A soldering iron is a hand tool utilized in soldering. There are lots of soldering irons on hand on the market today. They are available in an array of shapes and sizes. Which soldering iron to pick for yourself will depend on soldering works you’re planning to do and how often you’re planning on using it. This article will cover how to choose a soldering iron which will be utilized for electronic soldering projects as well as de-soldering job on the circuit boards.
The three essential factors to keep in mind when picking a soldering iron for electronics are:
- Temperature control
- Wattage
- Tip shape and size
The wattage of the soldering iron is indeed one of the most vital factors to consider when looking for a soldering iron for electronics. A lot of soldering irons utilized in the electronics are in 20 to 60 watts range. A soldering iron that has 50W is extremely common nowadays, and it will give enough heat for most of the soldering jobs on the circuit boards.
A soldering iron that has 40W to 60W is better. It doesn’t that a soldering iron with high wattage use more heat to the solder joint, so meaning that soldering iron that has higher wattage has lots of power available. Since a lot of soldering stations have a knob on a power station for setting the temperature of the iron, it’s likely to control the level of heat on the tip of the iron. However, a soldering iron that has low wattage can lose heat quickly which it can re-heat itself. It has bad solder joints in consequence.
Types of Soldering Iron
There are many kinds of soldering irons available:
In general, there are four kinds of soldering irons such as:
- Soldering pencil
- Soldering guns
- Soldering station
- Soldering systems repair and rework stations.
A soldering pencil is extremely simple, and what is more it also extremely cheap soldering tool which can be utilized only for easy or simple do-it-yourself jobs. This soldering pencil has a price range of $30 to $60. It is not recommended to use a soldering pencil for fine soldering project given that it doesn’t offer any control of the temp on the tip of the iron. Too much heat used during soldering can harm parts of components as well as peel off tracks on the circuit board.
Soldering Stations
A soldering station takes account of soldering pencil which is linked to a power station which has controls for setting the preferred temp on the soldering iron tip. There are soldering irons available that have electronic temp control. So, it means you can extremely accurately set as well as maintain the temp of the soldering iron. The power station instantly keeps the tip of the iron at the right temp. Soldering stations can be purchased for $40 to $150. It depends on the brands. Soldering station can cover the majority of soldering jobs which takes account of through-hole components as well as extremely fine surface mount parts as small as 0603 and 0805.
Rework and Repair Systems
Rework, and repair systems are complicated soldering systems that are mostly utilized in the high volume manufacturing facilities or industry. Normally a soldering system consists of many pieces which include soldering iron, de-soldering gun, hot air gun, thermo-tweezers, and many others. Soldering systems have a price range of $250 to $2500. One of the more renowned brands for soldering systems is the Pace.
Soldering Guns
Major components of a soldering gun are a transformer that converts 110 VAC to a lower voltage. The secondary winding transformer has just a single turn. Through this manner, the secondary of the transformer generates a low voltage, as well as hundreds of amperes of current given that main of the transformer, is linked to 10 V AC as well as the secondary transformer winding has just single turn. This high current is routed in the copper tip of soldering gun; thus the soldering gun tip is heated fast by the high current flowing in it.
A soldering gun can be easily and quickly turned on and off and has short warm up time. On the other hand, the expert doesn’t suggest soldering gun for excellent work on circuit boards provided that fact that it can produce too much heat and so can harm the parts on it or the circuit board. A soldering gun has a price range of $20 to $70.
Soldering iron can be utilized for many reasons and functions. You might have a pastime of collecting the tools, or you incline building electrical equipment, soldering irons can be valuable in all the conditions. There is separate soldering iron for circuit board and mobile repair, but today we will talk about the best soldering irons for electronics. So, check this out!
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Vastar Full Set 60W 110V Soldering Iron Kit
This soldering iron kit from Vastar is a full set with 60W 110V and the tip is iron plated and made of stainless steel. The superiority of this product has been highly regarded. Vasta Full Set 60W soldering iron kit has the properties of reliability and stability. This is utilized for different functions, so it’s a mandatory soldering iron kit in your home. If you’re in soldering different objects like cellphone, appliance, etc., it’s a mandatory toolkit for you.
