[Elecraft] Hakko 808 Desoldering Tool

[J. Edward (Ed) Muns]

As a caution for anyone using the Hakko 808, be sure the temperature control
is not set too high.  Mine came with the control (a small screwdriver
adjustment on the handle) set at the maximum temperature.  I didn't realize
this when I first used it and burned several pads off a KSB2 board, changing
crystals.  Not only did the pads burn off, but some of the through-hole
plating came out as well.  Moreover, the leads seemed to be more "stuck" in
the holes than they should have been.

I discovered the temperature control issue (thanks, Eric) and turned to the
MINIMUM setting.  Now the tool works beautifully.  Not only is there no
damage to the board, but the leads end up pretty much loose in the holes to
where the component literally falls out of the board.

This is a fantastic tool.  But, like any tool, you have to use it properly.
In over 40 years of desoldering, I've never been able to do such a quick,
quality job.  The PC board is undamaged and there is not a cloud of solder
bits blown all over the board, as some manual solder suckers will produce.
Expensive, yes, but cheap compared to ruined boards.

73,
Ed - W0YK