Decent Soldering Iron?

[Ryan.2288]

Decent Soldering Iron or Soldering Gun?

I was hoping someone may have some insight on a DECENT quality and priced soldering iron/gun kit? Somewhere in between the really good ones and the Harbor Freight ones
Let me also inquire about this: do you prefer a soldering iron or soldering gun? Why?

 

[Rabid Badger]

What are you going to be working on? Small wires and low thermal mass components or do you need something beefier? Do you want a station type or something portable?

 

[engineer2]

Since most newer electronics is lead-free solder, you'll need once that is stated for that use and goes to higher temperatures. The Weller brand is popular.

 

[dacan23]

I have a Hakko soldering station I bought about 10yrs ago that is awesome. Have a butane one I dont use much, a NIP M12 one also which my friend tells me is decent but not rave reviews. Think I finally threw out that stupid coleman cold heat soldering gizmo not too long ago in a purge and organize the tool box effort.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

The pencil ones that are most common is like using a multi-tool to fix your car. It'll eventually work, but you're not gonna enjoy it.

The guns are like trying to draw a fine line...with a giant rock. But still better than that pencil style.

The soldering stations are a whole new world. I could not believe the difference the first time I used mine. It's worth the extra money.

The Hakko are the top of the line for DIY and even entry pros, but you can do almost as good for a lot cheaper. Here's a well rated one for half the price of the Hakko.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072FNVQZ6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Here's a really good one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AS28UC/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I had a similar cheap SS and liked it well enough to hunt down a used weller off ebay. I LOVE it. This is what soldering should be.

BTW you should look into Matcos soldering clamp, it's handy: https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/EZSOLD/E-Z-SOLDER-CLAMP/

Oh, and to make things easier on yourself, use flux. I had always assumed the flux in the solder was good enough. A small gob of solder on the wires you're about the solder makes a huge difference.

 

[matt_m]

deleted

 

[HazetMatt]

I have a Hakko FX888D. Yes it's probably overkill for most people, but I don't think you can beat it for quality without spending a ton of money.

 

[shoeless]

I have a couple stand alone irons that I bought for field service use a Hakko Blue 508 40w and a 240V 40w Goot (not sure where I got that one, Singapore maybe?). They are ok, have saved the day on several occasions. However I much prefer a soldering station, the irons on them are more comfortable to use and you have more temperature control(unless its a fixed temp version but to me that's only practical for a production environment where the same thing is soldered all day). The standard one that I have seen everywhere is the Weller WS51. We have a ton of them here, we had a ton of that at each of my previous jobs. I even bought one for use at home. The WS51 has an analog temperature control, but they do make a version that has a digital control.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K5OMTVY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The Weller Michael_in_DE recommended is a nice option, just doesn't quite have the temp control the WS51 does.

Or you could go crazy and get a Pace MBT, I mean after all this is GJ and I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't recommend the batshit-crazy-for-the-homeowner option
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PDQMKY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
This doesn't even include the thermotweeze, the hot air rework, or the thermalpik (ic chip vacuum remover) accessories.

 

[ransil]

Re: Decent Soldering Iron or Soldering Gun?

I like pace, not a fan of hacko or weller.
I do have an MBT, sold my PRC.

Check ebay for Pace solder stations, single output analog is the one i use the most, nothing fancy. Find one complete with tips.

I have a hacko and a weller here fkr sale if interested.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[Mr. T]

I have a Hakko FX888D. Yes it's probably overkill for most people, but I don't think you can beat it for quality without spending a ton of money.

I approve of this post. The Weller WE101NA has better temp regulation but is also about $30-40 more.

 

[fsae0607]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WLNMMMG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you feel like a baller, get the digital version. The Weller is a workhorse.

And yes, get a little container of electronics rosin flux. You'll wonder how you ever soldered without it.

 

[Mr. T]

Re: Decent Soldering Iron or Soldering Gun?

Since you didn’t really say how you’ll be using it, the Portasol Super Pro is an awesome little butane powered unit I pull out when running an extension cord would be a pain.

