The 10 Best Desoldering Pumps – [Reviews & Rankings]

A desoldering pump, also known as a solder sucker, is a manually-operated gadget used to remove solder from a printed circuit board for the purposes of troubleshooting, repair, replacement, and salvage (Source).

Desoldering pumps are divided into two major categories, namely: suction and hot air pumps. Suction pumps are used to suck away molten solder, leaving previously joined terminals disconnected.

On the other hand, hot air pumps blow air hot enough to melt all the solder around a small surface mounted part. Further, they can be used for soldering part in place and for desoldering followed by removal before the solder solidifies by a vacuum pump or with tweezers.

Sometimes while you’re soldering and run any hazardous substances like harmful chemicals and fumes consider buying solder fume extractors as they suck the fumes and smoke. Harmful chemicals and fumes can be easily removed from the air.

In this article, we will be looking at the five highest-rated desoldering pumps. In order to get the full benefit out of these devices, it’s important to understand exactly how they work.

Quick Comparison of the Top 5 Desoldering Pumps

1. Engineer Ss-02 Solder Sucker Pump – Best Overall

Our number one pick is a desoldering pump that is the quintessence of cutting-edge solder removal technology.

Heat-Resistant Silicone Tip

The flexible heat-resistant silicone tip of the Engineer Ss-02 Solder Sucker pump allows the nozzle to come into direct contact with the soldering iron, without risking any damage, and at the same time allows the nozzle to ‘envelope’ the solder joint.

Also, a Teflon tube slots over the end and forms a better fit over the molten solder. You can easily replace this by cutting a new bit off the supplied tube. It certainly does perform a lot better than anything else you might have tried!

Improved Suction

Amazingly, this tool dramatically improves suction and therefore there is less solder residue after each press action. This device can also be disassembled easily for quick maintenance. The ss-02 comes with a one spare silicone tube which can be cut to make several new nozzles.

Supreme Design & Manufacturing

Lastly, as expected from a Japan-made product, this model’s compact design allows easy one-handed operation. It can withstand a direct contact with the soldering iron (350degC Max), because it is made of the highest quality components.

2. 3-in-1 SEALODY Solder Sucker – The Most Versatile Desoldering Wick

Next on our list is a very versatile 3-in-1 solution by SALODY. In this single tool, you have at your disposal one desoldering vacuum pump and two solder wicks for all your DIY desoldering needs.

Super Solder Wick

Firstly, this model features oxygen-free wire made of pure copper that is 2.5mm wide, 1.5m in length, and 0.4 oz in weight. It is just perfect for cleaning residue flux, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Excellent & Light Material

Secondly, it is equipped with a sturdy and reliable aluminum body frame, which allows easy one-handed use, and offers great support for high-pressure vacuum this model generates. Thus, it is the perfect helper if you need to quickly and effectively remove solder from PCB through-hole solder joints.

Amazingly Versatile

The 3-in-1 SEALODY Solder Sucker is an amazingly versatile tool. It is ideal for use in labs, service shops, schools (STEM – steam), homes, factory premises, etc.

How It Works

This model features a copper mesh which works reasonably well. It distributes the heat over the flux and absorbs the majority of residue. The solder sucker is a little difficult to get right if you don’t have any experience with this sort of thing because the pin is rather small, while the vacuum suction is less powerful than that of your average vacuum cleaner.

Yet, it will do the job if you are trying to remove some small solder ball or suck up the excess solder with the copper wick. Interestingly, capillary forces in the mesh are greater than the solder ball adhesion.

3. Greenlee 1700 Desoldering Tool With Standard Tip – The Most Sturdy Desoldering Tool

Third on our list is a tool that is one of the best desoldering devices for using with printed circuit board. Greenlee 1700 is quite sturdy and boasts a non-plastic body. All you need to do to operate it is push one button.

One Year Warranty

Because of its sturdy, durable and high-quality metal frame, the manufacturer grants one full year warranty on this product. Standard, regular and anti-static replacement tips are available upon request. The repair kit also comes with a replacement spring and suction rods.

Highly Positive Reviews

Also, this product occupies the number three spot on our list because of the high number of positive reviews it has generated online. Most of the happy owners unanimously agree that this product offers great value for its more than reasonable retail price.

Reliable Mechanism

The spring mechanism of this model is enclosed and needs no petroleum jelly as it runs smoothly enough. This device also has a very fine thread, so there is little chance of it coming loose. Thus, it does not have to be tightened up very much at all.

Though anything else with this product works well its knob which allows you to depress the spring with is relatively small and your thumb can slide off, especially if it is greasy. Also, the edges of the slot that you put your thumb in are quite sharp on. Sliding your thumb up and down is just inviting cuts. However, an easy solution will be to just file your device down a bit.

4. Tabiger Solder Wick & Desoldering Pump – The Most Durable Desoldering Gun

The number four on our list is a sturdy and reliable desoldering tool that will never betray you in the middle of a precise operation.

One-Handed Operation

To start, no matter whether you are right or left-handed, you can use this desoldering pump by just cocking it and pressing the trigger button with one hand.