This soldering kit for electronic jobs comes with adjustable temp control soldering irons from 200 degrees to 450-degree centigrade. What is more, it has a special thermostat circuit which controls and adjusts the temp for the needs of the knob wheel on the electronic soldering iron.
There are many kinds of soldering iron available. With this set, there’s no need of soldering station since simply plugging is all you have to do to get started. This soldering iron kit for electronic jobs comes with improving heat dissipation efficiency, and the steel pipe style was also upgraded. There are manufacturers that make use of PCBA chip resistor whereas some other types of soldering iron kits available are made with coloring resistance. The cable measures 59.0 inches while the length is 7.0 inch. It takes 110V with 60 wattage power. This product is easy to use. It’s highly suggested to clean this soldering iron prior to joining.
What We Like
- Superb quality
- Economical
- High power
- Numerous accessories
What We Don’t Like
- Bulky and big
- Not recommended for everyday use
2. Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station
This is a superior, high quality as well as super lightweight soldering iron for electronic jobs that come with padded foam grip and with pencil iron with the easy to replace the heating element. It’s a perfect machine for Do It Yourself fanatics and students.
This soldering kit has everything you want starting from a soldering iron. It can wholly join metals as well as make electrical connections. State of the art Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station is not perfect for the hardcore experts as it is made by keeping DIY fanatic and hobbyists in mind.
The integrated pencil iron is made of a superior ST3 iron plated copper tip. Your comfort has been given priority as it has got padded foam grip which helps a lot in gripping the unit for longer hours. It also comes with a replaceable element that allows the user to make use of this soldering iron for a long period. Also, it encourages the toughness of the product.
The tips of this soldering iron are made of copper core plated with iron. Copper is mainly utilized for transferring heat as well as iron plating for toughness and durability. Copper easily get corroded. Therefore its tip gets eaten away while iron will not.
This soldering kit also comes equipped with uneven power controls which enables you to alter the power according to your requirements. With one switch of the knob, you can change the level of the power from 5 watts to 40 watts. The knob is available on the base unit. So, the flexibility of this machine is also encouraged as you perform diverse tasks which need varied pressures of power.
There’s a power indicated keys on the base unit of this product which specifies you to switch off the power the moment you’re done with your job so that you do not leave the soldering iron on. There’s an integrated iron stand which helps in the proper organization of the working area as well as a natural sponge tip cleaning pad useful in cleaning the tip of the iron after every use. The WLC100 40-Watt from Weller is integrated with ST3 iron plated 1/8 inches screwdriver tip. However, this model is well-matched with ST series tips which can help in completing more electronic jobs. The tips can be purchased separately. The price of this soldering iron is a little bit higher. However, it is made of high-quality material. Thus you can use it for many years.
Soldering iron for electronic jobs that come from Weller is premier in the market over many tears. The products this company offers are UL Listed, so meaning they are tried and tested thoroughly as well as meet safety standards. They also come with one year warranty. So, you can ask for a refund.
The tips are made with solid copper as well as iron plated which secures them against wear and tear as well as corrosion. It’s a renowned and huge brand which company’s best of the soldering iron for electronic jobs.
What We Like
- Amazing quality
- Power controls are easy to adjust
- Perfect for small scale electronic jobs
- Superior accessories
What We Don’t Like
- A dust bag is small
- Expensive or high-priced
- Small dust bag.
3. X-Tronic Model #3020-XTS Digital Display Soldering Iron Station
This is considered one of the most expensive but high-quality soldering iron available today. This is integrated with remarkable features which take account of LED digital display. It has ten minutes of sleep function so that once you finished with your job for ten minutes, this soldering iron will automatically shift to sleep mode.
This soldering kit is perfect for newbie and professionals too because it can undertake complicated jobs with ease. Because it is made of a renowned manufacturer, the performance and the durability of this product are invincible.