 

[dogdog]

HAKKO, weller, Pace are all very nice.... if you are on a splurge or can find something on the surplus somethings (I found my pace even well used, it's at $150+ shipping)... I have the PACE MBT it is nice, accessory is kinda expensive... also have a 3-in-1 no name joe blow, that get used a lot, the tips $10 a box are less expensive, and very compatible... gets the job done when I needed it to. and it's digital temp control.... yea yea that Aussie Dave guy did a video, but it is not as bad as what he makes it. The key is to use the right tip for the right job. Although I have always used one tip for every job...

 

[OHMS LAW]

I use this for wiring on a daily. I love it

 

[PNWguy]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WLNMMMG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you feel like a baller, get the digital version. The Weller is a workhorse.

And yes, get a little container of electronics rosin flux. You'll wonder how you ever soldered without it.

Not cheap, but good. I've had one for 10(?) years, and it's awesome. It works in the shop, where I've done wiring on my motorcycle. I've used it outside on a cold windy day to fi a bunch of problems on my early 70's MG (Lucas!). I've done really delicate circuit board (through hole, not surface mount) work, and it's fine for that. I use this iron 98% of the time, because it's so easy to control.

A "real" iron will give you temperature control, rather than constant wattage. It's a game changer. But again, it's over $100.

I also have a Weller gun that I got 20+ years ago as a gift. I use it for cutting nylon rope and soldering really big stuff. I think it's too big for automotive wiring. It's an axe, not a scalpel.

 

[Luciferi]

I prefer irons over guns, Hakko Fx-601

 

[MoonRise]

Soldering gun vs soldering iron?

Neither.

Soldering station.

Even a relatively inexpensive soldering station is usually 'better' than most so-called soldering irons.

I got an inexpensive soldering station from these folks years ago. Does what I need it to do (general-purpose soldering/desoldering, discrete components, solder and splice wires, that sort of thing). Set the desired temp on the dial and the unit heats up pretty quickly, do the job, done. Waaaaay better than a no-temp-control soldering iron or gun.

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/soldering-stations

 

[engineer2]

A solder sucker (desoldering tool) is very useful. Recently got a Hakko 470B for free. It needed filters and a valve kit which are cheap.

 

[Stuey]

+1 for Hakko.

 

[atikovi]

Can you even use those stations when you're working in a car or under the hood?

 

[atikovi]

Aren't those stations meant to be used on a workbench? I'd be worried if you put it on the drivers seat or floor and accidentally bumped it, you could burn a hole in the fabric or carpet.

 

[shoeless]

Sure, why not? The Weller WS51 isn't that big, it's like 6"x4"x3". Of course you will probably need an extension cord but that typically isn't a big deal I would think.

 

[atikovi]

I use a pencil style iron for automotive use. If I'm not holding on to it, I have it outside the car on the ground usually next to my tools. Can't burn anything in the car.

 

[shoeless]

Sure, why not? The Weller WS51 isn't that big, it's like 6"x4"x3". Of course you will probably need an extension cord but that typically isn't a big deal I would think.

Ironically it would probably be the other way around as pretty much all stations come with an iron holder. Stand alone irons pretty much never do, unless it's something like in this photo:

 

[FlaGman]

I have a Hakka soldering station for the workbench and a Portasol butane unit for auto and motorcycle. For just doing a few connections, I actually prefer the Portasol. The exhaust port is excellent for shrink tubing as well.

 

[byoungblood]

For benchtop use, get a temperature controlled station. I have a Hakko FX-888 myself. Cheap pencil irons aren't temperature compensated, if you solder something that sinks a lot of heat, they can't adjust to maintain their temperature, so you can either end up with a cold joint or you have to wait for it to heat back up before continuing your work. Of course, being able to turn it down can help you from lifting traces or damaging components with too much heat too.

I also have one of the big Weller 8200 guns I use for soldering large terminals, larger wire, etc. The tips don't have a lot of thermal mass so they're still iffy for soldering large ground connections, I've got one of those old 150w wands with the big tip for that stuff. Still takes a moment, probably because the tip is worn out, but it will solder terminals onto a large steel chassis.

For stuff in the car, I use my Portasol 125.

 

[Mr. T]

Thanks(and dammit!) again.

You’re welcome!

Word to the wise, that little guy heats up fast and stays hot longer than you might think.

 

[Steve_P]

I have the weller WES 51 and also the portasol; both work great. I also have an old Weller gun but I havent used it in years

 

[PNWguy]

Can you even use those stations when you're working in a car or under the hood?

