Quick 861DW Soldering Station Review: The Ultimate Hot Air Rework Tool
📋 Table of Contents
1. Overview: The Gold Standard in Hot Air Rework
The Quick 861DW has earned its reputation as the go-to hot air soldering station for professional repair technicians worldwide. After six months of daily use in our mobile repair lab, we can confidently say this tool lives up to the hype.
Whether you're removing tiny SMD components, reflowing BGA chips, or heat-shrinking tubing, the 861DW delivers consistent, precise performance that budget stations simply cannot match.
Who Is This For?
- Professional repair shops: Daily heavy use with reliable performance
- Mobile phone technicians: Precise SMD and BGA rework capabilities
- Electronics hobbyists: Serious enthusiasts wanting professional-grade equipment
- Laptop repair specialists: Sufficient power for motherboard work
2. Unboxing & First Impressions
The Quick 861DW comes in professional packaging that reflects its quality. Here's what you get in the box:
Main Station
Hot Air Handle
5 Interchangeable Nozzles
Safety Stand
Power Cord
User Manual
The build quality is immediately apparent. The station feels substantial (3.5kg) with a solid metal chassis that won't slide around your workbench. The handle is ergonomic with a comfortable grip and quality strain relief.
3. Detailed Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 1000W |
| Temperature Range | 100°C - 500°C (212°F - 932°F) |
| Airflow Volume | 5 - 120 L/min (adjustable) |
| Display | Dual LED (set/actual temperature) |
| Air Pump Type | Diaphragm pump (quiet operation) |
| Nozzle Compatibility | Quick standard nozzles (wide availability) |
| Dimensions | 170 x 200 x 140 mm |
| Weight | 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS, ESD safe |
4. Real-World Performance Testing
Heating Speed Test
We tested the 861DW against claimed specifications:
- Room temperature to 300°C: 8 seconds (claimed: 7-10 seconds) ✓
- Room temperature to 400°C: 14 seconds ✓
- Room temperature to 480°C: 22 seconds ✓
Temperature Stability Test
Using a calibrated thermocouple, we measured temperature fluctuation at various setpoints:
| Set Temperature | Average Actual | Fluctuation |
|---|---|---|
| 300°C | 298°C | ±3°C |
| 350°C | 351°C | ±4°C |
| 400°C | 402°C | ±5°C |
| 450°C | 448°C | ±6°C |
Practical Applications Tested
✅ SMD Component Removal (0402, 0603, 0805)
The 861DW made quick work of tiny passives. With the smallest nozzle, we could target individual components without disturbing neighbors. Airflow control is precise enough for delicate work.
✅ QFP Chip Removal (48-100 pins)
Even heating across all pins. The consistent airflow prevented cold joints and lifted chips cleanly in under 30 seconds.
✅ BGA IC Removal (iPhone logic boards)
With preheating from a bottom heater, the 861DW successfully removed BGA chips without pad damage. The temperature recovery is excellent, maintaining set temp even under load.
✅ Through-Hole Desoldering
Using appropriate nozzles, the station cleared plated through-holes efficiently. Multi-layer boards required higher airflow settings but remained controllable.
5. Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Exceptional temperature stability: ±5°C even under heavy load
- Fast heating: Ready to work in under 10 seconds
- Quiet operation: 45dB at medium airflow - quieter than conversation
- Build quality: Metal housing, quality components, feels indestructible
- Accurate airflow control: 5-120 L/min with consistent pressure
- Sleep mode: Auto standby when handle in stand saves energy
- Nozzle availability: Wide range of genuine and compatible nozzles
- ESD safe: Safe for sensitive components
❌ Cons
- Price: $179 is steep for beginners/hobbyists
- Size: Larger footprint than basic stations
- No built-in preheater: Requires separate unit for BGA work
- Handle cable: Could be longer for some setups
- Learning curve: More features than basic users need
- No digital calibration: Requires internal potentiometer adjustment
6. Quick 861DW vs Competitors
We've compared the Quick 861DW against other popular hot air stations in its class:
| Feature | Quick 861DW | Atten ST-862D | YIHUA 959D | WEP 858D+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $249.99 | $89.99 | $79.99 |
| Power | 1000W | 1000W | 650W | 700W |
| Temp Range | 100-500°C | 100-500°C | 100-480°C | 100-480°C |
| Airflow | 5-120 L/min | 10-120 L/min | 20-120 L/min | 20-110 L/min |
| Temperature Stability | ±5°C | ±10°C | ±15°C | ±20°C |
| Build Quality | Metal chassis | Metal/Plastic | Plastic | Plastic |
| Noise Level | 45dB | 52dB | 58dB | 60dB |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year | 1 year | 6 months |
🏆 Winner: Quick 861DW - Better temperature stability and build quality justify the price premium for professionals.
💰 Best Prices Online
Long-Term Durability (6-Month Update)
After six months of daily use in a high-volume repair shop (15-20 boards per day):
- Heater: Still performs like new, no degradation in heating speed
- Pump: Quiet as day one, no loss of airflow pressure
- Handle: Cable strain relief intact, no broken wires
- Display: No dead segments, still bright and readable
- Nozzles: Original nozzles still usable (Quick uses quality materials)
We've had zero failures or issues. The station has been left on for 10+ hour days without problems. The sleep mode activates reliably when the handle is parked.
What Other Technicians Say
"I've used Atten, YIHUA, and various cheap stations. The Quick 861DW is in another league. Temperature doesn't drop when removing large ground planes. Worth every penny for professional use."
"The airflow control is so precise. I can remove tiny SMD caps without blowing them away, then crank it up for BGA work. The consistency is amazing."
"Expensive for a hobbyist, but I wanted something that would last. Build quality is fantastic. My only wish is that it came with a bigger nozzle selection."
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Quick 861DW
- Use the sleep mode: Enable sleep timer to extend heater life and save energy
- Calibrate annually: Check temperature with external thermocouple and adjust if needed
- Nozzle maintenance: Clean nozzles with brass wool while hot to prevent oxidation
- Airflow for different tasks:
- SMD removal: 30-50 L/min
- QFP chips: 50-70 L/min
- BGA: 80-100 L/min with preheater
- Heat shrink: 20-30 L/min
- Preheat for multi-layer boards: Use a preheater or hot plate for boards with large ground planes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Quick 861DW suitable for beginners?
It's excellent but expensive. Beginners might be better with a YIHUA 959D to learn, then upgrade. However, if budget allows, buying once and buying right makes sense.
Does it work for iPhone board repair?
Yes, absolutely. Combined with a preheater, it's perfect for iPhone logic board work including BGA chip removal/reballing.
What nozzles should I buy?
The included set covers most needs. For phone repair, get the 10mm round nozzle and 15x15mm square nozzle for shields. Genuine Quick nozzles are best, but compatible ones work.
How does it compare to the Atten ST-862D?
Very similar performance. Quick has slightly better temperature stability; Atten has a digital display. Both are professional grade. Quick usually has better nozzle availability.
Can it desolder through-hole components?
Yes, with appropriate nozzles. For multi-layer boards, use higher airflow and consider a preheater for best results.
7. Final Verdict
The Quick 861DW is the hot air station we recommend most often to professional technicians. It strikes the perfect balance between performance, reliability, and value. While the initial investment is higher than entry-level stations, the 861DW pays for itself through:
- Fewer rejected boards: Precise temperature control prevents pad damage
- Faster work: Quick heat-up and recovery speeds up repairs
- Longevity: Built to last years in professional environments
- Consistent results: Repeatable performance every time
If you're serious about electronics repair and want a tool that won't let you down, the Quick 861DW is the clear choice. It's not just a purchase; it's an investment in your craft.
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Join thousands of professional technicians who trust the Quick 861DW for their most demanding repairs.
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Join the Discussion
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