Solder Sucker

[tubesornothing]

I am getting a bit tired of my solder sucker getting clogged.  So I bought a new "professional" one.  After a couple of months it starts to clog.  I clean it, lasts for a few times, then gets clogged again.  I sprayed it with silicone and lasts a bit longer.

Is there a better solution out there?

[RicharD]

Use less solder...



Seriously, I know your pain.  I actually only use the sucker when there's a huge blob which of course results in a clog.  I have better results with wick.

[Fresh_Start]

Like almost everything else, I've found that better quality braided wick with flux works pretty well (except for those giant blobs).  Can't remember the brand but I got it from McMaster Carr - much better than Rat Shack.  Also, you still need to tin the tip before using the de-soldering braid.

Chip

[jhadhar65]

TON... can you email me?  I can't send PMs and I can't find your email address.  I've swapped computers and lost my old address book since we emailed last.

[birt]

put a block with a stiff metal wire (something that is thin and not that easy to bend) sticking out of it on your bench. that way you can poke that into the soldersucker using only one hand. to me that's the easiest way to keep the solder sucker clean.