Metcal SMTC Specialty Hoof and Knife Tip Cartridges - 600 Series For reworking SMT components. Metcal makes special tip cartridges for replacing most component configurations, gull-wing and J-lead, regardless of the number of leads or the lead pitch. Metcal call these multi-lead speed soldering tip cartridges.

For components on boards where access is not a problem, the SMTC-x147 "hoof" tip cartridge is recommended. (This tip cartridge is shaped like a horse's hoof) This tip is designed specifically for "drag soldering" techniques. The face holds just the right amount of solder, and the SMTC-x147 has extra plating where necessary to prevent the failures so commonly seen when using a bent hook to drag solder. Once you have practiced a bit, you will find it is the easiest and fastest way to solder surface mount components.

The "knife" tip (SMTC-x161) is designed for multi-lead soldering of PLCC's in tight spaces. The "mini-hoof" (SMTC-x167) is designed for soldering of either PLCC's or QFP's in tight spaces.