Yes, with no problem.
I put the base on something stable so it doesn't fall over. The iron goes into the coiled spring and the hot tip is kept away from flammables.

Things I've set it on:
floor mat, air cleaner, inner fender panel, cowl, passenger seat, trans tunnel, gas tank (motorcycle) and occasionally the work bench.

 

[scooby074]

What are you planning on doing with the gun, makes a huge difference in whats suggested.

I have a Weller WLC100. https://canada.newark.com/weller/wlc100/hobbyist-soldering-station-40w/dp/92F5084 Its great for a multipurpose basic tool. I also have a couple old school Weller trigger guns (D550? style) , that are great for heavy work and heat up fast.

Butane powered torches have their place, but are pretty risky for a lot of applications and I prefer to stay electric if I can.

There are 12v powered torches that are very handy for auto work. Weller makes one but the one I had was not a "brand name" that I can remember (maybe it was Antex brand?). They give the portability of gas and the safety of electric. I had one at one time, but have since lost it. Should get another.

 

[todd_fuller]

You guys are killing me. So many options. To the OP, checkout the EEVBlog forums for more in-depth information. This question is asked there often and most of the people there use an iron frequently.

 

[Buckaroo5]

The Hakko are the top of the line for DIY and even entry pros, but you can do almost as good for a lot cheaper. Here's a well rated one for half the price of the Hakko.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072FNVQZ6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Current lightning deal on Amazon going fast - just got this soldering station for $39.99 w/ lightning deal and $3 off coupon.

Buckaroo

 

[MoonRise]

I don't want to look it up :
Do they make an induction coil soldering iron yet?
An easy idea perhaps not easily executed.

Yes, there are induction heated soldering tools.

Hakko has at least one.

http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx100.html

 

[anndel]

I have an old (5 yrs+) Weller automatic temperature controlled soldering station and used it to solder ignition coil pack connectors since the stock connectors broke due to the heat. I just put the controller and iron (in a soldering iron stand) on a roll cart and brought it to the car. If the Weller dies I'll pick up a Hakko.

 

[RAGGED]

I had a nice Weller for many years but it finally crapped the bed. We replaced it with an OKi (Metcal) and I have to say it’s been phenomenal, it just seems to be so much more consistent in temp. No idea what it cost but would highly suggest looking into one. It’s very heavy and made mostly of metal, the entire outer case appears to be cast aluminum. Tips seem to last much longer as well.

 

[Citation]

I have a Hakko 936. Great iron. However depending on your needs one of the Chinese soldiering stations on Amazon may be a good option. They aren't as good as the name brands but are much better then the non-controlled pencil irons. I second the comments about getting flux and learning how to clean the iron tip.

BTW, I also have the Hakko 4AA powered portable iron. I was very suspicious when I got it. I gave it a chance only because of the name and clearance price. Low power but hearts fast and works well for smaller wires.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I purchased a cheap soldering station from Hobby King in late 2016 for less than $20. It works great and is so much better than a standard iron or gun. I purchased a pack of different tips off eBay for a few bucks. Zero complaints working on my RC trucks or automotive wiring.

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/soldering-station-with-adjustable-heat-range-us-warehouse.html

 

[Indiana Dave]

Soldering gun vs soldering iron?

Neither.

Soldering station.

Even a relatively inexpensive soldering station is usually 'better' than most so-called soldering irons.

I got an inexpensive soldering station from these folks years ago. Does what I need it to do (general-purpose soldering/desoldering, discrete components, solder and splice wires, that sort of thing). Set the desired temp on the dial and the unit heats up pretty quickly, do the job, done. Waaaaay better than a no-temp-control soldering iron or gun.

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/soldering-stations

Which one do you have???

 

[nh_yota]

If you're going to be soldering wires together (such as automotive electrical work) you need a soldering iron/gun with some juice because the wires dissipate heat fast. I have an 80-watt Weller iron that works great for such work.

 

[CoogarXR]

Like every other tool recommendation on here, go buy one of each! lol. I have a ton of regular ol' irons, a nice solder station on my work bench, and a couple big soldering guns in the garage. The guns are nice for doing trailer hitch wiring out in the cold. That's about all I use them for.