This soldering kit takes account of 75W soldering iron that has heat resistant ergonomic handle. It has a temperature that ranges from 200 degrees Celsius and 490 degrees Celsius. There’s a soldering iron holder that is made of a stainless steel, solder roll holder as well as brass sponge tip cleaner.
With regards to specifications, state of the art X-Tronic Model #3020-XTS Digital Display Soldering Iron Station is ESD safe and offers 75W of soldering output. There’s a toggle switch which changes the temp display from centigrade to Fahrenheit. This is a high-end tool with different functions as well as features. There’s a proportional integral derivative system which is referred to as magic temp compensation system to sustain the stability of the temperature of the tip.
What is more, it comes with LED that readouts display the entire functions on the console. The patent or ergonomic grip intended to keep your hand safe and sound from heat produced by the unit. This also integrated with self-test function with complete intelligence on over-temps, overload as well as short-circuits.
The #3020-XTS Soldering Iron comes equipped with 100 percent silicon cord that is 60” long, which start from the tip to the main unit. There are another fifty-five inches long power cord which widens from plug to the unit. It’s an ideal toolkit for those who are using the kit expertly or want to know it expertly.
State of the art X-Tronic soldering iron is made with remarkable features which are not available in any products available out there. This soldering iron is powered with special features. If you’re concerned regarding the cost of this unit, then don’t be as this is very durable as well as promising. This soldering kit is functional with superb features.
What We Like
- This soldering kit is ideal for heavy duty use
- High quality making
- Responsive controls
- Convenient holder
What We Don’t Like
- Extremely heavy
- It comes with extremely thin sponge
4. Power Probe PPSK Butane Soldering Kit
This soldering kit from Power Probe is perfect for general purpose electrical/electronic job. It’s one of the best and most excellent products among newbie and experts. The best thing about this product is that it doesn’t come with a cord. Thus you can take this unit anywhere for use. As it is wireless, this provides you the free will to utilize it anywhere, most essentially at the areas wherein electric outlets are available. Another amazing feature is that it doesn’t need the power to use and operate. Being wireless is considered one of the best perks of this soldering kit.
The PPSK Butane from Power Probe is smaller and lightweight. On the hand, it is packed with amazing features. What is more, this unit is very reliable and dependable and loved by a lot of users due to its seamless and flawless working. This also works on butane fuel which can last for two hours. How long it would last when using depends on the type of job. On the other hand, some users came up with complaints which the machine overheats, and it is hard to keep in their hands.
It’s an electronic unit which takes account of an electric flame adjustment which ranges from one half to two and one-half inches. It comes with easy to adjust flame feature that is easy to use. The integrated ignition is very dependable and reliable as well. Because it is powered by butane fuel, the soldering iron gets heat up extremely fast.
The PPSK Butane soldering kit takes account of an injection tip, soldering tool, hot knife, heat shield, roll of rosin holder, tube solder, adjustable wrenches, tray, and sponger as well as hard carry case. It’s an ideal soldering kit for newbie as well as for routine jobs. This measures 10.3 by 4.5 by 1.5 inches. It is super lightweight; in fact, this product only weighs 14.4 ounces.
Users are relatively astounded and impressed with this soldering kit from Power Probe, most fundamentally the butane torch. The performance, quality, price, easy flame adjustability, self-ignition are only some of the many factors which have impressed lots of users and customers. What is more, because it is cordless, this soldering is considered the best soldering kit for electronic jobs.
This has been extensively utilized to fix small problems. You are applying heat shrink tubing to the cable on or off the car. You can make use of this unit in various positions. The flame functions consistently.
Power Probe is indeed a good brand which is perfect for manufacturing the most excellent soldering kit. The manufacturer has the kindness of making high-quality products.
What We Like
- Wireless
- It has a long run time
- This is easy to handle and control as well
- Very economical
What We Don’t Like
- Iron is extremely hot
- There is no place to stand in this unit.
5. Hakko FM2032-51 Micro Soldering Handpiece
If you’re searching for a reliable soldering iron kit, then you need to consider the Hakko FM203251. This is the perfect soldering kit for you. This product is extremely lightweight ideal for micro-soldering capabilities as well as work for remodeling systems. Soldering iron tip has the propensity to hold distance objects as well as circuits.
This unit is ideal for narrow and tight spots as the tip is extremely thin which it can be accommodated in the narrow and tight spots. On the other hand, this soldering kit is just for daily casual consumers. It’s a simple unit which doesn’t have industrial tendencies. This unit makes use of short change T30 Series micro bleeding tip which generates enough warmth. On the other hand, the power which is required to work effectively is confined.
It comes with a burn-resistant wire, which is also thin as well as funky resistant that keeps cool although operated at 450 Celsius for a long time. It also comes with connector assembly as well as microdevice for jobs which need to be completed in narrow and tight areas.
One biggest flaw of this soldering iron is the fact that it has fast change T30 series tips. However, you need to purchase them separately as it’s not integrated into the package. It has SD safe design, and for superb thermal recovery, the PPSK Butane has high power forty-eight wattage heater that has multi-layering tendencies. This is perfect for micro soldering which is completed under microscopes. The PPSK Butane is a lightweight and slim soldering iron for electronics jobs which upholds high stage of visibility.
This product is made by Hakko, a renowned manufacturer from Japan. The superiority of their products is superb. The toughness is also ensured. This is a reliable soldering unit that newbie and professional users can depend on.
What We Like
- Heat resistant
- Micro pencil
- Handling this product is easy and stress-free
- Made of high quality materials
What We Don’t Like
- Tip can break if not handled gently
6. OMorc Soldering Iron Kit
With regards to getting in the smaller areas for repair as well as soldered joint, then OMorc Soldering Iron is the best choice. It’s a reliable soldering tweezers device which has exceptionally shaped anti-static mouth. Compared to other tweezers available today, these provide better precision through getting inside of the limited areas as well as providing extremely pleasing results. This soldering kit has the feature of determining the precise area wherein the fixing and repairs are required.
This soldering kit provides 60W of power as well as heating force to the objects. Because of extreme power, it has a temp which range from 200 degree Celsius to 450 degrees Celsius utilizing a hand dial. The temp of this machine can be adjusted with ease for diverse tasks. It’s a budget-friendly machine; however, no compromise has been completed in making it restricted feature wise.
The tool of the soldering iron becomes cool and hot swiftly. As a result, it lessens the chances of accidents. The works of this soldering iron are easier as well. This also reheats in less time. To make sure, high stage of safety, this is also certified by FCC, CE as well as ROHS. Also, it consists of a desoldering pump which will assist in improving longevity through keeping the welds strong as well as cleaners.
State of the art soldering kit from OMorc Soldering is integrated with different temp controls which allow the user to make use of this product on many types of metals it depends on your soldering needs. Because it comes with a steel pipe style, the soldering iron from OMorc can get heated fast as well as adjust fast and safely. In spite of the usability of this product at no matter what temp, the integrated enclosed slip resistant as well as the heat insulated handle stay this unit cold for easy holding.
This soldering kit takes account of the durable carrying case; home Do It Yourself as well as wood burning projection. This also comes with U-Shape Iron Stand, soldering mat made of silicone, soldering iron with on and off toggle switch, soldering sucker as well as five different soldering tips. This soldering kit is ideal for routine application as well as for newbie users. Also, you can perform some basic home repairs as well as electronic repair jobs with it.
What We Like
- Five exceptional tips
- Instant heating and cooling
- Integrated with LED light
What We Don’t Like
- The solder is not superior or high-quality
- The stand is thin
7. Hakko FX-601 w/ free 3′ Solder Sample and Spudger
This soldering iron from Hakko comes with three inches solder sample as well as a spudger. This is ideal for soldering iron uses which need to be moved around. It is also integrated with convenient as well as a sleek handle which allows soldering to be completed at hard places. State of the art FX-601 soldering kit is extremely super lightweight. It is also integrated with a well-balanced piece that has a resilient strain relief. It comes with six feet power cord that includes its reachability.
