trouble with plunger on solder sucker Moderators: adafruit_support_bill, adafruit

[ppelleti]

I purchased the silicone-tip solder sucker (pid 1597) earlier this month, and now I'm having a problem with it where the plunger won't go all the way down. It stops before it reaches the point where it snaps into position.

Is there some way I can fix this, or do I have a defective solder sucker?

Thanks!

The photo shows me pressing down the plunger as far as it will go. It won't go any further, and it won't lock into place.

P17_8108 Solder Sucker.jpg (169.26 KiB) Viewed 496 times

[adafruit_support_bill]

These do need to be cleaned out occasionally. Unscrew the tip and shake out any solder that has accumulated.

[ppelleti]

Yes, I've done that, but it doesn't seem to help. The plunger still doesn't go down all the way.

Is there anything else I can try?

Thanks!

[adafruit_support_bill]

Unscrew the back of the solder sucker and remove the plunger assembly and check the tip of the plunger If it gets bent, it will not line up with the hole in the nozzle at the front.

[ppelleti]

By "unscrew the back," do you mean the part that says in the instructions, "Do not try to unscrew the plunger lock unit. It causes failure in suction power."?

Just wanted to double-check that's what you meant before I do it. :)

[adafruit_support_bill]

I've disassembled mine a few times with no degradation in function. To maintain a good seal, it is a good idea to make sure that the o-rings are clean before re-assembly.

[ppelleti]

OK, I opened it up, and the tip looks straight to me. If it's bent, it's not enough to be able to see.

Tip of plunger.

P17_8112 Solder Sucker.jpg (78.39 KiB) Viewed 470 times

[adafruit_support_bill]

OK. If you contact support@adafruit.com with a link to this thread we can send you a replacement.