Minimum tools required<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWith the following basic tools, you can assemble nearly all through-hole DIY kits. Having a dedicated, organized workspace helps you maintain a structured workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soldering iron (25-60W)<\/strong>
– Preferably temperature controlled.
– Fine tip suitable for electronics.
– Recommended temperature: 330\u2013370\u00b0C (625\u2013700\u00b0F).<\/p>\n\n\n\nWe can recommend the Atten brand of soldering stations. A good start is the Atten ST-60. With a power consumption of 60 Watts it can solder at temperatures from 150 ~ 450 \u00b0C. This is a passive soldering iron meaning the tip itself fits over the heating element. It takes a short time for the iron to reach the desired temperature. If you really want a top soldering station, the Atten ST-909 is what you will like. This is an active soldering station with a power consumption of 90 Watts. It can solder at temperatures from 200 ~ 500 \u00b0C but the tip will heat up in seconds as the tip includes the heating element.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/modelrailelectronics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image.png?resize=800%2C800&ssl=1\")
Atten ST-60<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/modelrailelectronics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-1.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1\")
Atten ST-909<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSolder<\/strong>
– 60\/40 Tin-lead solder (easier to work with but more difficult to get), 0.8-1.0mm.
– Lead-free solder (requires slightly higher temperature), preferably with flux core, 0.8-1.0mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSide cutting tool<\/strong>
For trimming excess component leads after soldering. You can get this side cutting tool in the shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/modelrailelectronics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-2-edited.png?resize=617%2C365&ssl=1\")
Side cutting tool<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMultimeter<\/strong>
Essential for checking continuity, measuring voltages and verifying resistor values. You don’t need to buy a top of the bill multimeter. Even the cheapest digital multimeters like the DT-830B will be sufficient. Most of these smaller versions you need to set it to the correct range to measure. The more advanced multimeters have auto range functionality so you only need to select the category you want to measure. You can get those as well for around \u20ac 20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/modelrailelectronics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-6.png?resize=349%2C610&ssl=1\")
DT-830B multimeter<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/modelrailelectronics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-5.png?resize=306%2C491&ssl=1\")
Auto range multimeter<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nGood lightning<\/strong>
A well-lit workspace is essential for clean and accurate soldering. A desk magnifying lamp makes precise soldering even easier. You can get these for around \u20ac 24 from the well known Chinese online shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/modelrailelectronics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-3.png?resize=392%2C304&ssl=1\")
Desk magnifying lamp<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nTip cleaner<\/strong>
Use a sponge for a passive soldering iron to clean the tip when needed also to ensure proper heat transfer. Use brass wool for an active soldering iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRecommended tools (nice to have)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
PCB holder<\/strong>
Keeps the circuit board stable while soldering and you can easily rotate the circuit board during the soldering activities. You can get this PCB holder in the shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/modelrailelectronics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/PCBHOLDER-0.png?w=1290&ssl=1\")
PCB holder<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHeat resistant soldering mat<\/strong>
A heat resistant soldering mat protects your desk for accidental burns from the soldering iron. Available in different sizes and versions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/modelrailelectronics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-8.png?resize=599%2C352&ssl=1\")
Heat resistant soldering mat<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
– Preferably temperature controlled.
– Fine tip suitable for electronics.
– Recommended temperature: 330\u2013370\u00b0C (625\u2013700\u00b0F).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can recommend the Atten brand of soldering stations. A good start is the Atten ST-60. With a power consumption of 60 Watts it can solder at temperatures from 150 ~ 450 \u00b0C. This is a passive soldering iron meaning the tip itself fits over the heating element. It takes a short time for the iron to reach the desired temperature. If you really want a top soldering station, the Atten ST-909 is what you will like. This is an active soldering station with a power consumption of 90 Watts. It can solder at temperatures from 200 ~ 500 \u00b0C but the tip will heat up in seconds as the tip includes the heating element.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solder<\/strong> Side cutting tool<\/strong> Multimeter<\/strong> Good lightning<\/strong> Tip cleaner<\/strong> PCB holder<\/strong> Heat resistant soldering mat<\/strong>
– 60\/40 Tin-lead solder (easier to work with but more difficult to get), 0.8-1.0mm.
– Lead-free solder (requires slightly higher temperature), preferably with flux core, 0.8-1.0mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For trimming excess component leads after soldering. You can get this side cutting tool in the shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Essential for checking continuity, measuring voltages and verifying resistor values. You don’t need to buy a top of the bill multimeter. Even the cheapest digital multimeters like the DT-830B will be sufficient. Most of these smaller versions you need to set it to the correct range to measure. The more advanced multimeters have auto range functionality so you only need to select the category you want to measure. You can get those as well for around \u20ac 20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A well-lit workspace is essential for clean and accurate soldering. A desk magnifying lamp makes precise soldering even easier. You can get these for around \u20ac 24 from the well known Chinese online shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use a sponge for a passive soldering iron to clean the tip when needed also to ensure proper heat transfer. Use brass wool for an active soldering iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRecommended tools (nice to have)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Keeps the circuit board stable while soldering and you can easily rotate the circuit board during the soldering activities. You can get this PCB holder in the shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A heat resistant soldering mat protects your desk for accidental burns from the soldering iron. Available in different sizes and versions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/modelrailelectronics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-7.png?resize=391%2C332&ssl=1\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/modelrailelectronics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/soldering-examples-1024x250.png?resize=1024%2C250&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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