Soldering Irons
Discussion
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.
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.
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.
If you need something for heavier duty cables, but not circuit boards one of the gas powered irons can be useful.
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...
https://www.antex.co.uk/products/precision-range-s...
Edited by megaphone on Tuesday 17th May 17:36
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.
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-...
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-...
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.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-...
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...
https://www.lasertools.co.uk/Product/8273/Cordless...
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.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...
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. https://www.antex.co.uk/products/precision-range-s...
Edited by megaphone on Tuesday 17th May 17:36
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
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
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