Are you talking boards or playfield components?

In a commercial/industry sense one handed soldering is referenced as a technique in which the individual "carries" solder with his/her iron from the spool over to the point of contact. Meaning he does not utilize his second hand to add solder.

This is usually acceptable for most commercial applications. Although there are instances where it is deemed unacceptable because the level of reliability at the joint may not meet the standards of a certain governing body. Certain aerospace standards come to mind.

Thanks
Blake

I could never master this technique, so I had to stop watching porn while I'm soldering. Now i can utilize BOTH hands.

No special device. Just a good pencil style soldering iron and 63/37 rosin core solder. Always use flux. 611 works real good but something similar will do. Paste or liquid. Pre tin your contact points (wires/lugs,leads, exc). And either wrap your fingers with electrical tape to minimize heat (for wires) or get a good mechanical crimp.

Thanks
Blake

If the job needs doing fast then its right hand all day. But if I have the time, and as I mature with age I have been blessed with a nice left overhand stroke.

Thanks
Blake

There are definitely devices that do this, they range from attachments for pen style irons to full on auto-feed setups with a pedal switch. Hakko 373 is an example.

I would see these setups as 110% not necessary to this hobby. Most likely are not even used on the production lines. But they are out there and available for those that feel they need the assistance. So if it gets them in the hobby I say buy TWO!

Thanks
Blake

Literally up until this moment I did not know that you had only ONE hand to use.

The term "one handed soldering" is what threw me off as its used all through the industry of soldering.

I still think you could get use to the technique I was describing and I would think that the solder feeding setups Wolfmarsh spoke of would be cumbersome, especially doing work under a playfield.

But again try one out and see. You know your abilities best.

Thanks
Blake

I figured you had some form of accessibility issue since you mentioned scheduling a helper.

This is a pretty crap version but it's a cheap entry to see if something like this could help you: ebay.com link: 30W 60W Soldering Gun Iron with Solder Wire Feeder w 3 Prong Wire

Try it out.

Thanks
Blake

Wow, I can only imagine how much scar tissue you have.

But the tip is probably tinned perfectly.

Hope that works out!!!!

Out of curiosity OP, do you customize all your machines with two flipper buttons on the left side? or do you have another solution? I have an acquaintance with only a left arm and wondered what accommodations are out there for folks who have lost function in one or both hands.

The learning curve was very short.........