Best Soldering Tools Guide

Basic soldering is the process of joining metal parts by way of melting another metal alloy between them. This alloy is called “solder” and there are many variations for different tasks. Some solders have lead in them, others are lead free. Some have a flux core while others require flux to be applied to the joint prior to soldering.

Electric soldering irons and butane soldering torches are used to make solid electrical connections, but they’re also used to make jewelry, build models, make stained glass and join metal gutters. They can also be used for pyrography (wood burning art) and to weld plastic.

Soldering copper pipes for plumbing is usually done with a propane or MAP torch. They produce a hot flame that will heat the large surface area in a short time. Electric induction heaters are also used in some applications.

The line between portable and stationary is being blurred with the introduction of battery-powered base units. Today, there are base units that are portable with battery power which will also work with a power cord. However, the idea that the best soldering tools are either meant to be used in a shop or in the field holds true. Is a portable model the best soldering tool for you, or would a benchtop soldering kit be better?

• Portable soldering tools are either powered by a battery or by combustion of a compressed gas. The tools themselves are sometimes pen-shaped with a metal tip or configured like a torch with an exposed flame.
• Stationary soldering tools aren’t stationary in the sense that a cabinet table saw is stationary, they’re small enough to be moved and used almost anywhere. They’re intended to be used on a benchtop, where the work is brought to the tool. These are usually powered by plugging them into a wall receptacle. Stationary units often have temperature settings, a holder for a hot iron and a place to hold a tip cleaner.
• The second main division in soldering tools is between torches that are used for plumbing, or other projects with larger surface area, and irons that are used for smaller projects, like electronics and crafts. This guide will discuss these separately from this point.
• If looking at soldering irons for beginners, consider features like auto-off and a solid base to hold the tool when it’s hot.

• If portability and ease of use are the most important features for you, a battery powered soldering iron is a good choice.
• There are several models that use the same batteries as the tools you probably already own.
• The choices include base station models that run on larger batteries from 18-20 volt tools, and smaller batteries from 12 volt tools.
• The best soldering equipment will make you feel comfortable when working and provide ample power. Battery-powered soldering tools dispense with the cord and the need for an outlet.

Soldering irons that plug into a receptacle are of three basic types: stationary benchtop, pen style and gun style.

• A benchtop soldering kit, or soldering station, will usually produce higher temperatures and have other features as previously discussed.
• Benchtop units are the best soldering tools if you need an electric tool to stay hot for long periods of time, to heat up quickly or to dial in a precise power level.
• A pen style soldering iron is usually turned on and off by plugging it in and then unplugging it. The heat produced isn’t variable, meaning that a soldering tool is purchased for each heat setting that is needed. A general purpose iron will work for most household and hobby projects, but models that are hotter or cooler may be purchased for specific needs.
• Pen style tools range in sizes ranging from very small, low-wattage tools needed for tiny electrical connections, to large models meant for big jobs like joining metal rain gutters.
• Soldering guns differ from the pen tools above in that they are shaped like a gun or hand drill. They are usually powerful, in the range of 100 or more watts. They heat quickly and produce high temperatures.

• Portable and quick to reach working temperature, butane powered soldering irons create heat through burning butane.
• Some models feature a refillable tank.
• These soldering tools are versatile, with tips that allow them to do a wide variety of tasks, including soldering.
• Some models feature forced hot air and open torch capability.
• These tools shouldn’t be used in areas with combustible materials.
• Butane soldering irons can be used for many of the same applications as electric soldering irons.
• This is the best soldering equipment when portable, instant heat is needed.

Soldering, or “sweating,” copper pipes and fittings for plumbing requires heating a relatively large area, compared to a small electrical connection. The solder usually needs more heat than the standard lead-tin alloys used for electronics.

• The two most common fuels for plumbing torches are propane and MAP gas.
• Propane gas is a bit cheaper and is well-suited for soldering pipes. MAP gas costs more but produces more heat, getting the job done faster.
• Neither is better nor worse than the other. A MAP torch might be worth the cost for a professional user, who needs to make many connections in one day.
• A propane torch might be better suited to a homeowner who needs to solder a couple of joints to finish a project.

Torch heads, that either thread directly onto the tank or connect via a hose, can have features like piezo ignition, trigger start, auto shutoff and different flame patterns.

To determine what the best soldering equipment for home use is, you would have to consider several things:

• What is your budget?
• Do you have a dedicated workspace, or will it need to be stored after every use?
• How varied are your projects? If you like to build drones, a lower heat model with a fine tip might be best. If you make jewelry, it might be best to get a versatile kit with variable temperature and interchangeable tips for different looks.
• Will you be working close to electricity?
• Do you already own tool batteries that will work with the soldering iron you want to use?

What soldering iron is best for professional use?

• That also depends on the job being done and the budget.
• If working in an electronics production environment, a powerful, feature-rich base station will be best.
• If repairing delicate electronics in the field, a battery powered base station is more likely to suit your needs.
• If you’re a plumber, a simple MAP torch will save time and make more money.

Of course, to use your soldering equipment, you’ll need some supplies and soldering accessories to round out your soldering kit.

• Lead free silver solder for potable water
• Rosin core for electronics
• Acid core for gutters and automotive applications
• Paste flux
• Flux brush
• Emery cloth to prepare pipes
• Helper clamps and magnifying glass
• Desoldering tool
• Heat resistant mat to protect the work surface.

The first and most important thing to know about soldering is that the surface must be clean.

Clean metal with the appropriate tool and cleaning solution before starting. Keep these items on hand, just like your favorite solder and flux.

Secondly, the tip of the iron should be clean. There should be no residue from the last job, or lumps of solder stuck to it.