1. Safety Information
Please read and understand all safety precautions before operating the Hakko 851-2 Hot Air Pencil Station. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, or personal injury.
- High Temperature: The nozzle and heated air can reach very high temperatures. Avoid direct contact with skin or flammable materials. Allow the unit to cool completely before handling or storing.
- Electrical Safety: Ensure the unit is connected to a properly grounded power outlet. Do not operate with damaged cords or plugs. Disconnect power before performing any maintenance or when the unit is not in use.
- Ventilation: Use the hot air station in a well-ventilated area to dissipate fumes generated during soldering/desoldering.
- ESD Protection: This unit is ESD safe. Always follow proper electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions when working with sensitive electronic components.
- Children and Unauthorized Personnel: Keep the unit out of reach of children and ensure only trained personnel operate the equipment.
- Flammable Materials: Do not use near flammable liquids, gases, or materials.
2. Product Overview
The Hakko 851-2 is an analog hot air pencil station designed for precise soldering and desoldering of surface mount components (SMD). It features independent controls for air flow and heater temperature, providing flexibility for various applications.

Figure 2.1: Hakko 851-2 Hot Air Pencil Station. The image displays the main unit with its power switch, air flow control knob, heater temperature control knob, and the connected hot air pencil resting in its holder.
Key Components:
- Main Unit: Houses the air pump, heater control circuitry, and user interface.
- Hot Air Pencil: The handheld tool that delivers heated air.
- Nozzle Holder: Provides a safe place to rest the hot air pencil when not in use.
- Power Switch: Controls the main power to the unit.
- AIR Control Knob: Adjusts the air flow rate.
- HEATER Control Knob: Adjusts the hot air temperature.
- Nozzles: Interchangeable nozzles (e.g., 2.0mm included) for different component sizes.
3. Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Verify that all items listed in the packing list are present.
- Placement: Place the main unit on a stable, heat-resistant, and ESD-safe workbench. Ensure adequate clearance around the unit for ventilation.
- Connect Hot Air Pencil: Connect the hot air pencil's hose and electrical connector securely to the designated ports on the main unit.
- Install Nozzle: Select the appropriate nozzle for your application and securely attach it to the hot air pencil. Ensure it is firmly seated.
- Power Connection: Plug the power cord into a grounded 120V AC power outlet.
- Initial Settings: Before powering on, set the AIR and HEATER control knobs to their minimum positions.
4. Operating Instructions
- Power On: Flip the POWER switch to the "ON" position. The unit will begin to warm up.
- Adjust Air Flow: Slowly turn the AIR control knob clockwise to increase the air flow to the desired level. Start with a lower setting and increase as needed.
- Adjust Temperature: Slowly turn the HEATER control knob clockwise to increase the hot air temperature. Refer to component manufacturer specifications for recommended desoldering/soldering temperatures. Allow a few moments for the temperature to stabilize.
- Pre-heating (Optional): For larger components or multi-layer boards, consider pre-heating the PCB to reduce thermal stress.
- Soldering/Desoldering:
- Hold the hot air pencil approximately 1-5mm above the component.
- Move the nozzle in a circular motion to ensure even heating.
- For desoldering, once the solder melts, carefully remove the component using tweezers or a vacuum pick-up tool.
- For soldering, apply solder once the pads reach the melting temperature.
- Cool Down: After use, turn the HEATER control knob to its minimum position. Allow the air flow to continue for a few minutes to cool down the heating element and nozzle before turning off the AIR control and POWER switch. This extends the life of the heating element.
- Power Off: Once cooled, turn the AIR control knob to its minimum position, then flip the POWER switch to the "OFF" position.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your Hakko 851-2 station.
- Cleaning Nozzles: Periodically clean the nozzles to remove any solder residue or flux buildup. Use a brass brush or specialized cleaning tools. Ensure the unit is cool and unplugged before cleaning.
- Air Filter: Check the air intake filter (if applicable, consult the full product manual for location) for dust and debris. Clean or replace as necessary to maintain proper air flow.
- General Cleaning: Wipe down the main unit and hot air pencil with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: Store the unit in a clean, dry environment when not in use.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | Power cord unplugged, power switch off, faulty outlet. | Check power cord connection, ensure power switch is ON, test outlet with another device. |
| No air flow | AIR control knob at minimum, clogged nozzle, air filter blocked. | Increase AIR setting, clean or replace nozzle, check/clean air filter. |
| No heat | HEATER control knob at minimum, faulty heating element. | Increase HEATER setting. If problem persists, contact Hakko support. |
| Insufficient heat for application | Temperature setting too low, incorrect nozzle size, excessive air flow. | Increase HEATER setting, use a smaller nozzle for concentrated heat, reduce AIR flow slightly. |
For issues not listed above or if troubleshooting steps do not resolve the problem, please contact Hakko customer support.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Hakko 851-2 |
| Type | Analog Hot Air Pencil Station |
| Power Consumption | 85 Watts |
| Input Voltage | 120 Volts AC |
| Air Flow | Up to 6 Liters per Minute (Lpm) |
| Pump Type | Diaphragm |
| Temperature Stability | 1004°F (as per specification, likely max operating temperature) |
| ESD Safe | Yes |
| Dimensions (Main Unit) | Approximately 11.9 x 8.7 x 5.8 inches |
| Item Weight | Approximately 3.99 - 4 pounds |
| Included Nozzle | (1) 2.0mm Nozzle |
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries regarding your Hakko 851-2 Hot Air Pencil Station, please contact Hakko customer service directly. Refer to the official Hakko website or your purchase documentation for the most current contact details and warranty terms.
Hakko Official Website: www.hakko.com





