The Titans of Tweezing: Excelta's Titanium Tweezers

At Q Source, we're always on the lookout for the best information about quality tools and solutions that we can pass on to you, our valued customers and readers. The latest items of interest we've come across are Excelta's Titanium Tweezers.

Featured in their May newsletter, Excelta's Titanium Tweezers offer a list of impressive features and are available in three styles: 3C-TA, 5-TA and 7-TA. These Swiss-made, heat-resistant tweezers are super lightweight and strong because of Titanium's high strength-to-weight ratio.

Some of the features and benefits of Excelta's Titanium Tweezers include:

Excelta's 7-TA Titanium Tweezers

• Solder does not adhere to the tip, making them excellent tools for soldering applications
• With a heat resistance up to 806°F (430 Deg C), they are up to the challenges presented by today’s "lead-free" soldering temperatures
• Zero magnetic retentivity
• Highly resistant to just about all common acids
• Work with ease under high magnification for demanding applications
• Available in three styles: 3C-TA Straight Fine Tip Titanium Tweezers (4.25” long, CTM* = .0051” x .0031”), 5-TA Straight Tapered Extra Fine Tip Titanium Tweezers (4.25” Long, CTM* = .0030” x .0015”), 7-TA Curved Fine Tip Titanium Tweezers (4.25” Long, CTM* = .0051” x .0031”)

* Critical Tip Measurement

For more information about Excelta's Titanium Tweezers, please visit our Web site, give us a call (800-966-6020), or send us an email and we'll be happy to assist you and process your order. While you're on our Web site, check out Q Source's extensive line of Excelta tools.

Hakko Soldering Irons & Lindstrom RX Series Cutters Featured in Latest TechCenter Additions

Q Source.com's TechCenter section was created to offer our customers the most important, in-depth technical details available to make educated decisions. In our latest additions to the TechCenter, we've focused on a comparison of Hakko's Soldering Irons and a look at the capacities & dimensions of Lindstrom's Rx Series Cutters.

In our Hakko Soldering Iron Comparison, we look at 17 of Hakko's most popular soldering irons (including the FX-601 and the FM-2030). The important differences between wire-wound and ceramic (the better option because of how it directs its heat and its low-wattage energy use) heating elements are discussed. The reader can then browse a chart featuring Hakko's ceramic soldering irons to do quick comparisons of their features.

The Lindstrom Rx Series Cutters Capacities & Dimensions article focuses on 25 Rx Series Cutters such as the RX8141 Oval Head, Flush Cut and the RX8143 Tapered Head Micro-Bevel. We discuss the different cut types, capacities, and sizes of these precision, ESD-safe cutters. We then offer the reader a detailed chart featuring a diagram and the important specifications for each tool.

For more information about, or to purchase, Hakko Soldering Irons or Lindstrom Rx Series Cutters please visit our Web site. We also provide expert assistance via email or phone (800-966-6020).

Check back with our TechCenter at QSource.com often for more detailed product comparisons and other in-depth information. If you have requests for TechCenter articles you like to see, please contact us.

Our Worklon FREE Shipping Offer Expires in Just Two Days: Act Now!

Quickly! There are only two days left in May…don't let this month's Social Networking Sale get away. Get FREE shipping on Worklon products by liking Q Source on our Facebook page.

Worklon's excellent ESD-safe and cleanroom garment items are offered at QSource.com at great savings. By taking advantage of our FREE shipping offer you can save even more on items such as the 1925-L Microdenier Sandwash Set-In Sleeve Intershirt or the 1955-L HD-ESD Maxima High-Density ESD-Safe Cleanroom Raglan Sleeve Coverall.

This great offer expires in just two days! Visit the Welcome tab of our Facebook page NOW and "like" us. That way you'll get the FREE shipping code AND ensure that you're signed up to access future sales.

Q Source Closed for Memorial Day Holiday

In recognition of the Memorial Day holiday, Q Source's offices will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2012. We will re-open on Tuesday, May 29th.

Q Source would like to remember the fallen soldiers who have served our country and we thank them for their loyal service to the cause of freedom and democracy.

Please note: QSource.com is available 24-hours-a-day for product information and purchases. Orders placed on the 28th will be processed on the 29th or as soon as possible.

We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday with your loved ones and we thank you for your continued patronage.

Stop Searching, Start Watching: Subscribe to Q Source's YouTube Channel Today!

