Hakko 808 Desoldering Gun Review

The Hakko 808 is a handy, portable desoldering tool with a built-in vacuum pump. No separate station is required.

This unique Hakko design places the pump and motor above, not inside, the grip. Vibration is kept to a minimum, and the grip is thin and easy to hold. Delicate tasks are performed with greater ease; the tool can be used for long periods without operator fatigue.

The new, miniature, high-performance diaphragm pump is housed in the chamber at the rear of the Hakko 808. Pump maintenance is quick and easy-simply remove the cover. If repairs are ever needed, replacement parts are inexpensive.

If you’re in the market for a desoldering gun, the Hakko 808 is a great option. This gun is lightweight and easy to use, making it perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike. In this review, we will take a closer look at the features of the Hakko 808 and see why it’s such a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts and professionals.

Specifications

The weight is 3.35 pounds;
The temperature range is 715°F – 895°F;
The power consumption is 70 W;
A ceramic heater (80W) is a heating element;
The motor output is 6.5W;
The temperature stability is ±9°F;
The tip-to-ground resistance is under 2 ohms;
The tip-to-ground potential is under 2mV;
Double-cylinder diaphragm pump;
The vacuum pressure is 600 mmHg (24 in. Hg);
Includes lightweight carrying case and hot sock;

Specifications

Design

The first nice thing is that everything is balanced very well, it looks like it would stress your arm and wrist out but that is not the case at all, it is very light.

The second thing that makes this tool very nice is the vacuum pump itself, it uses a double diaphragm pump so there is very good suction with no pulse and constant vacuum. It also appears that a ball bearing was used to connect the pump connecting rod to the shaft of the motor which will last much longer than sleeve-style bearings, though this is not confirmed about this gun using a ball bearing.

The third thing is that the tips seem to last a long time unlike some of the other cheaper soldering tools we have used. The replacement tips are not too expensive and you can get different sizes as well which is another great plus.

The fourth thing that makes this tool very nice is the fact that you have access to every part of this gun which will make maintenance very easy, the back housing is removable to expose the diaphragm pumps and connecting rod if there is ever a need to inspect or repair the pump.

As it turns out these units have a typical design flaw – because the pump is so far away from the desoldering iron tip the suction is somewhat weak. Keep in mind that air is flexible so the longer the tube the more pressure is lost along the way.

So if you’re buying such a unit make sure the pump is really strong and has a gauge that will allow you to monitor the pressure.

The Hakko 808 Kit comes with a carry-on case and a few spare parts. What is missing is a holder, which you can buy separately, however, the tool will lay on its side on the table without touching the surface so that will suffice if you don’t have a holder. Another feature that is missing is an on/off switch, unplugging this from a power outlet is not convenient especially if you have to crawl under the table with a hot tool on the table.

Design

Performance

The heating element is powerful enough to quickly heat up and liquefies solder joints – even if they’re located in a large copper ground plane (you can speed things along by first melting in some 63/37 solder).

The vacuum pump is best described as a “V Twin”, and it produces a strong instantaneous vacuum that completely clears the solder joint on the first effort.

Not having a vacuum hose increases the system efficiency, and reduces the potential for vacuum leaks.

There is no comparison to using low-cost suction devices. It has been so reliable and effective in removing parts without damage to the part of the board.

Pros:

Can operate without station;
Convenient for onsite servicing and repair;
Filter pipe shows the amount of removed solder;
Thin, comfortable grip;
Low vibration;
Simple pump maintenance;
Adjustable temperature control;
High-efficiency ceramic heating tech;
Easy to change;
Low-cost nozzles;

Performance

Cons:

Poor suction power;
Won’t get hot enough easily;
Requires frequent maintenance;
Expensive;
Requires a decent suction pump in addition to this gun;
The opening in the included tip is too narrow;
The package lacks a stand to safely hold the unit;
There is no on/off switch;

Overall, the Hakko 808 is a great tool, worth every penny. It is nicely built and has spare parts available so self-repair is possible and even encouraged and explained in the manual [1].

