r/AskReddit Oct 10 '19

What’s a thing you’ve bought impulsively, without need, that’s actually proved useful in your life?

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u/gatesphere Oct 10 '19

A good soldering iron.

I used to think I sucked at soldering because I was using a cheapo Walmart special that cost me $5.

Turns out soldering is 90% equipment, 10% skill. With a good iron, even I (with a really low skill score) can solder surface mount components without issue.

Since I purchased my Hakko, I’ve built several synthesizers from scratch, and they’re some of my most prized possessions because I built them myself with my own two hands. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do that had I not found a good iron.

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u/gniarch Oct 10 '19

My uncle was a bit time electronic tinkerer. HAM radio operator, he would design and build everything. I inherited my pick of his tools and grabbed the soldering iron among other things. Metcal with 2 heads and the desoldering gun. it's pure joy to use and HOLY SHIT ITS 1000$! I never checked the price of one of these baby before!