Searching for a good resource for informational and industrial product-related videos? Then subscribe to Q Source's YouTube channel and search no further.

Our YouTube channel features product previews/reviews, informational/how-to videos, demonstrations, and our exclusive "On the Bench" video series. A few of our most recent videos included a look at Lindstrom's Rx 8140 RX-Series Ergonomic Cutters; an overview of R&R Lotion's ESD-Safe, Static Dissipative Bottles & Dispensers; and a product demonstration of 3M's Model 724 Constant ESD Workstation Monitor.

We currently feature more than twenty videos on our channel and that number is growing on a regular basis. Future videos will include a series examining some of Excelta's most popular tools.

So why miss out on all the action? It's very easy to subscribe. Just visit the Q Source YouTube channel, click on the "Subscribe" button at the top of the page, and choose if you want to be emailed each time we add a new video. That's all you have to do to ensure that you'll have access to our latest videos the second they're uploaded. Subscribe today!

R&R Lotion ESD-Safe, Static Dissipative Bottles & Dispensers: "On the Bench" Video

QSource.com offers the complete line of R&R Lotion ESD-safe, static dissipative industrial bottles and dispensers. In this episode of our "On the Bench" video series, we show you the wide variety of shapes, sizes, and dispensing options available; highlight a few of their important features; and demonstrate these high-quality dispensers.

A few of the key features of R&R's ESD-safe/static dissipative containers include:

• An average surface resistivity of 109 to 1010 Ω/sq
• Dissipate a static charge of ±5000V in <2 seconds @ 40% relative humidity
• Molded out of polyethylene/free of Ethoxylated Tertiary Amine

Visit the R&R Lotion Department at QSource.com to purchase or learn more about these quality bottles and dispensers. Q Source is your R&R Lotion resource.

Be sure to look for more "On the Bench" videos on QSource.com and on our YouTube Channel.

Please view or download a transcript for this video. You can find transcripts for all of our "On the Bench"
videos on 

Pro-Line Dimension Next Workbench Install on Flickr

Jason Kuhlken, one of our salespeople covering the Long Island, NY area, recently helped install several new Pro-Line Dimension Next workbenches at a customer's location. Part of the specs for these benches included custom cut-outs for a sink and ultrasonic cleaner. Here are some photos of the install and the finished product.

Hacking the Hakko FX-888 Soldering Station: EEV Blog Host Dave Jones Shows How it's Done

The Hakko FX-888 Soldering Station has become one of QSource.com's most popular items because of its powerful features and small footprint. Dave Jones from the Electronics Engineering Video (EEV) Blog is also a big fan of the FX-888. He has commented on its solid build and award-winning design in his videos.

Well, good ol' Dave realized that he often couldn't remember if he had left his FX-888 iron on. The soldering station has one L.E.D. light that only glows red when the iron is heating up. In his EEVblog #242 – Hakko FX-888 Soldering Iron Hack video Dave demonstrates a fairly simple solution to what he calls "an annoying feature."

Dave came up with a way to replace the existing red L.E.D. with a dual-color red/green L.E.D. that will toggle between colors depending on if the iron is on or not. In this video, he shows how to open the FX-888 unit; gain access to the L.E.D.'s board; and through schematic drawings, his solution to installing new transistors and the dual-color L.E.D. light.

If you're the type of person who shares Dave's annoyance and you like to tinker around inside electronic devices then, "Bob's your uncle," this solution is just the thing for you. But we have to warn you, the procedure that Dave presents in the video will void your warranty! Please proceed at your own risk.

For more information about Hakko soldering products please visit the Hakko Department at QSource.com or contact us via phone (800-966-6020) or email. For more entertaining and informative videos from Dave Jones please visit the EEV Blog's YouTube Channel.

Overcoming Fiber-Optic Signal Loss with MicroCare's Sticklers Cleaners

Two of the biggest challenges to creating and maintaining a quality fiber-optic connection are insertion loss and back reflection. MicroCare's Sticklers™ products provide an inexpensive, easy way to ensure clean, uninterrupted connections and protect against problems like these.

Insertion loss is probably the most common type of signal loss in fiber-optic networks. Contamination, caused by dirt, chips, or scratches, is the most frequent type of fiber-optic signal loss.

Back reflection is another widespread problem faced when building and operating a fiber-optic system. Also known as "return loss," back reflection occurs when there is a gap between connectors. This gap, which can often be caused by dust particles, then causes the signal to be reflected back to the originating laser.

