Microsolder help needed

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Microsolder help needed

Rikkitic

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#320098 6-Jul-2025 10:00

How can I precision solder something without destroying it? I have an irreplaceable key fob in which the battery holder has come loose. The two contact points need to be resoldered but it requires more precision than I can manage. I have destroyed several devices in the past when I tried this. The tools I have are just large soldering irons and a couple of soldering guns, but nothing suitable for tiny circuit boards. I can’t afford to destroy this one. Advice welcome.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

SepticSceptic

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#3391378 6-Jul-2025 22:52

If you have a steady hand, then a 15 or 20w needle nose soldering iron could do the job.

There are also surface mount practice soldering kits out there if you need to build your skills. Starts with large SMD that can be easily seen to steadily smaller devices that disappear as soon as you look at them.

May also need a magnifier of some sort. Strong reading glasses, magnifier lamps etc all help, as well as loupes for inspection.

Seems a bit much for a small job, but consider it as an acquisition of a new skill set. And of course subsequent obligatory tool acquisition...

Dynamic

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#3391406 7-Jul-2025 09:19

Philips Electronics in Penrose, Auckland, is my go-to for board-level repairs and we've used them 3-4 times in the last 10 years. Their service has been recommended a number of times on Geekzone by several people.

Home - Phillips Electronics

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Rikkitic

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#3391408 7-Jul-2025 09:54

I have decided to contact a local owner operator service for this. The person who runs it is very competent and he resoldered the motherboard of my amp a few years ago. I will see if he is willing to do the key fob. It is a small job but past experience convinces me that I am not capable of doing something like this and I really don't want to destroy it.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos