How to Make a Solder Scraper

A solder scraper is a handy tool for cleaning up solder joints and removing excess solder. It can be used on a variety of projects, from electronics to jewelry making. You can buy a solder scraper at most hardware stores, but it's easy and inexpensive to make your own.

In this article, we'll show you how to make a solder scraper using a piece of brass sheet metal. This is a great project for beginners, as it doesn't require any special tools or skills.

Materials

A piece of brass sheet metal (about 1/16 inch thick)
A hacksaw
A file
A piece of sandpaper
A drill press (optional)
A drill bit (optional)
A vice (optional)

Instructions

Cut a piece of brass sheet metal to the desired size. The length and width of the scraper will depend on the size of the solder joints you need to clean. For most projects, a piece of brass sheet metal that is about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide will work well.
Using a hacksaw, cut a notch in one end of the brass sheet metal. This notch will help you grip the scraper when you're using it. The notch should be about 1/4 inch deep and 1/8 inch wide.
File the edges of the brass sheet metal to smooth them out. This will help prevent injuries when you're using the scraper.
Using a piece of sandpaper, sand the surface of the brass sheet metal to give it a smooth finish. This will make the scraper easier to use and less likely to scratch the solder joints.
If you have a drill press, you can use it to drill a hole in the center of the brass sheet metal. This hole will help you attach the scraper to a handle, if desired. If you don't have a drill press, you can use a hand drill to drill the hole.
If you have a vice, you can use it to hold the brass sheet metal in place while you're cutting the notch and filing the edges. This will help ensure that the notch is cut straight and that the edges are smooth.
Once you've completed all of the steps above, your solder scraper is ready to use. To use the scraper, simply hold the notch in your hand and use the edge of the brass sheet metal to scrape away excess solder.

Tips

When using a solder scraper, be careful not to scratch the solder joints. You can prevent scratches by using a light touch and by keeping the scraper at a 90-degree angle to the solder joint.
If you're using a solder scraper on a delicate project, such as a piece of jewelry, it's a good idea to test it on a scrap piece of metal first. This will help you get a feel for how the scraper works and how much pressure to apply.
If you're having trouble removing excess solder, you can try using a soldering iron to melt the solder and then use the scraper to remove the melted solder.

Making a solder scraper is a simple and inexpensive project that can save you money and give you a useful tool for your electronics or jewelry making projects.

How to Make a Solder Scraper