Two ways to avoid insertion loss and back reflection are to use Sticklers cleaning products like CleanStixx™ Fiber Optic Connector Cleaning Swabs and the CleanWipes™ 3200 Fiber Optic Cleaning System. CleanStixx swabs are made to grab particulate that otherwise would be difficult to lift or dislodge and CleanWipes are a cleaning tool created for high-volume, high-speed manufacturing of fiber-optic jumpers and patch cords.

Perhaps the most efficient and money-saving way to ensure clean fiber-optics, is to use MicroCare's Sticklers Fiber-Optic Cleaning Kit. Containing cleaners, swabs, and wipes, this kit was specifically created to aid field techs in cleaning fiber-optic networks as quickly and reliably as possible.

To learn more about MicroCare Sticklers, please visit our Web site, read our blog, send us an email, or give us a call (800-966-6020). Q Source was proud to have been named a MicroCare Sticklers Featured Distributor for the spring of 2011.

Sticklers are a product of MicroCare Corp., a leading manufacturer of precision cleaning products. MicroCare was founded in 1983 and is based in New Britain, Connecticut.

Still Time to Get Free Shipping on Worklon Garments: Check Out Q Source's May Social Networking Sale

QSource.com features an extensive selection of Worklon products available at excellent savings. If you act now you can save even more with FREE shipping through our May Social Networking Sale.

Worklon manufactures quality ESD-safe and cleanroom garments including coveralls, shoe covers, caps, and more. QSource.com has more than 1,100 Worklon items available such as the 3504-L Work-Stat V-Neck ESD Lab Jacket with Adjustable Wrists.

So, act now to save more with FREE shipping. Visit the Welcome tab of Q Source's Facebook page and "like" us. You’ll then receive the code to get the FREE shipping offer for this month's sale all subsequent monthly sales.

3M Model 724 Constant ESD Workstation Monitor: "On the Bench" Video

The 3M Model 724 ESD Workstation Monitor continuously monitors the resistance of the operator and worksurface ground connections.

In our latest "On the Bench" video, our 3M representative, David Leventhal, sat down with us to demonstrate how easy it is to use and set up this important piece of equipment:

Leventhal pointed out how the 724 Workstation Monitor can continuously ground two operators and the worksurface; detect failures due to dry skin, poor connections, etc.; and immediately notify of problems via audible and visual alarms.

Be sure to look for more "On the Bench" videos on QSource.com and on our YouTube channel.

Please view or download a transcript for this video. You can find transcripts for all of our "On the Bench"
videos on

QSource.com Expands Atrix Vacuum Line Offerings

Atrix International is a leading manufacturer of a variety of industrial and commercial vacuum products. QSource.com recently updated and expanded their online offerings of Atrix items to include items in the following categories: Chemicals & Cleaning, Cleanroom ESD-Safe Vacuums, ESD-Safe Vacuums, HEPA Vacuums, Standard Vacuums, Vacuum Filters, and Vacuum Accessories.

In the Atrix Department at QSource.com you'll find versatile and powerful vacuum solutions such as the new VACMM Mighty Mouth, which is specially designed not to clog by allowing the user to sweep small and large items directly into the HEPA filtration bag. And if you're looking for a lightweight (but powerful) solution, the VACBP1 Backpack HEPA Vacuum/Blower is great for quick, efficient cleaning such as for stairs, draperies, or blinds.

Atrix International, Inc. was founded in 1981 as Atrix Tool Company. They are located in Burnsville, MN. You can read their blog at http://atrix.com/blog/.

Q Source has been a distributor of Atrix International products since 2003. To make a purchase, or for more information, please visit our Web site, send us an email, or give us a call (800-966-6020).

JBC Tools CD-1BB Advanced Series Soldering Station: "On the Bench" Video

JBC's CD-1BB Advanced Series Soldering Station is perfect for general electronics use. This ESD-safe unit features a large, high-contrast graphic display that makes important information easy to see; variable temperature control with operator lockout; and a sleep mode that promotes five times the normal tip life.

Our JBC rep, John Sullivan, stopped by Q Source to demonstrate some of the CD-1BB's impressive components and features including the:

• CD Control Unit
• T245-A Handpiece
• C245-903 Cartridge
• C245-741 Cartridge

Sullivan also points out that, based on today's electricity prices, the CD-1BB's should pay for itself considering its low power consumption. And with QSource.com's excellent low price, you'll save even more on this impressive unit.

