Solderers' Top Difficulty: "Unsure of Techniques/Tips for a Clean Finish." Tool Selection Priority: "Low Price" at Approx. 29%

Learned in School? Soldering is Surprisingly Familiar

Do you remember using a soldering iron in your technology class?

Soldering is a process of melting metal with heat to connect parts.

You may recall the unique smell and the sensation of solder slowly melting. For many, it might be a "task experienced only once in school."

However, in recent years, more adults are picking up soldering irons again, prompted by appliance repairs or hobbyist electronics projects.

Therefore, in collaboration with BuhinDana Co., Ltd., a wholesaler and mail-order company for electrical and electronic parts, tools, and solder-related products, we conducted a survey on "Actual Usage of Soldering and Electronic Tools" targeting 250 men and women nationwide who responded that they "have experience with soldering" in a preliminary survey.

※ When quoting the contents of this press release, please take the following actions:

・State that the source is "a survey conducted by NEXER Group Co., Ltd. and BuhinDana Co., Ltd., a wholesaler and mail-order company for electrical and electronic parts, tools, and solder-related products."

・Include a link to BuhinDana Co., Ltd. (https://www.buhindana.co.jp/)

"Survey on Actual Usage of Soldering and Electronic Tools" Survey Overview

Survey Method: Internet-based questionnaire

Survey Period: June 24, 2026 - June 29, 2026

Target Respondents: Men and women nationwide who responded that they "have experience with soldering" in a preliminary survey

Valid Responses: 250 samples

Questions:

Question 1: What is your main purpose for soldering? (Multiple selections allowed)

Question 2: What did you prioritize most when choosing a soldering iron and related tools?

Question 3: Please tell us the reason for your choice.

Question 4: What difficulties or concerns did you experience when soldering? (Multiple selections allowed)

Question 5: What was your biggest difficulty and why?

Question 6: What kind of information or support would be helpful for starting or continuing soldering? (Multiple selections allowed)

Question 7: Specifically, can you tell us about situations where you felt "this information would have been helpful"?

※ In principle, values are rounded to the second decimal place, so the total may not be 100%.

45.6% Responded That the Main Purpose of Soldering is "Practical Training in School, Education, and Research"

First, we asked about the main purpose of soldering.

The most common answer was "Practical training in school, education, and research" at 45.6%.

This was followed by "Hobbyist electronics projects/DIY" at 38.8%, and "Repair of home appliances, equipment, and gadgets" at 27.6%. Furthermore, "Manufacturing and maintenance for business/work" accounted for 15.2%, and "Other" was 2.0%.

Although soldering has a specialized image, it is clear that school classes account for a large proportion of the initial experience.

It seems that many people start soldering again after experiencing it once in class, prompted by hobbyist electronics projects or repairs.

28.8% Responded That "Low Price" Was the Most Important Factor in Tool Selection

Next, we asked what people prioritized most when choosing a soldering iron and related tools.

The most common answer was "low price" at 28.8%.

This was followed by "Brand/manufacturer reliability" at 15.2%, and "Presence of temperature control function" at 14.0%.

We asked for the reasons behind their choices, and here are some excerpts.

Respondents who chose "Low Price"

- Since I don't use it for work, a cheaper version is sufficient. (30s, Male)

- Because I don't use it very often. (40s, Male)

- As an amateur, I wouldn't be able to use a high-quality one effectively. (50s, Male)

Respondents who chose "Brand/Manufacturer Reliability"

- Because it can be dangerous if used incorrectly, I chose a highly reliable one. (40s, Male)

- Because ease of use differs depending on the manufacturer. (40s, Male)

- I feel more secure with Japanese-made products. (50s, Male)

Respondents who chose "Presence of Temperature Control Function"

- It's convenient to be able to adjust the temperature. (30s, Female)

- Because the optimal temperature is required depending on the type of solder and board. (60s, Male)

- I want to control the temperature so it doesn't get too hot. (50s, Male)

A tendency can be observed where those who use it infrequently or are beginners tend to want to start with a lower price. On the other hand, those who prioritize safety and ease of use use manufacturer reliability and temperature control functions as criteria.

The points prioritized in tool selection differ depending on the purpose and experience.

When starting soldering, it is important to consider not only the price but also the functions and safety that match the work content.

