Technology Update
By Glenn Schindo
In the area of field-service electrical and electronic repair, it is often more efficient for a field-service technician to make an instant repair to a circuit board or assembly on the spot, rather than bringing the board or assembly in for repair and then making a second trip back to the site. Further, it is often more cost-effective for a technician to replace a component on a circuit board rather then replace the entire board. Despite the growing trend toward miniaturization and surface-mount components, there is still a high percentage of basic through-hole components on circuit boards. Inexpensive components can still be replaced on many boards. These field-service repairs can be accomplished by using portable soldering and hot air tools.
Many applications require a soldering or hot air tool. Desoldering a defective component and replacing it with a new one probably tops the list, but there are many others as well. Encapsulating to insulate a connection or circuit or to protect it from the environment, making a connection using heat-shrink tubing, and activating hot-melt adhesive for bonding nonwettable metals are all other applications where having a soldering or hot air tool could be handy.
Field-service technicians are often far away from an electrical power source. That is why cordless, butane gas-powered soldering and hot air tools are becoming indispensable. These tools offer an obvious advantage over their corded counterparts: they do not use an electric power source. But they also offer advantages over their battery-powered counterparts, such as not having to carry replacement batteries or not having to wait for the tool while it sits in a charging base. Also, battery-powered solder tools only solder. There is no way to generate hot air or a blowtorch.
When selecting a tool, technicians should look for a model that is self-igniting. They do not want to be fumbling with a lighter or matches on a job site. The accessory tips should be easy to change, and they should have tips for hot air, heat deflection and blowtorch. All in all, cordless, butane gas-powered soldering and hot air tools are invaluable for field service repairs, installations and maintenance.
GLENN SCHINDO is Business Development Manager, Cooper Tools, a division of Cooper Industries, P.O. Box 30100, Raleigh, NC 27622; (919) 783-2126; Fax: (919) 783-2067; E-mail: glenn.schindo@coopertools.com; Web site: www.coopertools.com.
Soldering Tool
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The Portasol Cordless Soldering Tool features a quick-start piezo switch and is suitable for hard-to-reach and benchtop soldering jobs. It adjusts from the equivalent of 25 to 75 W for temperatures up to 850°F and refuels with standard butane refills, reportedly lasting up to an hour of continuous use. An automatic safety fuel cutoff is engaged as the cap is replaced when a job is complete. Applications include electronics, automotive, heat-shrinking tubing, and curing adhesive and epoxy. Cooper Tools, a division of Cooper Industries, Raleigh, N.C.
Crimping Tool
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The Crimpfox Crimping Tool is said to be ergonomically designed to reduce worker fatigue by providing longer handles and an improved mechanical design requiring less physical exertion. The crimping of connectors and ferrules is accomplished by an integrated automatic pressure lock that is said to only release after reaching full compression. The tool crimps a range of connectors and ferrules and a variety of crimping dies can be changed. Phoenix Contact Inc., Harrisburg, Pa.
Crimp Tools
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These Crimp Tools are available for use with LMR cables size 400 and smaller. The CT-400/300 tool works with all LMR-400 and LMR-300 cables and crimp-style connectors. The CT-240/200/100 tool is compatible with all LMR-240, LMR-200 and LMR-100 cables and crimp-style connectors. Crimp dies are integral with both tools. The cables are flexible, nonkinking, low-loss RF transmission line cables that are suitable for antenna feeders, system jumpers and interconnects. Times Microwave Systems, Wallingford, Conn.
Fiber Optic Stripper
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The FiberStrip 7030 Stripper is designed for stripping buffers and coatings from glass fibers. Weighing in at 1.5 lb, it is suitable for field use and serves as a companion to fiber cleavers and fusion splicers. Features include precision die-blade and centering, adjustable temperature heating and dwell-time system, and rate-controlled stripping systems. The standard unit is delivered in a carrying case that includes an AC-to-DC power adapter and other accessories. Schleuniger Inc., Manchester, N.H.
Miniature Tools
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Facom Micro Tools are redesigned standard tools with a focus on optimal torque transmission with natural finger positioning for handling accuracy and total tool control. Included are over 50 different screwdrivers and nut drivers, as well as a full range of cutting and gripping pliers in both standard and ESD protection models. SK Hand Tool Corp., McCook, Ill.