Be sure to look for more "On the Bench" videos on QSource.com and on our YouTube channel.

Please view or download a transcript for this video. You can find transcripts for all of our "On the Bench"
videos on

Hakko Discontinues 903 Series Tips; Touts T15 & T22 Series as Replacements

American Hakko announced yesterday the discontinuation of their 903 Series tips. The 903 tips will be replaced by the newer T15 and T22 Series composite tips.

The 903 Series soldering tips were used with the previously discontinued 929 and 939 soldering stations. The full range of 903 tips (A1243 - A1250, A1252 - A1256, A1266, A1268 - A1271, A1326 - A1342, A1345 - A1348) are the subject of this discontinuation.

The new T15 Series composite tips are considered to be Hakko's standard for high-performance soldering. The T22 Series composite tips offer double the power for the most challenging soldering applications. These two new series of tips do not require the traditional offsetting that the 903 Series needed.

Hakko T22 Series Tips

The more powerful T22 Series tips can be used with the FM-2030 Heavy-Duty Soldering Iron (used with either the FM-203 Soldering Station or the FM-206 High Performance 3-Port Rework System) and the FM-2031 Heavy Duty Nitrogen Compatible Soldering Iron.

To purchase the T15 and T22 Series tips, or hundreds of other Hakko items, please visit the Hakko Department at QSource.com. If you have further questions, or need additional information, please give us a call (800-966-6020) or send us an email and we'll have one of our helpful experts assist you.

Please note: The Hakko 903 Series Tips will be available after May 31, 2012 until inventory is depleted.

Brady Launches "Lean Visual Blog"

Brady Worldwide (Brady) has launched a new Lean-related blog. The Lean Visual Blog features articles about 5S, TPM, safety, and more.

Launch content includes "Lean Visuals—An Introduction," which is an excellent article by Rick Ruzga (a Brady Lean Services Engagement Manager). Another valuable offering is the list of Lean Visual Resources—a reference section that is sure to continue to grow.

According to Brady, the Lean Visual Blog will be updated with new content every Monday. If you're involved with Lean or Lean Services, we're sure you'll want to add the Lean Visual Blog to your blogroll right away (and, of course, The Q Source Resource...if you haven't already).

For Brady Lean products, printers, signs & labels, and more, please visit the Brady Department at QSource.com. If the Brady product you need isn't available on our Web site, or if you need further information about Brady products, please contact us via phone (800-966-6020) or email and our helpful experts will be happy to assist you.

QSource.com Adds Worklon & Palbam Class Cleanroom Products

QSource.com extended its selection of cleanroom resources recently with the addition of products from Palbam Class and Worklon. The addition of these quality cleanroom furniture and garment products increases our customers' choices for cleanroom and ESD-safe solutions.

Palbam Class manufactures high-quality, stainless steel cleanroom furniture and equipment. This global manufacturer's products are utilized in a variety of industries including semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and biotech. QSource.com's offerings of Palbam Class products include such items as: the BC40CMP Bootie Rack (40 Boot Cabinet), the TOOLCART Stainless Steel Tool Cart with 5 Drawers, and the GR08CMP Gownrack for Full Length Coveralls (8 Hangers).

Worklon, the cleanroom/ESD brand of Superior Uniform Group, offers a variety of cleanroom garments to help keep controlled and sterile environments contamination free. QSource.com's extensive selection of more than 1,100 Worklon items includes cleanroom garments like: the HD-ESD Maxima High-Density ESD-Safe Cleanroom Raglan Sleeve Coverall, Frock, and the Uppers Molded Sole Boot.

To browse our complete offerings of these excellent cleanroom products, please visit the Palbam Class and Worklon Departments at QSource.com. If you have further questions regarding these products, or other cleanroom resources, please contact us via phone (800-966-6020) or email and we'll be happy to help you.

Quantity Discounts Now Available on Brady Items at QSource.com

QSource.com features excellent prices for our wide selection of Brady items. Now we're helping you to save even more by offering quantity discounts on almost 800 Brady products including their most popular label cartridges and ribbons.

Quantity discounts will start with as few as five items. If the Brady product you are interested in purchasing is eligible for a quantity discount you'll see the notice, "This product qualifies for quantity discount pricing" just below the regular pricing info. There also will be a chart with the quantities and discount pricing (see the screenshot).

