[slowpogo]

Can anyone recommend an online merchant who has all the usual Hakko tips for 900M iron? The main quest is for reasonable shipping. I can't find anyone who will ship this tiny thing for less than ~$8.

Also, I need thin-guage solder suitable for SMD. I don't want to pay $20-30 for a spool as I am only doing one project in the foreseeable future. Anyone know where to find small quantities of it? I am coming back to DIY after a long break and I don't remember all the old good spots I had found, so any help is appreciated. (I know there is lots of small quantities on ebay, but I don't do Paypal anymore)

Or (I'm just throwing this out here, sorry if it's distasteful) if anyone is willing to just throw a few feet of thin solder (pref 0.5mm) in an envelope and mail it to me, I will be forever grateful. I don't need more than a yard. I'm in Wisconsin

 

[sandbasser]

You can try HakkoUSA. I have ordered tips from them - got great service - sorry I can't remember how much the shipping cost - but it was NOT outrageous.

Welcome to HakkoUSA. Soldering, Desoldering, Hot Air Rework, BGA, and Fume Extraction Systems for the electronics industry

 

[Pars]

Try this from your local radioshack:
High-Tech Rosin Core Silver-Bearing Solder (1.5 Oz.) - RadioShack.com

It works fine. Do not get the lead-free solder as it can be a PITA to work with.

 

[Juaquin]

eBay has them for $2 a pop, free shipping. No idea if they're official Hakko tips but I've used a couple without problem.

 

[tomb]

How close are you to Chicago? There's a Fry's in Downers Grove at I-88 and I-355. They carry genuine Hakko tips. They also ship from a website, but most likely the cheapest ground shipping is around $8 - that's pretty much UPS's minimum.

Many of the regulars such as Mouser, DigiKey, Allied Elec and the like carry Plato tips. I've used both and the Plato's are not up to the same standards as the Hakko tips, IMHO. The Hakko surface plating lasts much longer and transfers heat better.

 

[slowpogo]

Thanks for the ideas everyone; looks like HakkoUSA wins with this one. Apparently UPS ground shipping is always FREE when you buy directly from them. Can't beat that!

 

[Juaquin]

Here's one of the tips I got off ebay (sorry for the quality, it's a quick cellphone capture). They seem pretty legit but since I've never ordered directly from Hakko I can't confirm it. Here's the ebay store for those interested.

 

[tacitapproval]

I have also ordered Hakko tips from Cantonmade and they seem to be authentic. Regardless, they perform flawlessly.