SUGON T61 Soldering Iron

Desoldering a big shield or a thick connector on a laptop board can draw more heat than most irons supply. The SUGON T61 lists a maximum of 400 W, with a temperature range of 100 to 450°C (212 to 842°F).

The listing describes digital temperature controls, interchangeable tips, an ergonomic handle and auto sleep after a period of inactivity. It doesn't give the voltage, plug, tip system, display type or what's in the box, and the 400 W figure is a maximum, not a continuous rating.

When the extra heat helps

• Shields that resist a standard iron.

• Cold joints on thick ground planes.

• Heavy connector anchors on laptop boards.

• Faint flow on old lead-free solder.

Using it carefully

High peak power pushes heat into a joint quickly, so keep contact short and the temperature moderate. Shield nearby plastic and small parts with heat tape, and let the iron rest in its stand between joints so the tip doesn't sit at full heat.

Confirm voltage and tips with the seller; the power rating is unusually high for an iron, so ask what it refers to.