Performance

Main Features

Temperature Range

The Hakko 808 desoldering gun has a sleek, ergonomic design and is easy to use. It heats up quickly and maintains a steady temperature throughout use.

The temperature range is 300-480°C, making it suitable for a wide variety of soldering projects.

Nozzle

The 808 has a slim, efficient nozzle that allows for precision and accuracy when removing solder joints. It also features a ceramic heating element and an anti-static design, which helps to protect sensitive components during the desoldering process.

Durability

After continuous use, the 808 showed no signs of wear or damage. The durable construction and high-quality materials make this gun a reliable choice for professional use.

User-Friendly Controls

The 808 features simple and intuitive controls, making it easy for even novice users to operate. The temperature can be adjusted with a twist of the knob and the trigger easily activates the airflow.

Adjustable Tips

The 808 comes with three interchangeable tips that can be easily swapped out for different soldering projects.

One-Handed Operation

The 808 can be comfortably and easily operated with just one hand, allowing for greater dexterity and precision during use.

Main Features

Portability

The 808 has a compact size and is lightweight, making it easy to transport and use on the go.

Overall, the Hakko 808 desoldering gun is a reliable choice for both professional and amateur solderers. Its adjustable temperature range, durable construction, user-friendly controls, and one-handed operation make it a versatile tool for any soldering project.

FAQ

Will Hakko 808 work in England?

It depends on your system, this unit works by 120 Volts and 60Hz.

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Does Hakko 808 come with cleaning tools?

The kit includes two cleaning tools. A wire rod and a strange Allen key-style rod mounted on a handle. However, they do work for the occasionally plugged nozzle.

Do desoldering pumps actually work?

A desoldering pump (or solder sucker) is a handy tool that sucks molten solder.

You can use it to desolder through-hole components on a circuit board or to rework bad solder joints. But some people are skeptical about the effectiveness of desoldering pumps. In our experience, using a Hakko 808 desoldering gun has proven to be just as efficient and faster than a desoldering pump [2].

How do you clean a Hakko desoldering gun?

The Hakko 808 desoldering gun can be cleaned by first removing the heating element and nozzle. The heating element and nozzle can then be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab. It is important to let the gun completely cool before cleaning it to avoid any potential burns or damage.

Once the heating element and nozzle have been cleaned, the interior of the gun can also be wiped down with isopropyl alcohol using a cotton swab or cloth.

Regular cleaning of the desoldering gun will help maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. It is recommended to clean the gun after each use or at least once per week if used frequently.

How do you use a Hakko desoldering gun

The first step is to choose the appropriate size tip for your project and attach it to the gun;
Next, turn on the power switch and preheat the gun for about 10-15 seconds;
Then, press the trigger to activate a strong vacuum suction and quickly apply it to the solder joint you want to remove;
Once all of the solders has been removed, release the trigger and allow the gun to cool before storing it away;

In terms of performance, this Hakko desoldering gun does an excellent job of quickly removing solder without damaging components or leaving behind any residue. It also has a comfortable grip and easy-to-use controls, making it a pleasure to work with.

Are desoldering pumps reusable?

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 reused [3].

The Hakko 808 desoldering gun is a reusable tool, with the ability to quickly and effectively remove solder from circuit boards.

Unlike traditional desoldering pumps, which can only be used once before needing to be replaced, the Hakko 808 can be used over and over again. This not only saves money in the long run, but also reduces waste and is more environmentally friendly. Additionally, the design of the Hakko 808 allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.

What temperature should I desolder at?

The Hakko 808 desoldering gun allows users to adjust the temperature between 350-480 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to use a lower temperature for delicate components and a higher temperature for larger joints.

How does a solder wick work?