This soldering iron is made for soldering big irons which leave you stressed and fatigues after long hours of use. This is UL and CSA approved, and it comes with a temp sensor to control high temperatures. It also integrated with long wire and lightweight nature that makes it easy to use and at the same time lessens stress because of the long hours of using.
This is a superior soldering iron which can reach incredible areas of a device or gadget because of its patented nature as well as extra six feet long wire provided. It has consistent as well as efficient heating and needs less wattage and energy. It is also integrated with the ceramic heating factor as well as temp control sensors effective in controlling high temps. What makes it apart from the rest is that it has five times faster element heat.
The soldering iron is ergonomic, lightweight as well as sleek design which adds easy usability, functionality as well as minimizing fatigue because of long hours of using.
The integrated adjustable electronic closed loop temp control comes with a temp range of 464 degrees Fahrenheit to 1004 degree Fahrenheit, and you can dial the temp with ease. It has three power cord as well as an additional long six feet cord for fast reachability.
American Hakko is a reliable and renowned company which deals in SMD hot air, soldering as well as desoldering products.
In general, the FX-601 is a remarkable soldering iron that has chiseled tip, temp control settings as well as an ergonomic handpiece. This also works conveniently and effectively which provides value to your hard earned money.
Pros
Some of the remarkable perks of this product take account of the following:
- Easy to use the ergonomic handpiece
- It has an extra long cord that helps you to reach narrow and difficult places
- It has efficient heating as well
- The easy temp key comes with a dial features
- Needs lesser wattage as well as energy
- Fast thermal recover
Cons
- As of now, there is no reported flaw in using this product.
What We Like
- Easy to use the ergonomic handpiece
- It has an extra long cord that helps you to reach narrow and difficult places
- It has efficient heating as well
- The easy temp key comes with a dial features
- Needs lesser wattage as well as energy
- Fast thermal recover
What We Don’t Like
- As of now, there is no reported flaw in using this product 🙂
8. UT-100Si Master Appliance Butane Powered Ultratorch-3-in-1 Professional Soldering Iron
If you’re considering a soldering iron which is flameless and comes with a pinpoint torch as well as the metal case, look no further than UT-100Si. This soldering iron is integrated with ultra tip soldering tip that makes this tool durable as well as a remarkable heat conductor. This also acts as a flameless soldering iron, heating tool as well as a pinpoint butane torch.
Usually, this soldering kit is utilized for eliminating surface mount parts on shrink tubing of circuit boards, wire connector, spot dry, cutting materials, vinyl repairing and many others.
Due to its fast ignition feature, you can easily use this soldering iron quickly. This is considered a three in one gadget that is cordless and portable as well. It is integrated with an adjustable temp lever with a wide temp range of 250 degrees F. You can track the level of the fuel from its viewing window located at the fuel tank. Its integrated torch comes with 2-hour run time as well as features a super lightweight and compact design. This is also UL and GS Listed to keep the safety and security of the users.
Aside from being reliable, this is also wireless and portable. It is powered by butane and comes with the flawless self-igniting torch. The integrated ultra tips offer improved heat conductivity, and it has doubled the thickness of conventional tips. Also, there’s a three in one tool wherein the operation time is about two hours. It has convenient and easy to use slide switch ignition that offers speedy ignition. What is more, it comes equipped with a hard metal tank.
This soldering iron only weighs 2lbs and has a dimension of 12.8 by 2.7 by 2 inches. It has 80W and supported with a generous warranty. The box takes account of oxygen free copper soldering tip, heat tool, shrink attachment, heat tool, ejector, wet sponge to use in cleaning the tip every after using. It also comes with a durable storage case made of steel.
In general, this state of the art soldering iron is portable, compact as well as multipurpose. It comes with a heat tool which works effectively regardless of temperatures.
What We Like
- Convenient and portable
- Quick ignition, lights up in 30 seconds.
