Soldering Iron Suggestion

[DoubleOSeven]

I'm looking to do some small piece soldering, soldering wire onto switches, that kind of thing. Can anyone recommend a good soldering kit (I'll need everything and a storage box with it would be good). Thanks.


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[chris7ian]

I only do the occasional soldering and so I bought myself a small butane gas powered iron so I don't have to run extension cables every time I need to use it. This also means I don't 'put off' those jobs and just take care of them as and when (and where) they turn up

[R0B]

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=157842" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mocki]

I use one of these
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/pro-iroda-sol ... -kit-n15ar" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I'm on my second one now , as I wore the gas control out on the first one, it did last 15 years tho...

It isn't that happy with cheap gas tho, I find it's better with Ronson or branded gas rather than Poundland !

Many years before I used to use Antex gascat butane irons, but they really didn't last that long .

[bigbadbob76]

I must have at least six soldering irons, but then I'm an electronics engineer to trade as well as a vehicle tinkerer by habit.
For vehicle wiring I use either a Portasol Pro gas iron, (they come in a kit with case etc)
Or a 40W mains powered iron with a chisel tip. Weller are good without splashing out meggabucks, as are Antex.
I also have an Antex 12v 25W version thats not bad, comes with croc clips to attach to a car battery.
Make sure you keep a damp sponge handy at all times and wipe your tip before and after every joint.
Also make sure you use flux cored tin/lead solder, avoid colophony free and lead free solders, they sound good but never work as well as the real thing.
BBB.

[CovKid]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIab66EgfHM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good advice from experience. Note Clive's point regarding spare parts for brands like Antex and the rise of Chinese irons which are actually pretty good and spare tips cheap as chips in comparison.

[Mocki]

Oh, I have several other soldering irons, for different jobs..... weller 150 mains gun for big connections fast , two or three different antex mains irons, 10w, and two 25w , and I agree, this tree hugging fake solder is rubbish, I have a couple of rolls of ancient old fashioned proper solder with cored flux and some good old flux paste for when it gets awkward ....

[CovKid]

In my own kit (and lets face it you can get cases anywhere) I have a 100 watt Maplins iron (only £15) for BIG solder joints, an electronics one, and an ALDI gas soldering iron where access is difficult or sustained heat is needed.

I think I'd be looking at soldering guns rather than an iron for auto-related stuff.

[colinthefox]

When that solder really won't flow on corroded wires use Everflux, available from any plumbers merchant. Magic stuff.

[Mocki]

When that solder really won't flow on corroded wires use Everflux, available from any plumbers merchant. Magic stuff.

the only problem with Everflux is its corrosive, so you need to clean up afterwards very well.

[bigherb]

I have a few irons but I mainly prefer the instant heat variety an old Wella 80/100w has done me proud for many years, less chance of putting it down and burning something, but I keep a handy 12V 40W iron in the van for emergency's which works well.

[Sir Brixalot]

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... ering+iron

A few mentioned on this thread. Quite like th idea of being able to hook it up to the battery. It it ok for joining wires? My vans been in a mechanics for ages so haven't been able to tidy up wiring but want to do it as soon as I get it back

[Oldiebut goodie]

The beauty of gas powered ones is that you can solder live wires! ( handy for those running roadside repairs in the dark ) You can't do that with electric ones.

[R0B]

Mr Brixalot.Do try to catch up. I posted that link at the start of the thread.

[bigherb]

The beauty of gas powered ones is that you can solder live wires! You can't do that with electric ones.

Hows that work then?