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Weakening Hands I Can No Longer Hold A Big Weller Solder Gun

MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Explorer
Be Smarter Than The Problem

AMAZON


Reelcraft TB-05 Tool Balancer for 3-to-5-Pound
by Reelcraft
4.9 out of 5 stars 10 customer reviews
Amazon's Choice for "tool balancer"
Price: $57.99 Free Shipping for Prime Members



Fasten loops onto drills and other stuff within the counter balancer's ability.

The tools I need help with tax my hand's ability to hold steady after a few minutes. Laugh on, it includes propane torches and all kinds of stuff. Youngsters can laugh -- your day is coming 🙂
12 REPLIES 12

BrianinMichigan
Explorer
Explorer
Surlus Center
https://www.surpluscenter.com/Miscellaneous/Other-Miscellaneous/3-lb-Vulcan-Spring-Tension-Device-1-4097.axd
1990 GEORGIE BOY 28' 454 4BBL, TURBO 400 TRANS,
CAMPING: WHERE YOU SPEND A SMALL FORTUNE TO LIVE LIKE A HOMELESS PERSON.

MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Explorer
OK I'll bite. When soldering eight gauge what's different about the soldering tip that it doesn't eat itself once a month and not require a twelve dollar replacement?

I have an adjustable pencil tip but it needs to remain on the (heavy) work for three minutes each joint, and that is a tip eater. I had (before it was stolen in the USA) a squeeze pincer carbon tip transformer set that now retails for $699.99

Then it was used for assembly line alternator rebuilding and was available for eighty dollars. Two types: Foot pedal or squeeze switch activation. I cannot afford seven hundred dollars or thirty dollars a month for tips. Beryllium copper would be a far superior tip but these days it would probably cost two hundred dollars. I bought eight HD conical replacement tips for the pencil gun.

deltabravo
Nomad
Nomad
These are much easier to use than a heavy and bulky soldering "gun"
2009 Silverado 3500HD Dually, D/A, CCLB 4x4 (bought new 8/30/09)
2018 Arctic Fox 992 with an Onan 2500i "quiet" model generator

pnichols
Explorer II
Explorer II
... or you could (have) use (used) one of these instead: https://bestofmachinery.com/best-soldering-irons/

Those are the type I use now. Isn't it time you lightened things up a bit, anyway (both in watts and weight)? 😉
2005 E450 Itasca 24V Class C

drsteve
Explorer
Explorer
Auto assembly plants are full of these things. Very handy, saves time and effort while reducing repetitive motion injuries.
2006 Silverado 1500HD Crew Cab 2WD 6.0L 3.73 8600 GVWR
2018 Coachmen Catalina Legacy Edition 223RBS
1991 Palomino Filly PUP

MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Explorer
I gave away a 300 watt WEN 40 years old, still wrapped in plastic when I bought it. Even heavier than the 240 watt Weller. There are electronic guns that cost 70 dollars that are 1/2 the weight of the Weller. But it takes 60 solid seconds of trigger pull to heat up the tip. Then when the tip goes it's a 50 dollar tip/heater refill. The counterbalancing weight seems to be the way to go.

wa8yxm
Explorer III
Explorer III
Just so you know WEN used to make one that was about 50 watts. Used a different type of tip which I felt was a bit.... delicate.. drew 0.45 amps and they shaped it like an old Colt .45 Six Shooter. (Makes sense when you look at the amp rating) much lighter than the big Wellers like I use now but not much good for say Coax.. Ok for resistor leads though.
Home was where I park it. but alas the.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times

MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Explorer
U2 ?

How many times (a day) do I find my Kindle laying flat on my chest and my reading glasses plastered to my eyelids?

I console myself with "Well it keeps my memory sharp"

But my hobby keeps me alive, and that is no exaggeration. There are times when family wants time for themselves and apart from Grandpa.

Other then National Geographic and history I despise television. And like my friend who boasted tapping 29 keys on his computer was "better" than punching a telephone number on a phone, I have found ALEXA to be more work than flipping a switch.

I have the top of an eight foot concrete wall as a place to fit a 120vac LED motion detector lamp. The lamp needs an extension arm rather than shine straight down so I can find the @#$%&! keyhole at night. Something in the 30 advertised watts would be ideal. I would get a youngster friend to help install it with concrete anchor screws.

K_Charles
Explorer
Explorer
I should try one to hold my head up when I read, I keep nodding off.

ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
Our production facility (electronic avionics) used hundreds of those. Even for those with hands that are young and strong had these things keep injuries from repetetive motions down.

MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Explorer
Better than that!
The fastened tool rises (negative gravity) out of the way. Why I did not think of this earlier is frustrating. The 2nd unit will hold magnetic bars with an assortment of must commonly used hand tools. Mini Dykes, crimpers, strippers, utility knife. Pull down resting head high plate, grab tool then release. No reaching or rolling of office chair. If I buy a 3rd It will hold a multi meter via velcro.

GordonThree
Explorer
Explorer
Good to hear you found a solution that helps you continue to enjoy the hobby.

I'm guessing it helps make the tool mostly weightless?
2013 KZ Sportsmen Classic 200, 20 ft TT
2020 RAM 1500, 5.7 4x4, 8 speed