Desoldering Wick With Copper Braid

Next, this model comes with two pieces of solder braid, which are 2.5mm wide and 1.5mm long., Once the desoldering wick and the solder has been heated, the solder braid can quickly absorb the molten solder and leave the working area absolutely clean.

Non-Slip Sponge & Nylon Nozzle

Further, the body of the desoldering vacuum pump is made of high quality ABS, which makes the solder sucker delicate, yet durable. Moreover, the covered sponge can absorb sweat and heat, making the desoldering device comfortable to hold. The nylon nozzle of the solder suck can resist high temperature.

3-in-1 Solder Removal Tool

Furthermore, the set consists of one desoldering vacuum pump and two solder wicks. This is a must-have tool for every electrician. The desoldering wick absorbs the solder, while the pump sucks it in quick. While the solder wick is better for small amounts of solder, the solder sucker takes up large amounts.

Extremely Versatile

Lastly, this device can be used to fix small boards on PCBs, remove relays and other components from printed circuit boards, re-solder mechanical keyboard switches, unsolder old wire from devices, desoldering computer parts, such as a motherboards, clean different components, etc.

5. OMorc Desoldering Wick, Solder Sucker & Solder Braid – The Most Compact Desoldering Braid

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Despite being at the bottom of our list, this effective, 3-in-one desoldering tool is of top-notch quality. The solder sucker has an aluminum bronze frame and it generates high-pressure vacuum, which can remove solder from a printed circuit board effectively.

Solder Wick Braid

In detail, the desoldering wick is 2.5mm wide and 1.5m in length. Its weight is 0.4oz. With low residue design, this solder braid will help clean spare solder on the pin to avoid short circuit, especially in small, hard to reach areas.

Compact & Lightweight

Measuring just 7.48 inches x 0.79 inches, the desoldering pump can be used with only one hand, no matter if you are left or right handed. The solder sucker has plastic backing to ensure stability.

6. Velleman Vacuum Desoldering Pump With Heater 30W – Best Bang For Your Buck

Getting solder off your gear can be difficult, especially if you’re noticing that the solder is breaking off into tiny pieces. A little bit of vacuuming action can work wonders, especially when you just want to get rid of extra scraps.

Large Tip, Low Wattage

This 120 Volt pump works with a power that goes up to 30 watts, which isn’t bad for a simple handheld device. The opening on the tip of the pump is 2.1 millimeters, which is large enough for most lager-scale cleanups.

A Value-Friendly Option

For fast cleanups at an affordable price, you can’t get better than what Velleman’s working with. It fits in the palm of your hand, gets the job done, and does so without breaking the bank. That being said, it’s not versatile or hardy enough for lab work or garage work.

7. American Hakko FR301 Desoldering Tool – Best for High Grade Industrial Projects

If you’re looking for a high-grade industrial desoldering tool, you’re going to need to splurge. American Hakko’s handheld “gun-style” solder sucker is meant for precision work, as well as work that may require continual use over several hours.

Great Heating Elements

The heat recovery time on this is phenomenal. Oh, and as far as the heating temperature range goes? You can expect this device to reach temperatures ranging from 350 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Versatility In Tip Sizes

Having a single set tip size can limit what you can do with the desoldering tool you use. The tip that comes with this desoldering tool is only 1 millimeter in diameter, but if you have N61 tips, you can get 1.3 and 1.6mm nozzles in a pinch.

High Quality, Built To Last

What we love about this solder sucker is the quality. The tips are made of a multi-metal alloy designed to require less replacements. The wattage on this is also super-high at 140W, making it a high-grade tool worthy of lab use.

8. Desoldering Gun S-993A 110W Solder Sucker – Best For Circuit Board Use

Solder suckers can be used on a wide range of different items, but if you’re looking for a precision sucker for circuit boards, things can get dicey. It’s often best to get a desoldering pump that is made

High Power

If you are looking for a high wattage, you’re going to enjoy this option. This desoldering tool comes with 110 watts of heat coming through an instantaneous heating function that will melt away solder fast. Temperatures range from 630 to 850 degrees Fahrenheit.

Petite Tips

The big issue that many people have with solder vacuums is the tip. Since this desoldering gun is meant to be used on petite circuit boards, the diameter on the tip of the gun is only 0.6 millimeters, making it a great tool for people who need to avoid nearby circuitry.

Comfortable Handheld Grip

Unlike pen-style desoldering pumps, the S-993A model comes with a grippable, easy to handle plastic casing that is made to rest in your hand. This will make your circuitry for single-connection boards way easier to handle.

9. Tabiger Solder Wick and Desoldering Pump – Best for Bargain Hunters

If you’re on a very low budget and want a versatile, all purpose desoldering pump, finding one can prove to be difficult. Tabiger came in with an excellent solution in the form of a “tube-style” handheld pump.