Q Source has been proud to be a Brady distributor since 1984. Our Web site offers more than 1,500 Brady items (including their latest portable printers) and if it isn't on our site our expert staff can get it for you quickly. Visit the QSource.com Brady Department to make your purchase. You can also make a purchase, or get more information, by contacting us via phone (800-966-6020) or email.

3M 724 Workstation Monitor on Flickr

David Leventhal, our 3M representative, stopped by recently to give us a demonstration of how easy it is to set up the 3M 724 Workstation Monitor and how simple it is to use. Here are some photos of the 724 in action.

3M Wins Two 2012 Edison Awards

3M announced Monday that two of their products were honored with Silver 2012 Edison Awards. The 3M™ Kind Removal Silicone Tape and the 3M Aerobic Procedure for Lactic Acid Bacteria with 3M™ Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count Plate were recognized for innovation in the Lifestyle & Social Impact and Science/Medical categories, respectively.

The Edison Awards celebrate American innovation in product design and are named for inventor Thomas Alva Edison. This year's winners were announced at The Edison Best Products Award Gala in New York City on April 26.

The 3M Kind Removal Silicone Tape is a next-generation, repositionable medical tape that integrates 3M's adhesive technology with a silicone base to provide a tape that is easily secured, but also easily removed…thus creating a more comfortable experience for patients.

3M's Aerobic Procedure for Lactic Acid Bacteria was developed as a testing method by 3M Food Safety working with its food-processing customers. The procedure is a simple way to test food and environmental samples for concentrations of lactic acid bacteria, which can affect the shelf life, as well as the flavor and color of products.

3M is fundamentally a science-based company. They produce thousands of imaginative products, and are a leader in scores of markets—from health care and highway safety to office products and abrasives and adhesives. Q Source, Inc. has been a distributor of 3M products since 2003.

Q Source’s 3M Department features an extensive selection of Tapes, Grounding products, Chemicals & Cleaners, Labels, and more. If the quality 3M item you're looking for isn't on our site, please contact us via phone (800-966-6020) or email and our expert associates will be happy to find it for you.

The EEV Blog's Soldering Tutorial Video, Part 3: Wrapping it All Up with Surface Mount Soldering

Dave Jones is back again in the Electronics Engineering Video Blog's EEVblog #186 – Soldering Tutorial Part 3 – Surface Mount video. In this final installment of the three-part soldering tutorial, Jones demonstrates several surface mount soldering techniques in an informative video that flows quickly—despite its almost 40-minute run time.

Jones wants you to know that surface mount soldering is "an absolute piece of cake." To that end, he uses the basic tools and techniques from the first two tutorial videos to easily complete several surface mount component soldering jobs.

The new techniques featured in Part 3 include drag soldering, tack & reflow, and the use of solder paste with a hot air gun. Jones uses these techniques to solder an 0603 resistor, an 8-pin ICU, an 0.65 mm component, an 0.5 mm pitch PIC24 microchip quad flat pack, and a high thermal capacity d-pack.

Throughout the video you learn about using flux pens (Jones likes to say, "FLUX IS EVERYTHING!"), soldering paste, hot air guns, and different kinds of soldering tips. When the video is over, you've been presented with so much helpful information that you truly feel ready to go and solder with confidence.

So, if you haven't watched Part 1 or Part 2 of the EEV Blog's Soldering Tutorial, please go check them out. We're sure they'll have you soldering like a pro in no time. And when you're ready to start stocking up on soldering tools and materials, please visit our Soldering & Desoldering Department.

If you have any questions about QSource.com's soldering products, please contact us via our Web site, phone (800-966-6020), or email.

Get FREE Shipping on Worklon Garments in Our May Social Networking Sale

A new month brings an exciting, new Social Networking Sale via the Q Source Facebook page. And for May, Worklon's ESD-safe and cleanroom garments are available with a FREE SHIPPING offer!

QSource.com features more than 1,100 Worklon cleanroom/ESD-safe items including Boots, Caps, Coveralls, Shoe Covers, Hoods, Lab Coats, Face Masks, and Intersuits. Taking advantage of our FREE shipping offer will help you save even more on our already low prices on Worklon products.

All you have to do is visit the Welcome tab of our Facebook page and "like" us. That simple step will provide you with the code to get the FREE shipping offer for this month's sale and set you up to access future sales.