To use a solder wick, simply place the end of the wick over the solder you want to remove and then place your heated solder tip over it. The braid heats up and encourages the solder to “wick” into it. When it starts to work, you will actually be able to see the solder being pulled up into the solder wick [4].

What shouldn’t you touch in soldering?

Remember to never touch the hot element or tip. Touch the soldering iron onto the joint to be made. Make sure it touches both the component lead and the track. Wait for the solder to melt and flow onto the joint [5].

Why use a desoldering gun?

A desoldering gun, like the Hakko 808, can quickly remove excess or faulty solder from joints. This is especially useful when fixing mistakes or replacing components. The Hakko 808 features adjustable power and temperature settings as well as an easy-to-use trigger mechanism.

How does the Hakko 808 perform?

The Hakko 808 performs well in most situations, with its adjustable power and temperature settings allowing it to handle a variety of jobs. However, some users have reported issues with reliability over time and inconsistent suction power.

How do you remove solder without a wick or pump?

Heat the solder with the iron, then with the iron still on press the silicone end over the pad and iron and fire it, works so well, and will remove even small amounts of solder, and a low-power iron helps avoid taking the pad off the board.

The Hakko 808 Desoldering Gun is a tool that can easily and quickly remove solder from circuit boards. It features adjustable temperature control, an easy-to-squeeze trigger mechanism, and a replaceable silicone nozzle.

In our experience using the Hakko 808, we have found it to be efficient and reliable in removing solder. The adjustable temperature control allows me to use the gun on a variety of components without worrying about damage. The trigger mechanism also provides precise control over the release of hot air, making it easier to target specific areas for desoldering.

What two methods are commonly used to desolder?

One is with a desoldering iron. It is a regular soldering iron but it has a bulb attached so that when you melt the solder, you can squeeze the bulb and then release it quickly and it will suck up the melted solder.

The other method is a roll of flat braided wire that you put down on top of the solder joint and then heat with your soldering iron and the solder will wick up into the braid. We’ve done it a third way by holding the item in one hand, heating the joint with the iron, and then giving the item a quick flick of the wrist and the solder goes on the floor. Not good if you have rugs [6].

How do you remove old solder that won’t melt?

One option is to use a desoldering braid. It is a small roll of flat, braided wire that you heat up with the soldering iron and place on top of the solder joint. The heat from the iron will cause the solder to wick up into the braid, removing it from the joint.

Another option is to use a desoldering pump, also known as a solder sucker. This tool has a plunger mechanism that sucks up melted solder when activated after heating up the joint with a soldering iron.

If these methods do not work, you can try using chemical flux or a specialized adhesive to dissolve the stubborn solder before removing it with one of the aforementioned tools. It is important

How often should you tin a soldering iron?

You should tin your tips before and after each soldering session, as well as in between soldering every two to three joints.

You want to keep your tip tinned at all times, from the first time you use it until you discard it. When you tin a tip, you cover it with a thin layer of solder.

When you unbox a brand-new soldering iron, the first thing you need to do is to tin the iron plating on the tip to help protect it from oxidation. Keep in mind you should lower the temperature down to about 500°F for this process. It is not uncommon for a new tip to be oxidized out of the box [7].

Can you use flux to remove solder?

Flux is used to clean the metal surface, promoting better solder flow and improving the quality of your joints. It can also help remove oxides from previous soldering jobs, but it does not necessarily have the ability to physically remove excess solder on its own.

In some cases, using flux in conjunction with a desoldering tool or wick may be helpful in removing excess solder. However, for best results, a dedicated desoldering tool such as the Hakko 808 is recommended.

Why should you use a desoldering gun instead of a regular soldering iron?

Desoldering guns are specifically designed for removing solder, often consisting of a vacuum pump that helps suck up melted solder. This makes the desoldering process faster and more efficient than using a regular soldering iron.

In comparison, a regular soldering iron may struggle to properly remove excess solder without causing damage to sensitive components or leaving behind residue.