====== Printed Wiring Board Repair Tools ====== //When I asked Stefan Trethan for the kind of tools he uses for PWB rework and repair, he was kind enough to provide the elaborate response below: // ---- To desolder the electrolytic caps I used SMD tweezers, it was horrible, and even damaged the PCB slightly. I will not use them again. The equipment I actually recommend: Hot air rework station: Review: {{:aoyue_852_1.jpg|}} Cheap imports like Aoyue, Xytronics, Hakko, OKI (Metcal) are all the same basic hardware with different price tags. There are many different models with various bells and whistles, I consider it worthwhile to have the temperature readout and airflow meter. Should be modified with spring to hold nozzle for convenience. Desoldering tool: Den-on SC7000Z, review there: {{:denon_sc7000z.jpg|}} Worth the cost for throughhole work. Nozzles will clog, but so far I have not met a desoldering tool that doesn't (If I do, I'll marry it). ;-) Soldering station: Something with decent tips and temperaure control. I like my old Ersa TE50, it's so old google won't even find an image, so I'll show the current replacement: {{:ersa_te50.jpg|}} Flux: colophony resin as-is or dissolved in some ethanol. {{:pine-colophony.jpg|}} Stereomicroscope (ok now I'm really stretching your question): The cheap imports seem quite allright, or a surplus one. Should have x10 and a second higher (x30 or x40) magnification on a revolver (or fancy zoom). {{:stereo-microscope-ztx-20-.jpg|}} There you go, I hope I could put one or two items on your shopping list, the economy certainly needs the help ;-). ST