Build a PCB repair bench: the instruments you actually need

Whether you repair phones, TVs, industrial boards or power supplies, a small set of instruments gets you most of the way. Here is the order we suggest you buy them in.

1. A good multimeter. Start with a True RMS auto-ranging meter. It tells you whether a supply rail is there and whether a part is open or shorted.
2. A temperature-controlled soldering station. Better joints, longer tip life, and you can choose the temperature for the solder you use.
3. A bench power supply with current limit. Power up a repaired board safely and find shorts without burning anything.
4. A magnifying lamp. Small parts and fine joints are easier to see, and your eyes will thank you.
5. A hot-air or 2-in-1 SMD station. Once you work on surface-mount boards, hot air removes and places parts that an iron cannot.
6. An oscilloscope. When a multimeter cannot tell you why a circuit misbehaves, a scope shows the signal.
7. A fume extractor. Solder fumes build up. A small extractor is cheap and good practice.

Where to start if budget is tight

Multimeter, soldering station and magnifier. Those three cover a surprising amount of repair work. Add a power supply next, then hot air, then a scope as your work demands.

Keep spares on hand

Soldering tips and heating elements wear out. Check the Accessories & Spares range for bits, barrels and elements for your station.