The 5 Best Desoldering Pumps of 2018 – Top Models [Reviewed]

In precise electronics, desoldering is the process of removal of solder from a circuit board for the purposes of troubleshooting, repair, replacement, and salvage.

Desoldering pumps are divided into two major categories: suction and hot air pumps.

Suction pumps are used to suck away molten solder, leaving previously joined terminals disconnected. Hot air pumps blow air hot enough to melt all the solder around a small surface mounted part.

They can be used for soldering parts in place and for desoldering followed by removal before the solder solidifies by a vacuum pump or with tweezers.

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.

Best Desoldering Pumps 2018

1. Engineer Ss-02 Solder Sucker Pump

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

Heat-Resistant Silicone Tip

Its flexible heat-resistant silicone tip 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.

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 does perform a lot better than anything else you might have tried!

Improved Suction

This tool dramatically improves suction and therefore there is less solder residue after each press action. This device is also easily disassembled 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

This model’s compact design allows easy one-handed operation. It can withstand a direct contact with the soldering iron (350C Max), because it is made of the highest quality components. The product is made in Japan.

2. 3-in-1 SEALODY Solder Sucker

This 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

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

Equipped with a sturdy and reliable aluminum body frame, which allows easy one-handed use, this model generates high pressure vacuum. 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

The copper mesh 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

This tool 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

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.

Relatively Small Knob
The knob that you depress the spring with is fairly 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. An easy solution will be to just file your device down a bit.

4. Tabiger Solder Wick & Desoldering Pump

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Our Final Say

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

All of the desoldering tools discussed above are designed to deliver maximum efficiency and keep you safe while working. Still, we 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 tool for your tasks.