soldering iron selection
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Forum Name: Car Security and Convenience
Forum Discription: Car Alarms, Keyless Entries, Remote Starters, Immobilizer Bypasses, Sensors, Door Locks, Window Modules, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=120068
Printed Date: May 09, 2024 at 7:43 AM
Topic: soldering iron selection
Posted By: shafferny
Subject: soldering iron selection
Date Posted: February 11, 2010 at 6:03 PM
Hi everyone, Being my 35w el'cheapo soldering iron is only good for soldering smaller wires, i'm seeking to purchase something that will hand 10 and 12awg wires with ease. In the past it has always got me by, but it's time for new one. I've read through numberous posts regarding solderin iron selection and it appear what I need is something that is at least 50-60watts. I'd like some input as to what's good, what to stay away from, and brands. I'm thinking something like this. https://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM161706137P?vName=Tools&keyword=soldering+iron
Replies:
Posted By: x1le
Date Posted: February 11, 2010 at 6:10 PM
I use a 260w watt weller soldering gun I snag'd for like $45 shipped. Another installer I work with has the craftsman 230w which I actually like over mine.
I love havin a gun, tho. Heats up primary wires in <15 secs.
Posted By: chev104275
Date Posted: February 11, 2010 at 6:11 PM
i use this Power Probe it works as long as your careful i also have this Solder Kit part#PPSK at the bottom of the page works good too ------------- If i Can't Install it I Don't need it Joe
Posted By: shafferny
Date Posted: February 11, 2010 at 6:51 PM
Does the wattage of a gun different than the wattage of a soldering iron when used for the same type materal? (Does that make sense?) For example, would a 230watt gun be comparible to a 80w iron?
Posted By: Twelvoltz
Date Posted: February 11, 2010 at 7:20 PM
I have been using this one for years. Had to replace the occasional tip but would not go without it now. Solders 2 10ga wires no problem at all. ------------- Installer, IT support, and FFL. I need less hobbies.
Posted By: matthewjon
Date Posted: February 11, 2010 at 7:33 PM
I have a craftman model # 27320 soldering gun. Works like a champ!
Dual heating 400/150 watts
built-in work light
rated tip temp: 1000*F
Posted By: oldspark
Date Posted: February 11, 2010 at 8:12 PM
shafferny wrote:
would a 230watt gun be comparible to a 80w iron?
They should have similar efficiencies (converting electricity to heat) so the 230W should have nearly 4 times the heat output of the 80W.
Hence the 230W is more suited to BIG cables etc that conduct heat away faster (or rather, at a greater rate... lol).
The smaller 80W is more suited to smaller electronics and wires.
And it will take a bit longer to melt those SMDs (Surface Mount Devices) (That's another lol).
Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: February 11, 2010 at 8:21 PM
If you are buying an electric iron, buy a Weller branded iron. There are several manufacturers of butane irons that are of very good quality. The Snap-On piece mentioned earlier is a very good piece of equipment.
Posted By: monty_77
Date Posted: February 12, 2010 at 12:32 AM
I like my weller's think their great.
i use the weller 8200 for most of my connections.
and the weller D550PK if i have a lot of heavy gauge wires
like them both.
Easy to get tips too radio shack, and sears have them. almost anyone has them
Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: February 12, 2010 at 3:39 AM
Weller gun the red one with illumination, plus a selection of Pyropens although even when using the correct butane, the Pyropens die,they just won't ignite. I've borrowed the Gascat unit that twelvoltz uses, it's still around freezing point here, we'll see how it goes.
Posted By: oldspark
Date Posted: February 12, 2010 at 4:56 AM
If it's near freezing, wouldn't cold-soldering work better?
LOL. A recent discovery by me (d'oh!), I was tempted to make one. It might be a good use for those old motor & alternator brushes....
Alas I still use my ~40W Weller TC202D - circa 1970s vintage.
That was my second e-tool purchase after an (analog!) multimeter (for the same absolute price that they are today - namely $13.50 - well over $100-$200 in real terms now!).
Alas upon last use, 1 of the 3 Weller tip connector pins broke. I considered claiming under warranty, but some copper wire worked instead. I still use its original solder pad!
Posted By: sneakycyber
Date Posted: February 12, 2010 at 6:27 AM
I use a Blue point YAS1 butane soldering iron for just about everything I even used it to do my SMD conversion in my dash heats those 2mm leds up Very easily. Works great on Ign wires too if you crank it up even in cold weather. I also have a BernzOmatic pocket torch for Soldering Battery terminals on 4 and 0 AWG (there's no model number on it though).
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Posted By: tedmond
Date Posted: February 12, 2010 at 6:56 AM
I just recently added the Weller WPA2 to my toolbox. https://www.globaltestsupply.com/c/180/Weller_WPA2_Cordless_Butane_Soldering_Iron.html I couldnt get it to heat up a constant12v wire with 3 addition 16 gauge wires attached. after talkin to howie, he showed me a method and it works great, now i know the trick. for those curious 1) tin the tip with solder
2) head up wire, let solder flow from tip onto wire. Its hard to understand in words, but give it a shot. ------------- Ted
2nd Year Tier 1 Medical School
Still installing as a hobby...pays for groceries
Compustar Expert
Posted By: awdeclipse
Date Posted: February 12, 2010 at 7:10 AM
I've been using one of these for close to 10 years now.
SolderPro 120 Kit
No problem soldering ignition wires in a cold garage. Great product and good support if you ever need to call them for anything.
Posted By: shafferny
Date Posted: February 12, 2010 at 3:38 PM
Wow. Seems like everyone has something different. Since I live in a small town and we're limited on what's available locally, I went to our local NAPA and this is the biggest one they had in stock. https://www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.aspx?R=BK_7702529_0254173349#
Posted By: tedmond
Date Posted: February 12, 2010 at 4:10 PM
that will work fine. its not as convienant since its not butane, but that 80w should get any job done.
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Ted
2nd Year Tier 1 Medical School
Still installing as a hobby...pays for groceries
Compustar Expert
Posted By: shafferny
Date Posted: February 12, 2010 at 9:00 PM
I may have to get me one of those little butane soldering irons. Those are pretty cool. Just curious. Does the exhaust on those get hot enough to shrink shrink tubing? lol
Posted By: tedmond
Date Posted: February 12, 2010 at 10:21 PM
with the weller pyropen, you can get the tip changed from a soldering tip, to a heat shrink blower. so to answer your question, yes it does get hot enough to heat shrink. ------------- Ted
2nd Year Tier 1 Medical School
Still installing as a hobby...pays for groceries
Compustar Expert
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