Tool · Bench accessories
Repair bench planner
Pick a repair project to see the tools to buy first, the upgrades that can wait and the safety steps for that job, from keyboards to phone microsoldering.
Short answer
Choose your project in the planner on this page to see its suggested tip system and key safety step, then open its bench page for the full kit: the tools you need first, the upgrades that can wait, and the safety steps that matter for that job. Buy the essentials first. Most projects share the same core of a temperature-controlled iron, solder, flux and something to remove solder; the projects differ in tip size, magnification and hot air.
What the planner covers
Each project has its own bench page:
- Building and modding: mechanical keyboards, FPV drones, Arduino and electronics kits and SMD prototyping.
- Restoration: retro console recaps and through-hole restoration.
- Device repair: phone microsoldering, laptop board repair, USB-C port repair and HDMI port repair.
A project page splits the kit into essentials and optional upgrades, suggests a tip system, flags the safety steps for that job and, where our catalog has a product that fits, names the exact variant to choose.
How we decide what is essential
A tool is essential when the job cannot be done well without it. Three things drive that call:
- Heat demand. Large joints, connectors and ground planes need more heat; SparkFun suggests a larger tip, more heat, extra flux and a little more time for them.[1] JBC designs its C245 system for SMD work and high-power jobs such as ground planes, and its C210 system for precision work with medium power.[2][3] Projects with heavy connectors lean toward C245-class tips; fine board work leans toward C210 or smaller.
- Part size. As parts shrink, magnification moves from optional to essential. JBC makes its smallest C115 cartridges for very small components, even under a microscope.[4]
- What you remove. Through-hole projects need a way to clear holes, and SparkFun calls a solder vacuum a great tool for that; wick handles pads and bridges.[5]
Upgrades such as a powered desoldering gun, a preheater or a better microscope stay optional unless the project depends on them.
Safety on every project
- Fume: the UK's Health and Safety Executive lists rosin flux fume as a top cause of occupational asthma, so plan for extraction on every project.[6]
- Lithium batteries: phones, laptops, handhelds and drones carry lithium cells. iFixit's ROG Ally battery guide, for example, says to drain the battery below 25% before starting, because a charged lithium-ion battery may catch fire if damaged.[7]
- Mains: every mains tool in a kit should be a 110-120 V variant, and the ESD Association says wrist straps must not be used around circuits of 250 V or more.[8][9]
What the planner does not do
It does not rank products or show prices, and we do not test products. Kit picks come from our catalog and listing research, with the variant to choose named next to each one. For the station itself, see soldering stations for a 120 V bench; for magnification and fume control, see bench add-ons.
Choose your project to see the key facts. Each one links to its source on the full page.
Questions
What do I need for my first soldering project?
A temperature-controlled iron, solder, flux and a way to remove solder. SparkFun's beginner lesson sets the iron to a medium heat of 325-375°C and has you tin the tip, and its accessories page recommends a solder vacuum for clearing through-holes.[10][5]
Do I need a microscope for phone repair?
For board-level phone work, plan on one. JBC describes its C210 cartridges as suitable for small SMDs even under a magnifying glass, and its smallest C115 cartridges for very small components, even under a microscope. See the phone microsoldering bench.[3][4]
Why drain the battery before a phone or laptop repair?
A charged lithium-ion battery may catch fire if it is damaged. iFixit's ROG Ally battery guide, for example, says to drain the battery below 25% before starting; follow your own device's guide.[7]
Were the kit picks tested?
No. We do not test products. Kit picks come from our catalog and listing research, and each one names the variant to choose and what remains unverified.