- Doesn’t need electric wire
- Utilized for many purposes
- The plastic body is easy to move
- This functions in 3 ways. it can be utilized as hot air tool, soldering iron as well as a brazing torch
- Houses in compact storage case
- Used even without an electrical wire
What We Don’t Like
- This fails to light in rare conditions
- There are instances of it becoming too hot to hold
9. 16-in-1 Soldering Iron Electronics Kit Toolbox
This soldering kit for electronic jobs has all types of accessories and tools to meet all your soldering needs. This is a must keep at work and home and is ideal for enthusiasts, hobbyists, soldering professionals as well as new learners.
This is a portable and compact toolbox which has all the tools needed for different soldering purposes. You don’t need to run errands to purchase additional accessories because all extra components are accessible in the toolbox.
It also comes with a stand which is advantageous when temp run high, and you no longer need to hold the device. This is easy to uphold and clean and has a thermostat range of 200 degrees to 450 degree Celsius. In general, this is a good soldering kit with a remarkable price.
This soldering kit is made by a well-established company which produces high-quality electronic items as well as soldering kits for DIY, class as well as home use. The company makes use of the newest technologies for devising devices which are superior and very effective. You can utilize this soldering iron for circuit boards, stained glass, guitar works as well as stippling and small electronic jobs.
This is also integrated with a chip fixed resistor. This is an adjustable soldering iron that comes with the adjustable thermostat of 200 degrees to 450 degrees. This is perfect for the home repair of electronics, and Do It Yourself enthusiasts. You can also use this when repairing the circuit board of your computer. The best thing about this soldering iron is that it has five interchangeable soldering tips as well as four cooling ventilation holes for fast cooling.
This unit only weighs 1.6lbs and measures 10.6 by 5.2 by 4.9 inches. This is a multipurpose soldering kit that has a compact box. You can purchase this for a fraction of cost.
What We Like
- This is compact
- Multipurpose soldering kit
- Powerful thermostat
- Allows fast heating and 4 ventilation holes for easy to cool down.
What We Don’t Like
- Ideal for newbies only
How to Use a Soldering Iron Properly
For many of us, soldering iron is just an ordinary, daily tool utilized for an array of applications. This indispensable little iron that allows you to meld different metals together through heating them to the point of melting and applying a filler metal can be utilized for tasks which include electronics repair and many others. However, make no mistake about it. Soldering iron can be extremely dangerous if the right safety precautions are not taken. When in use, the tip of a soldering iron will exceed 700 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature more than enough to heat seriously injure somebody or inflict damage on surrounding and properties. Here are some soldering tips to remember at all times:
Always solder in a well-ventilated area, because the smoke given off by the iron can be very irritating to the lungs as well as mucus membranes. You have to avoid breathing in the smoke by placing your head to the side, instead of directly over your work, and always ensure to wear a protective mask if needed.
Utilize a fire resistance surface like plasterboard or invest in a special mat made for soldering. This will assist you to keep away from mishaps which can burn carpeting, mar woodwork as well as melt plastic.
When plugging in your soldering iron, ensure not to overload the outlet. If there are too many appliances plugged into a specific outlet, unplug some of them first, or pick a different location altogether.
Never set the soldering iron down on anything other than a specially made iron stand. This can damage the iron and the surface you are setting it down one.
Make sure to wear heat resistant gloves or utilize needle nose pliers to hold objects that you are soldering, specifically small pieces. This will assist you to avoid accidentally touching the tip of the soldering iron with your fingers and sustaining a potentially serious as well as extremely painful-burn.
Never leave your soldering iron plugged in after you are finished using it, and make sure never to leave it unattended.
Wash your hand after you are done using the soldering iron. One component of the solder is lead that can be toxic once ingested or absorbed into your skin.
The utility of a soldering iron is hardly up for debate, but, this instrument must be treated with respect and care to keep away from unfortunate mishaps. You need to follow these safety tips, and your soldering iron for electronic jobs must serve you well for a lot of years.
Conclusion
There are many types and brands of soldering iron for electronic jobs available out there. We are hoping that this guide will help you determine which one is ideal and meet your purpose. It is imperative to know the features of each product to maximize its perks.