Large Nozzle, Lightweight

People who want to have a larger tip are going to love the solder pump’s tip. At a relatively wide 2.5 millimeter wide nozzle and wick, you can expect to get a lot of use from this tool. To make handling easier, the kit comes with a no-slip sponge and nylon desoldering pump.

Rapid Absorption

With this unique model, the solder sucker works by getting the wick to absorb excess solder. The unique copper and rosin braid makes it happen quickly and effortlessly, cutting down time needed for your project.

Large And Small Amounts Welcome

You can choose to use the solder wick, or to go without for a full solder sucker tool. Soldering wick use is great for precision, while the sucker literally will vacuum it up in a flash. That makes it an adaptable tool that you can use the way you need it.

10. Tenma Vacuum Desoldering Iron – Best for Hobbyist Use

Just because you have a hobby that involves circuitry doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a nice set of tools for the job. The Tenma Vacuum Desoldering Iron is a great pick for people who want to have a sturdy, reusable desoldering pump that can work with most pet projects.

Pump Action

If you’re worried about a vacuum pump that might require a tip change in the middle of a major part of your project, you’ll like the Tenma model. This model comes with a good heat source plus a vacuum tip that “pumps” away the solder as it’s melted off your item.

Good For Batch Use

Unlike other options on this list, you don’t need to clean your tip after each solder removal. You can do several batches between tip cleaning sessions. This cuts down maintenance time immensely.

Easy To Clean

Worried about having to clean a desoldering pump for the first time? This model is remarkably newbie-friendly. To clean things out, take it apart by grabbing the metal bar and pulling. If you need to replace a tip, they’re easy to find online.

Factors To Consider When Buying A Desoldering Pump

If you are planning to buy a heavy-duty, reliable and cost-effective desoldering tool, here is what you should keep in mind:

How to Use a Desoldering Pump

Just like the process of soldering, desoldering is an equally a challenging task and requires lots of patience and perseverance to achieve the desired results. One of your best helpers in this process is the desoldering pump.

For starters, before buying a desoldering pump, you definitely need to know how to use it. Here are the basic steps:

• Heat up the solder you want to remove with a soldering iron (some desoldering pumps also come with attached irons).
• Press down on the plunger (If your pump has a bulb, just squeeze the bulb).
• Once the solder is molten, place the tip of the desoldering pump against the solder that you want to remove.
• Release the plunger or bulb. Some desoldering pumps have a release button so that you don’t have to hold it the whole time.
• Remove free component.
• Repeat steps 1-4 to remove any excess solder.
• Dispose of the solder inside the pump by repeatedly pressing down and releasing the plunger.

If you are using desoldering pumps, you probably need the best thermal wire stripper as it allows for easy removal of the tougher wire insulator in a precise and fast manner.

Tip: Although the pumps reviewed above have relatively small tips, they may still be hard to get into very tight spaces.

Price

As with everything else, price is the most important factor to consider when it comes to purchasing a desoldering pump. The most pocket-friendly models cost under 7 US dollars, while the retail prices of the top-quality tools can exceed $25.

Application

Sometimes it’s effective to actually add more solder and then desolder the whole lot with a pump, if the solder is particularly awkward to remove. Care is needed, though, to ensure that the boards and parts are not damaged by excessive heat; the pumps themselves have a P.T.F.E. nozzle which is heat proof but may need replacing occasionally.

Pump Or Braid?

In reality, an excellent alternative to a pump is to use desoldering braid. This is a specially-treated fine copper braid, which draws molten solder up into the braid, where it solidifies.

Also, The best way is to use the tip of the hot iron to press a short length of braid down onto the joint to be de-soldered. The iron will subsequently melt the solder, which will be drawn up into the braid.

We recommend buying a small reel of de-soldering braid, which is very suitable for larger or difficult joints, which would take several attempts with the pump.

This method is surprisingly effective, especially on difficult joints, where a desoldering pump may prove not that effective. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to position and hold down the braid without getting burned.

First Aid Tips

If you are unlucky enough to receive burns while soldering or desoldering, here is what you should do:

• Don’t panic.
• Immediately cool the affected area with cold running water, ice, or even frozen vegetables for about ten minutes.
• Remove any rings, bracelets, or other jewelry before swelling starts.
• Apply a sterile dressing to protect against infection.
• Under no circumstances should you apply lotions, ointments, etc., nor prick any blisters, which form at a later stage.
• Seek medical help as soon as possible.

Ready To Buy The Best Desoldering Pumps?

Desoldering pumps come in a wide range of styles, from handheld desoldering guns to electronic, heated guns that require no iron to use. They are great for reworking small parts and getting solder out of pin holes. Eventually, removed components can be cleaned and reused later for a different project.

Ultimately, all of the desoldering tools discussed above are designed to deliver maximum efficiency and keep you safe while working. But, we still recommend taking your first steps under the guidance of a qualified professional or at least someone with some experience.

Having read this review, you now possess some basic knowledge of desoldering pumps that will help you pick the best desoldering wick for your tasks.

Are you looking for something that will be able to keep electric tools and accessories well organized? Consider buying the right electrician tool pouch as it will make accessible wherever you go.