My old boss swore by using a heat gun for every single SMD rework job.

He said a hot air station was a waste of money for a small shop. I finally bought a proper station six months ago and my success rate on those tiny 0201 components went from about 50% to near perfect. Was he just stuck in his ways, or is there still a good case for the heat gun method on a budget?

3 comments

3 Comments

craig.parker12d agoMost Upvoted

Man, this is the classic "old tool is good enough" trap. I've seen it with people using a butter knife for every screw because they "know how to make it work." Sure, you can maybe get by, but the right tool for the job changes everything. It's not just about being stuck in old ways, it's about not knowing what you're missing until you try the proper gear. Your jump from 50% to near perfect says it all.

wyatt_green12d ago

Totally. My grandpa still uses a rock as a hammer.

ivan_perez12d ago

Ever tried to paint a wall with a toothbrush? Same energy. Right tool makes the job easy, not just possible.