Soldering Irons

[Radec]

Anyone have any recommendations?

Will be used for very basic DIY stuff so doesn't need to be the best.

Will I be ok with a cheapo kit from Amazon or should I go for something with a bit more quality?

The reviews on Amazon vary quite a bit even on their highest rated stuff with some not working after a bit, so I'm not sure if I should chance it.

[un1eash]

I've been using an Iroda one from Maplins for years and never had any issues with it.

[Freakuk]

I've used Weller for years, they're not the cheapest by some way.

If anything it's about the wattage, more watts = more heater dissipation in simple terms.

[Toltec]

Depends a bit what you want to use it for, more delicate devices need a temperature controlled iron. If you just need to solder the odd bit of wire together or a wire on to a connector then a cheaper iron is fine. Antex always used to be a good brand at the cheaper end while still good quality and tip availability.

If you need something for heavier duty cables, but not circuit boards one of the gas powered irons can be useful.

[S600BSB]

RS Components

[anonymous-user]

A 60-80W temperature controlled soldering iron will cover most things but ideally a known brand so you can get spare tips, etc.

[Whats on Second]

a temp control iron with a lcd readout is best if you are doing more than soldering a wire to a resistor.

the german supermarkets occasionally have such models for a reasonable price.

[gifdy]

As above, depends what you're using it for. Temp controlled or one where you can replace the tips is best.

Don't forget tip cleaner, flux, sponge to do a neat job. A solder sucker or wick is good if you need to remove components.

[Condi]

I bought a cheap (the cheapest!) one I could find. It takes ages to heat up and is fine for very small wires like car or trailer electrics, but not much use for anything bigger. Think it's only 25 watts!

Buy something better would be my advice. It's okay, but wouldn't buy again.

[anonymous-user]

Just to add, pretty much everything soldered these days is lead free and this solder has a higher melting temperature making it harder to solder properly with the low power irons.

[megaphone]

I've always use Antex, probably on my 3rd one in 40 years. I use a 25w one.

https://www.antex.co.uk/products/precision-range-s...

Edited by megaphone on Tuesday 17th May 17:36

[motco]

A higher powered iron will maintain its temperature when on a joint better than a low powered one. That means the joint is completed in a shorter time with consequently less component and track damage. Antex is a decent brand for home and amateur use in my experience.

[Simpo Two]

gottans said:

Just to add, pretty much everything soldered these days is lead free and this solder has a higher melting temperature making it harder to solder properly with the low power irons.

Yes. Modern solder is ste; I keep a roll of the 'proper' stuff. If you can find it choose one with a flux core. I think this has lead in it: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Multicore-Size-Savbit-All...

As for soldering irons, for general DIY wiring use my 25W Antex is fine.

[V8 Stang]

I do a fair bit of soldering at work, for years i was pissing around with gas and mains irons, then a few years ago i discovered the Milwaukee 12v cordless iron, and its a complete revelation.

It heats up really quick, batteries charge really quick, its designed so if you knock it over the hot tip won't end up on a finished surface, you can even tilt the head.
£60 is pretty good value for a cordless tool.

https://www.powertoolmate.co.uk/milwaukee-m12si-0-...

[normalbloke]

V8 Stang said:

I do a fair bit of soldering at work, for years i was pissing around with gas and mains irons, then a few years ago i discovered the Milwaukee 12v cordless iron, and its a complete revelation.

It heats up really quick, batteries charge really quick, its designed so if you knock it over the hot tip won't end up on a finished surface, you can even tilt the head.
£60 is pretty good value for a cordless tool.

https://www.powertoolmate.co.uk/milwaukee-m12si-0-...

Unfortunately, it’s also the most listed Milwaukee item being sold for ‘spares or repair’. Shame, as everything else I’ve ever owned by them has been exceptional.

[stuartmmcfc]

Although I’ve no personal experience, this one was in practical classics the other month and looked good for around £50
https://www.lasertools.co.uk/Product/8273/Cordless...

[V8 Stang]

normalbloke said:

Unfortunately, it’s also the most listed Milwaukee item being sold for ‘spares or repair’. Shame, as everything else I’ve ever owned by them has been exceptional.

Thats surprising, mine has been in daily use for 2 years and been faultless.

[normalbloke]

V8 Stang said:

normalbloke said:

Unfortunately, it’s also the most listed Milwaukee item being sold for ‘spares or repair’. Shame, as everything else I’ve ever owned by them has been exceptional.

Thats surprising, mine has been in daily use for 2 years and been faultless.

Agreed, and obviously most of them are OK. As said, Milwaukee stuff is usually exemplary.

[Mave]

megaphone said:

I've always use Antex, probably on my 3rd one in 40 years. I use a 25w one.

https://www.antex.co.uk/products/precision-range-s...

Edited by megaphone on Tuesday 17th May 17:36

Same here. I've got that 25w one for doing things which need a bit more heat, and the smaller one for PCBs. I think the small one is maybe 35 years old with only a few bit changes.

[Murph7355]

I bought this a few years ago:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B077GB7CSZ/ref=pe_3187...

I had a few little projects to cover, including fixing a circuit board on my pinball machine, and it worked a treat.

Has replaceable tips and adjustable temp, though no LCD readout which would have been handy (though not worth paying more for, for the few times I need it, IMO).

My soldering skills still need a lot of work. Did OK at removing and cleaning up old components...not as well at putting the new ones back on. It's definitely an art...

Edited to add...this is new and improved for £2 more...and has an LCD display! Buy it