TIL my old Hakko FX-888D iron was the reason my SMD work looked sloppy

Switched to a Metcal station with a proper micro pencil tip last month, and my first board looked like a machine did it. Anyone have a go-to tip for 0402 resistors that doesn't cost a fortune?

3 comments

3 Comments

spencer7821mo ago

Exactly what Karen said. The right tool isn't just about it working, it's about it fitting the job perfectly. A cheap iron with a fat tip is like trying to paint a model with a house painting brush. You can do it, but it's a mess. That Metcal tip is the right size brush, so your hand just does what you're thinking without fighting the tool. Night and day difference.

karen3611mo ago

My uncle's a mechanic and swears by his Snap-on tools over cheaper stuff. It's the same idea, the right tool just makes the job clean. I bet that Metcal tip feels like a laser pointer now.

violar351mo ago

Feels like I'm welding with a toothpick now.