The 10 Best Desoldering Pumps

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This wiki has been updated 18 times since it was first published in January of 2020. Whether for hobbyist projects or DIY repairs, soldering is one of the most handy skills to have. Often the removal of solder is required to replace components or fix poor joints, and desoldering pumps, such as these, are a simple, inexpensive tool that makes the job much easier. Remember to always exercise proper safety precautions when using anything that heats to a high temperature. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Yihua 948-II

2. American HAKKO FR-301

3. Yihua 948 ESD

Editor's Notes

May 03, 2021:

All of our choices from last round were still available at the time of this writing and we took no issue with their quality, believing that the last editor for this page gathered up a good bunch of a budget-friendly picks that were suitable for hobbyists, as well as a couple of slightly pricier options that are better suited to professionals — like the Engineer SS-02 and Weller 7874B. The only new omission we made this time around was the Vastar AD444, which looked to be virtually identical to the Tabiger Remover Kit, but the Remover Kit came with two extra pumps and a couple rolls of wick, in spite of costing only slightly more, which, in our minds, considerably devalued the AD444.

We also wanted to make sure that we included some high-end options, to help give our audience a better idea of what’s out there, and perhaps inspire those who are looking to make a bit of a bigger purchase. Of our new additions, the Yihua 948-II is the most elaborate, including (in addition to a suction pen) a desoldering vacuum, soldering iron, hot air rework station and a flashy-looking console with a digital display. It’s a nice-looking apparatus that should be able to handle most tasks, but it’s also quite expensive, which is why we included its predecessor: the Yihua 948 ESD.

Since a big part of our job here is helping people find the latest and greatest that a category has to offer, it isn’t too often that we deliberately list an old model, but in this case, since all the new bells and whistles that come new with the 948-II are features that extend past what this category calls for, we thought it was still worth including here for users on a budget. So, if you want the utility offered by the 948-II, but figure you can get by without a hot air rework station, then consider the Yihua 948 ESD.

If you want a desoldering vacuum like one from the 948 series, but you don’t need any of the frills that come with it, then you might prefer our third new addition: the Japanese-made American HAKKO FR-301, which has four heat settings and comes with a durable hard case.

If you need an iron to go along with your pump, then you might also be interested in our lists of soldering stations or cordless soldering irons.

February 20, 2020:

Some advanced soldering stations include electronic desoldering guns, but these are usually way out of the price range of the hobbyist, who most likely has only a basic iron at their disposal. For those who mostly work on small projects and don't want to spend a lot, inexpensive handheld pumps are a perfect fit. Models like the Vastar AD444 and the GBstore Solder Sucker represent typical designs, which are so cheap to replace that build quality isn't crucial for the many users who only need such a device once in a while. For those who want a higher-end option, choices like the Engineer SS-02 and Weller 7874B offer a build quality that's much more durable, but still don't come anywhere near the price of costly powered vacuums.

Regardless of what item you choose, always take proper safety precautions when undertaking electronics projects that put you at risk of exposure to shocks, extremely high temperatures, and toxic fumes. Protective eyewear, gloves, and respirators are all useful safety items to have in these situations.

4. Engineer SS-02

5. Tabiger Remover Kit

6. GBstore Solder Sucker

7. Weller 7874B

8. Tabiger Desoldering Pump

9. ECG J-045-DS

10. RSR Electronics Inc. Desoldering Bulb


Will Rhoda
Last updated by Will Rhoda

After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he’s learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate’s a hairless cat.


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