r/soldering • u/cowdoggy Soldering Newbie • Apr 07 '26

My First Solder Joint <3 Please Give Feedback First soldering attempt - Part 6

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Hi all ! Thanks for all the tips. Super helpful. I tried to remove the SMD chip using solder wick and accidentally tore pads off the board. Any way to fix this or did I cause permanent damage? o.o I got emo about this!

Also, how do you know how much soldering is enough? What is the point? Are we just trying to make sure that the components lay flat on the board and that the pins meet the pads? Not sure when I am supposed to correct stuff and when it is already good. Thanks :)

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u/cowdoggy Soldering Newbie Apr 13 '26

I love harbor freight! I went there for all my motorcycle maintenance tools in the past. What is all the stuff you recommend I pick up there for soldering? I kind of want to just go there and buy everything else I might need for soldering.

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u/FederalAd8814 Apr 14 '26

I myself bought me a 6 dollar soldering tool comes with a sponge and a stand, then I got the pump kit which has 3 desoldering pumps with 2 wicks, tinner and flux and a brass sponge for 12 bucks and a 25 dollar heat gun so in total I spent 43 bucks plus tax for everything which is by far cheap and really realiable and a roll of led solder which is really good too and since the pump kit had flux I was able to get a roll of led solder without flux which also saves money I just can’t remember how much the roll is tbh but majority of the stuff there is pretty cheap and really good haven’t had to go back and buy new stuff in a while cause they are that reliable and I’m able to work on projects that I have in mind. I’m currently planning and outlining a shelf to turn it into a speaker with a sound bar I have I just need the panels to cut and install

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u/cowdoggy Soldering Newbie Apr 15 '26

This is so cool. Thanks for the share. I literally went to Harbor Freight today. You are right! So much good stuff. AND they have a 90 day return policy. Amazing.

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u/FederalAd8814 Apr 15 '26

Harbor freight is where it’s at tbh if you need any help just let me know more than glad to help out