Wire Stripper/Cutter
Model #11049 Stripper/Cutter is suitable for stripping, cutting and gauging stranded wire. The six stripping holes are designed for 18, 16, 14, 12, 10 and 8 AWG stranded wire. Metric sizes are available in 6.0, 4.0, 2.5, 1.5 and 0.75 mm2. Features include a spring-loaded, self-opening action; cushion-ridged and plastic-dipped handles; easy-to-read gauge markings; and shear-type blades. Manufactured of hardened steel, the product is finished with black oxide to provide corrosion resistance. Klein Tools Inc., Chicago, Ill.
Epoxy Dispenser
The 1500D Epoxy Dispenser fills or "pots" switches, capacitors and other recessed components, reportedly without rework or repetitive hand motions. A timed air pulse controls the amount of epoxy dispensed into each cavity. A disposable barrel fitted with a precision tapered tip is said to provide smooth dispensing of thick materials, and a clean cutoff at the end of the dispense cycle prevents oozing. The barrel is connected to the console by a flexible air line. EFD Inc., East Providence, R.I.
Wire Strippers/Crimpers
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These Multipurpose Hand Tools feature wire strippers, cutters and multiple crimping options, and are capable of crimping insulated terminals and splices on 22 to 18, 16 to 14, and 12 to 10 AWG wire. PVC grips reportedly provide cushioning when crimping, stripping or cutting bolts and the high carbon, heat-treated construction provides strength and durability. AMP, a part of Tyco Electronics Corp., Harrisburg, Pa.
Tweezers
SofTweezer Tweezers have a soft cushion grip and are reportedly lightweight and ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue. They are ESD- and cleanroom-safe. Eight styles provide a range of grasping, holding and cutting capabilities for restricted spaces and repetitive cycles. The products are manufactured from antimagnetic, acid-resistant stainless steel. Deep blue grips and white imprints are said to make them readily identifiable and visible. Plato Products Inc., City of Industry, Calif.
Crimp Tools
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The 8000 Series CrimpALL Crimp Tools feature an angled head that is said to prevent awkward bending of the wrist during operation, a reduced handle grip distance for workers with smaller hands and a high crimp force using low hand force. Reportedly, no breakover hand force is required to complete the crimp. The tools are manufactured using fine-blanking technologies and a double-plated jaw assembly. Safety releases are built-in. Paladin Tools, connectool Inc., Ashland, Va.
Cutting Tools
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Designed for cuts on a variety of substrates and crimping or forming soft and hard wire, Ergonomic Hand Tools feature a flush cutter that uses bypass cutting action to produce a clean, square cut by reportedly using about half the force of conventional compression cutters. Designed for repetitive tasks, the industrial-duty tools have soft rubber grips and use light-action return springs in place of finger loops. Specialty head designs are available for cutting Kevlar fibers, plastic tubing, Mylar, sheet metal and soft wire and for reaching into high-density areas. Xuron Corp., Saco, Maine
Maintenance Kit
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The Deluxe Maintenance Kit contains a variety of dielectric safety tools used in an energized circuit environment. The tools are reportedly double-insulated and manufactured to the ASTMF-1505.94 standard for work on energized circuits with voltages up to 1,000 VAC (1,500 VDC). When the outer orange insulation layer has worn, the lower yellow layer shows through, which is said to serve as an early warning to take the tool out of service. The kit includes screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches. Cementex Products Inc., Burlington, N.J.
Wire Wrapping Tool
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The Microbit Wire Wrapping Tool is designed for high-density boards with pin center-to-center distances of 0.050 and 0.075". The bit and sleeve tool can wrap 30 to 28 AWG wire on connectors with 0.016" square pins. A regular wrap is made on the 50 mil pins and a modified wrap is made on the 75 mil pins. It is said to be suitable for use in a power or hand wrap tool. An unwrap tool is also available. JDV Products Inc., Fair Lawn, N.J.
Wire Cutter/Crimper
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The Avanti 4-in-1 Tool is said to cut, strip, twist and crimp a wire in less than 8 seconds. It works on all stranded wire ranging in size from 22 to 14 AWG (0.50 to 2.50 mm2). The cartridge can reportedly be replaced in seconds and there is one cartridge for all ferrules. The tool weighs less than 0.5 lb and crimps in accordance with DIN specifications. No adjustment is said to be necessary for different wire sizes. Miromar, Alexandria, Va.
