Which soldering iron to buy?

I want to take my electrical connections to the next (and proper) level and buy a soldering iron.

I would prefer a cordless unit (butane or rechargable battery) but price is a major factor for me.  As I am an enthusaist, and not a professional, I dont need a creme-de-la- creme unit.

What recomendations do you guys have?  So far, I looked at the Snap-on butane model, their rechargeble unit, the PPSK, and the t100k.  The latter two are too procey for me..so how are the Snap-on units?  Any others?

Thanks,

-a

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1991 Mazda Rx-7
Alpine HU w/iPod adapter
PG 600.2Ti, Alpine 35x4
Optima Yellow

I got some cheap no-name butane that works just fine for like $20, i have a soldering gun that was about the same price that i use for wire and large connections, they both work just fine... but the iron i use for small stuff (PCB, very small wire) was over $100...

The Snap-on ones are good. I have used one before and it worked great. I dont have one tho....I went with a cheaper solder iron called Weller. It works pretty good also.

This is the best one IMO.

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Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

^^^^^Yeah that is the solder iron that I have used before. It works great!

I go to garage sales al the time to find weller guns from the 60's-70's when they had the 3/8s nuts that torqued down to tighten up the tips. The ones with the screws and allen keys tend to strip but you will have to ply my weller guns from my cold dead hands to get them away from me.

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double-secret reverse-osmosis speaker-cone-induced high-level interference distortion, Its a killer

the snap on one is a top line weller, I have the cheap weller and it works great

I got one from Radio Shack for $20 that works awesome. Weller's are great too. I like the kit they offer that has various tips and a case for around $60. I use that at the shop, and the Radio Shack one for home.

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Tim-May!

I use the self igniting butane model from Matco. $102 and it's great. Alittle more ticky about keeping it clean, but it'll last you forever if you take care of it.

I agree with db i like the matco one I have a co-worker who went thru 2 of the snap-on ones since I got mine but ya never know it could have just been a fluke thing 

The snapon's don't like too much abuse. The first one I had lasted 2 years, the one I have now is 3 years and couting.

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Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

I've got the Snap On Yas-32 ($64.00) which is the higest Weller with Snap On's name on it.  You can find the Weller equivalant for about $20 bucks cheaper than the Snap On one.  I'm on my second one, my first one lasted me 11 years.

Thats all I got to say bout that

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Never Let Those Who Say It Cant Be Done Stand In The Way While You Do It!