What is this soldering tool accessory for ?

[Jacobson]

What is that black thing?
Also, can someone suggest a basic wire solder tool for once every few years use?
Occasional auto wire, appliance repair, etc.

 

[383]

Bend the center part up, it's a stand for the iron when not in use.

 

[LXCam]

That’s the stand for the gun. You bend the middle piece up so you can lay the hot end up off the surface.

 

[Iridium rand]

Pro'sKit 900-015 Helping Hands Soldering Aid https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PIA6Z4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

is this what you have in mind when you say wire solder tool? You put both stripped wire ends in the clips and they hold it together while you solder them, really any cheapie will work fine we have a bunch of these at work for that purpose, can get one with a magnifying glass if you really want but they just get in the way and I take them off personally

 

[larry_g]

You need to size your soldering iron to the job at hand. The iron you have pictured is only for small work like PCB stuff. If you get into larger wire and connections then your going to need more wattage. I have a small pencil one like you pictured and use it for small stuff/PCB work, not really fine wire and IC's. The other one I have in my shop is a Weller gun that takes care of the heavier stuff, 16-12 gage wire, terminals and such. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002N7S1/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If I could have only one it would be the gun but that is just me and the kind of work I do. Spend a bit of time learning what iron is best suited for what you do. One starting place is; https://www.weller-tools.com/what-type-of-soldering-iron-do-i-need/

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Snapped-off]

I'd probably get a bigger iron like the first one Larry linked for general soldering. Smaller stuff like PCBs you'd likely want a smaller iron.

 

[toplessHO]

when it comes to soldering irons I find that its like a set of wrenches
one size doesnt fit all.
For that reason I have many,as well as a couple that have many different size and shape tips

I really like the ungar that has the replaceable element,this one comes with a 50watt but there are smaller sizes for the same body
and the tips are replaceable as well

Weller/Ungar Modular Soldering Pencil With 50 Watt Heater And Tip. All New | eBay

<p>Weller/Ungar Modular Soldering Pencil. Condition is New. With Ungar 50 Watt Heater and 332 tip, both new.</p>

www.ebay.com

 

[f121]

Weller soldering gun is my goto for auto soldering, instant heat, still works outside when it’s freezing and you can put it down without burning stuff. Don’t bother with the cheap knock offs, i had one and it was junk.

 

[four.cycle]

"...a basic wire solder tool..."

Portasol butane-powered soldering iron

The date on the package is 1989. That's probably about when I bought it. The package for the Blue-Point replacement tip tells me I bought the tip off a Snap-on truck at some point.
This is the only way to go. I don't even think I own an electric soldering iron - they're for the birds.
(And yes, I have used that thing laying on my back with my head up under a dashboard.)

YMMV

 

[Snapped-off]

Portasol butane-powered soldering iron

The date on the package is 1989. That's probably about when I bought it. The package for the Blue-Point replacement tip tells me I bought the tip off a Snap-on truck at some point.
This is the only way to go. I don't even think I own an electric soldering iron - they're for the birds.
(And yes, I have used that thing laying on my back with my head up under a dashboard.)

YMMV

I've got the newer (10 years old now) version of that. It's been really handy. Just bought some more butane for it.