How to Make a Soldering Gun

The soldering gun, also called a soldering iron, is an important and effective tool for anyone who wires electronics or builds computers. Soldering guns come in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on the type of job or project they are designed for. If you need a soldering iron for simple jobs around the house, you can build one of your own.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vice grip
• Fish tank tube
• Fish tank pump
• De-soldering iron
• Zip ties
• Drill
• De-soldering braid
• Sharp knife

1. Insert the tip of the de-soldering iron into the vice grips and tighten the vice grips. This will pinch the tip and direct the airflow of the soldering gun when it is ready for use.

2. Cut a very small piece of de-soldering braid and insert it inside the tip. This will help the soldering gun to heat up better.

3. Drill a hole in the suction bulb attached to the de-soldering gun using a 5/32 bit.

4. Use a sharp knife to cut the end of the fish tank tube at a 45-degree angle. Wet the tip of the tubing and carefully insert the tubing into the hole you drilled in the suction bulb.

5. Run the other end of the fish tank tubing to the fish tank air pump. Attach the tubing to the outlet on the pump and then use a zip tie to fasten the air hose to your de-soldering iron to make sure it stays in place.

6. Heat up the soldering gun. Test out your new soldering gun and make sure it is working properly.

Resources

• Weller Soldering Irons
• Fish Tank Pumps
• Dual Heat Soldering Guns