PSA - Solder Sucker (warning-may not be suitable for those with dirty minds)

[MichaelW]

Well this isn't as provocative as @giovanni's post title....but it is somewhat phallic....but that's all, nothing else to see here for you Beavis types.....

If you have not gotten one of these yet, trust me, it is worth it's weight in GOLD. You WILL thank me.

One of the most absolutely useful tools ever for our hobby. It's sold under a couple of names, usually the "Engineers Solder Sucker".
The one I bought was an off brand but looks to be the exact same unit and is a lifesaver, I use it almost every build.

This is the lowest price I've ever seen it. Makes me want to buy a backup.....

 

[SillyOctpuss]

Yup. I thought solder suckers were useless things until I bought one of these. I've had mine for about 6 years now and absolutely love it.

 

[MichaelW]

Where can you get a bulk length of the silicone tubing?

Here. Edit: you want the 1/16" ID 1/8 OD

My bad, updated link and it's cheaper You want the 2mm ID one.

or here.

Or I can pop a couple in the mail to you. I ordered the second link (out of stock at the moment) and it's enough to last me 10 years......

 

[GizzWizzKing]

Listen to this man.
If you are alone... Sad... Crying...
If you sigh and feel that hopeless sinking sense every time you lift your cheapo plastic solder sucker that melts when it's anywhere near a warm iron....
If you're about to give up....
Listen...
It doesn't have to be so hard... There is help. Stop murdering your boards... Act now.

 

[Robert]

Love mine. I will say, this one feature annoys the heck out of me. "Built-in self-cleaning shaft to prevent clogging"

What that actually means is that you'll launch the silicone tip into the trash can like a little rocket..... over and over...

I've just about worn mine out, I think I'll grab one of the FrogBro versions to replace it... because FrogBro.

 

[steviejr92]

Bought this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0989YJT8S?smid=A9R8MBSY7L1UV&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp&th=1

Should last forever.

Dude this is life saving...

 

[benny_profane]

Be sure to pick up some lithium grease (if you don't already have some) to reapply after cleaning.

 

[Harry Klippton]

I recently replaced the bar oil line in a budget chainsaw and had to buy 6' of tubing or whatever and I think it's the same size

 

[Coda]

I've never needed one...

...lol. I bought a 3-pack of the cheap ones years ago and am still on the last one. It has been giving me issues, though...

And desoldering braid can go to hell...

 

[Joben Magooch]

Oh yeah, absolute must-have. I haven't touched a desoldering braid in literal YEARS since getting a proper solder sucker and lord willing I won't have to mess with one any time soon, either.

 

[jimilee]

I have an electric one, in addition to the one pictured. It’s super handy as well.

 

[SillyOctpuss]

I have an electric one, in addition to the one pictured. It’s super handy as well.

How's the electric one vs the engineer posted above @jimilee? Which one do you have?

 

[StompBoxParts]

That Engineer solder sucker is the one I use if not using the desoldering iron/pump. It's a great tool.

 

[jimilee]

How's the electric one vs the engineer posted above @jimilee? Which one do you have?

They’re almost like 2 different animals really. The electric one will burn caps if you’re too close. The one above came get into tight spots and works with switches much better.

 

[mdc]

You can get them branded as VAMPIRE TOOLS, so buy that one.

 

[andare]

I have one and it is good. It's annoying when I push the plunger and a cylinder of solder gets tuck in the silicone tube and I have to pull it out with my hands. But it does work well. I think I even managed to removed a pot clean off a PCB once.
The silicone tube seems kinda flimsy.

I still use a 1.5mm desoldering braid to get rid of sprays of solder on the PCB.

 

[Locrian99]

You can get them branded as VAMPIRE TOOLS, so buy that one.

It’s on it’s way…

 

[HamishR]

Well I guess they might be handy if you are one of those people who makes mistakes. Or one of those weirdos who wants to try values other than those prescribed by the circuit gods.

 

[music6000]

Well I guess they might be handy if you are one of those people who makes mistakes. Or one of those weirdos who wants to try values other than those prescribed by the circuit gods.

That was what I was thinking!
If I purchase one, I have to try and make a mistake so I can use it!

 

[giovanni]

That’s the only reason I make mistakes sometimes. So I can justify buying a fancy solder sucker. Why else?!?