If you are the kind of person who enjoys DIY projects then it would be quite interesting for you to know that it’s possible to make your own soldering iron. In fact, you might feel great when you are able to make soldering iron using a lighter.
Yes, you heard that right! However, if you are a beginner and have no idea, make sure you familiarize yourself with the safety regulations. After all, you are important!
Read on for more information.
What Is Soldering?
If you are wondering, what’s soldering then it would be interesting for you to know that soldering means joining two materials together. Basically, you are joining the metals. The two metals that are joined together would have a low melting point. Thus, connecting the two would be easy. The joint contains the solder.
Soldering has a wide variety of applications such as in electronics, plumbing, and a lot more. Different alloys are suitable for different applications.
What Is Soldering Iron
Basically, soldering iron is a tool that would help you to heat the solder. It’s possible that you might not be aware of the fact that there are different types of soldering irons. It would be possible for you to buy it in different shapes and sizes. However, it’s important for you to keep in mind that you have to get the one that’s most suitable for your project.
You don’t have to be concerned about the maximum temperature of the soldering iron. However, you have to keep the melting temperature of the alloy in mind.
Buying Soldering Iron
It’s possible that you might be buying the soldering iron for the first time in your life. Thus, it would be overwhelming for you! When it comes to the selection of the soldering iron, you have to get the one that offers a temperature higher than that of the alloys that you want to fuse together.
According to a study conducted in the UK in 2015, 56% of the participants were of the view that it’s useful to have a soldering iron in case they need it! It shows that soldering iron can be an important tool for you. If you are fond of DIY projects it can come in handy.
You would be able to spot the soldering iron at a hardware shop or maybe at the home improvement equipment store! Nowadays, it’s possible to place an order online from the comfort of your home. Or you can get a second hand one, but make sure you are getting it from a reputable seller.
However, instead of buying it from anywhere, it would be possible for you to make one for yourself. Plus, it would be interesting for you to know that it’s really easy.
Making A Soldering Iron Using A Lighter
In order to make a soldering iron, using a lighter you would need the following items:
- Copper Wire
- A Long Lighter (Preferably that you use in the kitchen)
For a small lighter, you would need a tape too.
Now, proceed and consider the following steps:
Step 1:
You can initially cut the copper wire up to 6 inches. Now divide it into three pieces. One of them should be 3 inches, while the other two should be 1.5 inches each. You have to twist the copper wire that is 3 inches after bending it. You can use a pen for your help in twisting it to give it the desired shape.
Step 2:
You have to attach the two pieces (1.5 inches) of copper wire with the lighter. Now connect the piece of 3 inches of copper wire to it. This step would be suitable for a long lighter. However, if you are using a small lighter then you would need to use small copper wire and attach it to the lighter with a tape. In any case, your lighter is ready for soldering. It is quite easy!
Caution: When you are dealing with such projects, make sure you are in a safe environment. There should be no kids or pets around you. If you don’t know how to do a DIY project or find it overwhelming then take help from someone or buy a soldering iron from the market. It’s always better to go with the option that you find suitable for yourself.
Should You Buy A Soldering Iron Or Make One Using A Lighter
If you are wondering whether to buy a soldering iron or make one yourself then it would depend on how confident you are with your skills. It would be interesting for you to know that the DIY Home Improvement trend is rising and by 2022 it is expected to increase by 4.2%.
It is quite interesting how watching the tutorials or reading instructions has made it possible for many people to build the things they like. For example, you might want to try your hands on soldering iron so that you can take advantage of this tool and at the same time learn something.
So, if you enjoy DIY and find it easier to follow the instructions then go ahead! However, some people prefer the visuals and the tutorials as it becomes a lot easier to follow the relevant step by step instructions. In any case, it would depend on your personal preference especially when you are making soldering iron using a lighter. There are other ways that you can try as well, for example, you can make a pencil soldering iron and a lot more.
Final Thoughts
Using a lighter for making a soldering iron would probably be the easiest! It’s inexpensive and would save you from the trouble of investing in a soldering iron. When you plan on doing a DIY, you can start with this one.
However, it is important for you to keep in mind that when you are dealing with such projects you have to be aware of the relevant rules and the safety instructions. Wear appropriate clothing, wear goggles, as you are dealing with a lighter. It’s better to be safe.
