Which helping hand with iron holder & tester pen

[AndyH]

Hi all. Just starting out, a reletive has lent me their soldering iron 50w I believe, never used one before. I have a broken wire connector on one of the locos which be my first go at soldering, I'll do some trail on bits onlf wire first. Anyway there's no stand or anything with it. I'm after a cheap helping hands to help hold bits and either built in or seperate stand (which is best? Think would prefer seperate but not sure)

Also want an easy way to test the joints before putting it back together, the old set is all DC 12v? So thinking of getting one of those pen screw drivers for a couple of quid, would this work to test my connection?

Thanks

[Brian]

Just ensure the irons weight and that added by the mains cable of the iron and the irons size too doesn't cause any Helping Hands to topple over! As you're most likely be grabbing the Hot end of the iron if it does!! IMO a soldering Iron safety stand that is totally separate from any helping hands is far safer and probably better too as these usually have a sponge provided which once dampened with a little tap water is used to wipe the soldering irons tip on regularly. Example.. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Melody-Jane- ... SwIzxfBmvJ

Have a read of this too which may help? viewtopic.php?f=24&t=110

Obtain Lead content solder and if possible avoid Lead Free. Look for solder marked as 60/40 Rosen cored solder. Its readily available if a search is conducted. Note Lead Free solder needs a higher soldering iron temperature and most irons cant get hot enough to reach that temperature needed.

All I use to test a loco or other items is a pair of flexible wires with a pair of small insulated crocodile clips on one end.(Or can have them on both ends thereby allowing connection to rails etc).

[AndyH]

Thanks Brian. I agreed a separate holder for the iron be safer. As it happens my in-law who's iron I've borrowed, also has an holder and helping hand so I'll borrow that too.
I will also set up a long straight bit of track as a test track so can try the train before putting the cover back on.

Thanks for the soldering how to guide as well.

All the best Anfy

[Chuffchuff]

A couple of these ( small brass rotary brushes) and crocodile clips make a use test / wheel cleaner. A fuse in the 12v circuit might help.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brushes-Cleani ... 3755305960

A little bit of carpentry and soldering , ie strip if wood with brushes each side you can make a longer version , that can clean the drive train

Obviously avoid any rubber banded wheels.

Rgds