46.4% Responded That Their Biggest Difficulty with Soldering Was "Unsure of Techniques/Tips for a Clean Finish"

Next, we asked about the difficulties and concerns experienced when soldering.

The most common answer was "Unsure of techniques/tips for a clean finish" at 46.4%.

This was followed by "Difficulty in maintaining/managing the tip" at 25.2%, and "Unsure of how to choose the appropriate solder (type, thickness, composition)" at 23.2%.

Even after gathering tools and starting work, the inability to achieve satisfactory connections or finishes seems to be the first hurdle for many people.

Furthermore, we asked about the biggest difficulty and its reason, and here are some excerpts.

What was your biggest difficulty and why?

- I don't know the right thickness of solder. (20s, Female)

- It's difficult to maintain the tip. (30s, Female)

- It doesn't connect cleanly, remaining puffed up. (30s, Female)

- The wire end and the board don't attach firmly. (30s, Male)

- I melt too much and can't achieve a clean finish; my hands are clumsy. (40s, Male)

It is evident that many people struggle not only with choosing and handling solder and tips but also with the nuances of the work, such as "applying the right amount" and "making a firm connection."

Soldering may appear to be a simple task at first glance, but achieving a clean finish requires understanding several key points, including the condition of the tools, how heat is applied, and the timing of solder flow.

45.2% Responded That "Beginner's Guide" Was the Most Helpful Information

Finally, we asked what kind of information or support would be helpful for starting or continuing soldering.

The most common answer was "Beginner's guide" at 45.2%.

This was followed by "Videos/articles explaining work procedures and examples of failures" at 36.0%, and "Advice on choosing tools and materials" at 29.2%.

When viewed in conjunction with the previously mentioned concern of "Unsure of techniques/tips for a clean finish," it is clear that information that easily explains the basics of soldering and how to get started is in demand, rather than specialized and advanced knowledge.

Furthermore, we asked about situations where people felt "this information would have been helpful," and here are some excerpts.

Specifically, can you tell us about situations where you felt "this information would have been helpful"?

- "I learned by watching professional explanations on YouTube." (20s, Male)

- "I wanted to know how to choose tools." (30s, Female)

- "I want to learn the methods and see examples of failures in videos." (30s, Female)

- "About things that are easily misunderstood when self-taught." (30s, Male)

- "What is a safe and cost-effective option for beginners?" (40s, Male)

- "When fixing circuits, etc., with solder, I wanted explanations on the amount of solder to apply and the finished shape." (40s, Male)

Voices were heard expressing a desire to know not only about work methods but also about tool selection, points prone to failure, and the standard for proper finishing. For beginners, information that explains failures along with basic procedures seems to make it easier to approach soldering with more peace of mind.

Summary

This survey revealed that many people's soldering experience began with "school practical training," and that "low price" tends to be prioritized when choosing tools.

On the other hand, when actually soldering, about half of respondents feel that "they don't know the tips for a clean finish." Furthermore, the most common response for helpful information was "a beginner's guide."

While soldering may seem like a task anyone can start with just the right tools, it is also a task where people tend to get stuck in the initial stages.

That is precisely why, if there were an environment where one could easily check everything from how to choose tools to tips for a clean finish, and where necessary parts and tools are readily available, it would be easier for those who have once given up to try again.

<Regarding Use in Articles, etc.>

- Please include a statement that the source is "a survey conducted by NEXER Group Inc. and BuhinDana Inc., a wholesaler and mail-order company for electrical and electronic parts, tools, and solder-related products."

- Please set up a link to BuhinDana Inc. (https://www.buhindana.co.jp/)

【About BuhinDana Inc.】

Company Name: BuhinDana Inc.

Location: 3-14-10 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

Representative Director: Masahiro Nagasawa

Tel: 03-6853-7771

URL: https://www.buhindana.co.jp/

Business Activities: Established in 2018 with the philosophy of "Energizing Japanese Manufacturing!!", this company is engaged in the wholesale and mail-order sales of electrical and electronic parts and various tools. They handle over 150,000 electronic parts, including power supplies, noise filters, switches, connectors, cases, measuring instruments, and soldering equipment.

【About NEXER Group Inc.】

Headquarters: Rise Arena Building 11F, 4-5-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013

Representative Director: Yuya Miyata

URL: https://www.nexer.co.jp

Business Activities: SEO, Web Branding, Web Advertising, Website Production, Media