Recommended Iron Temp: 320 - 360°C

Do not buy. Hard to work for beginner. Brittle (source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6735330/).

Solder Flux

Useful for reworking or if the flux in your solder burns up.

Example links (Not Community Tested):

Solder Wick

For removing solder.

Example links (Not Community Tested):

Solder Tip Cleaner

Don't use copper sponge! Use it when tip is dirty with old solder. Dirty on tip looks like dark, crusty smudges.

Example links (Not Community Tested):

Solder Tip Tinner (Optional, Likely Not Gonna Be Needed)

Not likely to be needed if making bellow 20 Smols.

Use if your tip is oxidized. Oxidized tip looks dark, rough, not as reflective.

SnPb, Sn60Pb40, Sn63Pb37 Solder Safety Rules

RULE 1: Blow the Smoke Away: Flux Smoke Is Respiratory Hazard (Causes Astma)

  • Minimum: Solder next to an open window with a small fan blowing the smoke away from you
  • Better: Use cheap fume extractor(fan with charcoal filter) and place it right next to your iron.

RULE 2: No Eating, Drinking, or Smoking in Soldering Area: Microplastic Is Bad, Lead Dust Is Worse

  • Soldering release lead dust in the air, that settle around you. Getting your favourite mug with a note of lead is not great. Keep everything that you eat, drink or touch with your mouth out of soldering area.

RULE 3: Wash Your Hands: Microscopic Lead Dust Is Bad

  • Wash your hands after soldering. Do not slack on it.

alt text

Smols Soldering Text and Video Manuals

Contributors

Created by @nahkiofficial, Depact, @cosmica_t, @ashyfire33 and q3k