Soldering Iron Tip Brand and Model Selection Guide
Summary Summary: HAKKO (Japan) and ERSA (Germany) are industry benchmarks, offering the best quality and lifespan.
WELLER is also well-known, especially in the European and American markets.
Model Core: The model is mainly determined by its shape and size. The most common shape is the blade tip (K-type) because it is the most versatile.
Key Principle: The soldering iron tip must be compatible with your soldering station/iron model! Soldering stations from different brands are generally not interchangeable.
I. Introduction to Mainstream Brands
- HAKKO (Japan)
Positioning: One of the most popular brands globally, with an excellent reputation among both hobbyists and professionals.
Features: Stable quality, good thermal conductivity, durable iron plating, and an extremely wide range of models.
Main Series:
T12/T15: Used in high-end soldering stations such as the FX-951, these are integrated soldering iron tips (heating element and soldering tip combined), heating up extremely quickly and offering top-tier performance.
900M/T18: Used for classic soldering stations such as the FX-888D and 936; features a separate soldering tip.
B Series: Used for some large and high-power soldering stations.
- ERSA (Germany)
Positioning: A representative of high-end European brands, highly regarded in professional electronics manufacturing and repair.
Features: Exquisite workmanship, extremely long lifespan, typically more expensive than HAKKO. Its iron plating technology is excellent, providing strong corrosion resistance.
Main Series:
P Series: Used for soldering stations such as the ERSA i-CON and Weller WSD.
SD Series: Used for certain specific soldering station models.
- WELLER (USA/Germany)
Positioning: Another world-class leading brand, especially widely used in industrial applications.
Features: Reliable quality, numerous series.
Main Series:
ETP/STP Series: Used for Weller W series soldering stations (such as the WSD series).
RT Series: For classic WTCP series soldering stations.
- Chinese-made and Compatible Brands
Positioning: High cost-performance option, suitable for users with limited budgets or hobbyists with low usage intensity.
Features: Inexpensive, but quality varies. Good domestic tips (such as “JBC compatible tips”) have performance very close to the original.
Common Situations:
Guangzhou Huanghua (Hakko 900M compatible): Very common, standard equipment on many inexpensive soldering stations.
JBC Compatible Tips: JBC is another top brand, its compatible tips are very popular in the domestic market, with strong performance.
Various T12 Compatible Tips: Due to the excellent performance of the T12, there are many compatible tips available domestically, making it a very cost-effective upgrade solution.
II. Detailed Explanation of Soldering Iron Tip Models (Shapes and Sizes)
Models are usually composed of “letters (shape) + numbers (size)”.
Common Shapes (using HAKKO T18 series as an example):
K-type (Knife Tip) – T18-K
Features: Flat head, like a small knife.
Advantages: Versatile tip. Can be used to solder delicate components with the pointed tip, multi-pin chips (drag soldering) with the side, and surface mount components with the flat side. Currently the most recommended tip type.
Applications: Applicable to almost everything, from 0402 resistors to QFP and SOP chips.
I-type (Pointed Tip) – T18-I
Features: Very sharp head.
Advantages: Suitable for soldering high-density, precision pins, or applications requiring precise spot soldering.
Disadvantages: Poor heat storage capacity; not suitable for soldering large joints.
Applications: Chips with a pitch of less than 0.5mm, flying leads, repairing mobile phone ribbon cables, etc.
D-type (Horseshoe Tip) – T18-D
Features: Horseshoe-shaped beveled head.
Advantages: Large contact area, fast heat conduction, high efficiency.
Applications: Soldering multi-pin through-hole components, heating large solder joints, removing large components.
Type B (Conical Tip) – T18-B
Features: Conical head, thicker than a pointed tip.
Advantages: Balances precision and heat storage capacity.
Applications: General soldering, suitable for through-hole components and general surface-mount components.
Type C (Bent Tip) – T18-C
Features: Bent head, like a miniature sickle.
Advantages: Easier to operate in locations with poor visibility.
Applications: Repair in specific scenarios.
Size Notes: The number after the letter indicates the size. For example, T18-D08 and T18-D24 are both horseshoe tips, but D24 is much larger than D08, suitable for larger solder joints.
III. How to Choose: Advice for Beginners
Confirm Your Soldering Iron/Station Model
This is the most important step! Check your device or instruction manual to find the compatible soldering tip series.
Common Situations:
If you are using a Hakko FX-888D, you need a T18 series tip (e.g., T18-D16).
If you are using a budget 936 soldering station, you need a 900M series tip (e.g., 900M-T-K).
If you are using a T12 compatible soldering station (e.g., KSGER), you need a T12 series tip (e.g., T12-K).
Choosing a Tip Type
For beginners/buying only one: Knife tip (K type) is the first choice. It is currently the most comprehensive and user-friendly tip type.
Primarily for soldering surface mount chips: Knife tip (K type) or horseshoe tip (D type).
Primarily for soldering small precision components: Pointed tip (I type).
Mainly for soldering through-hole components: Horseshoe tip (D-type) or Knife tip (K-type).
Brand and Budget
For optimal experience and lifespan: Choose original HAKKO or ERSA.
For high cost-effectiveness: If your soldering station is T12 or JBC compatible, you can purchase a reputable domestic brand compatible tip; the results are excellent.
For very limited budget: Domestic 900M series tips can also meet basic soldering needs.