Looking to buy first soldering iron/gun

[mcaz5]

I'm looking to pick up my first soldering iron/gun and just thought I'd ask you guys what's your opinion on what you've used over the years. I'm not going to be soldering that often so I don't need the top of the line equipment. I'm mainly going to be using it for under the hood type soldering or in-dash or for lights. Do you think a gun or iron would be better for my needs? I'm looking to keep it pretty cheap because its something ill use maybe once a month but I do want it to work when I use it and not crap out after a few uses. Like I said, it will be used for mainly automotive wiring and whatnot. Looking to keep it right around the $30 price range, does that sound reasonable? Just let me know what you guys think. Thanks!!

 

[92-SR5]

I am not a fan of harbor freight, but I have one of their soldering irons, works fine for everything I have needed so far. I don't use it often so I don't see a need for a better one.

 

[R.A.]

For portable soldering irons, here are 2 I've used.

I've had the Weller for years. It's ok, runs on butane, has it's on striker, sometimes the wind blows the flame out. Consider it reliable. Takes a while for the iron to get hot. Weller has several with various prices.

Weller P2C Butane Soldering Iron
Amazon.com: Weller P2C Butane Soldering Iron: Home Improvement


Recently bought this one and impressed with it. Runs on batteries. Note the runtime on batteries however. Heats up really fast. I like it over the Weller, but have only used it for a short time.

Hakko FX-901
Amazon.com: Hakko FX-901 Cordless Soldering Gun w/ T11-B Tip: Home Improvement

For bench, I have one of these. It is nice and I use it a lot. Have a lot of different tips for various types of soldering. I don't have the digital readout (new version), just the FX888.
Hakko FX888D-23BY
Amazon.com: Hakko FX888D-23BY Digital Soldering Station FX-888D FX-888: Home Improvement


Don't have to buy from Amazon, just a quick way to show the items.

Portable irons are nice. No cords. Batteries are a pain for the Hakko if you need more runtime (unless you have spares. I use the rechargeable batteries). Butane is ok, but have had the wind blow them out. Have used my bench for auto work but unless you really need the power, then I would suggest you keep it simple and buy a Weller portable. Only drawback is butane.

Edit: don't buy a Weller "gun". Buy a real soldering iron. Something with a decent tips; tips that be changed out depending on the work. There is no "one" soldering iron that can do it all. Considering you are using it on the vehicle, portable is to be considered vs a corded soldering iron.

 

[fourwd1]

You don't want a soldering gun, they're a bit too much for electrical work.
A soldering iron or station. Weller is a name brand.
Here's a nice general purpose one for example.here

 

[mcaz5]

Thanks guys! I'll probably look at getting the Weller butane one. It seems perfect for my needs

 

[mcaz5]

For portable soldering irons, here are 2 I've used.

I've had the Weller for years. It's ok, runs on butane, has it's on striker, sometimes the wind blows the flame out. Consider it reliable. Takes a while for the iron to get hot. Weller has several with various prices.

Weller P2C Butane Soldering Iron
Amazon.com: Weller P2C Butane Soldering Iron: Home Improvement


Recently bought this one and impressed with it. Runs on batteries. Note the runtime on batteries however. Heats up really fast. I like it over the Weller, but have only used it for a short time.

Hakko FX-901
Amazon.com: Hakko FX-901 Cordless Soldering Gun w/ T11-B Tip: Home Improvement

For bench, I have one of these. It is nice and I use it a lot. Have a lot of different tips for various types of soldering. I don't have the digital readout (new version), just the FX888.
Hakko FX888D-23BY
Amazon.com: Hakko FX888D-23BY Digital Soldering Station FX-888D FX-888: Home Improvement


Don't have to buy from Amazon, just a quick way to show the items.

Portable irons are nice. No cords. Batteries are a pain for the Hakko if you need more runtime (unless you have spares. I use the rechargeable batteries). Butane is ok, but have had the wind blow them out. Have used my bench for auto work but unless you really need the power, then I would suggest you keep it simple and buy a Weller portable. Only drawback is butane.

Edit: don't buy a Weller "gun". Buy a real soldering iron. Something with a decent tips; tips that be changed out depending on the work. There is no "one" soldering iron that can do it all. Considering you are using it on the vehicle, portable is to be considered vs a corded soldering iron.

One quick question, I think I'm about to order the Weller butane. It doesn't look like it comes with a cleaning sponge so would just any old wet sponge do? Also being butane the soldering procedure isn't any different? (Tin, wipe sponge, heat up wire, solder?)

 

[R.A.]

Tin your tip just like any other iron. Just use any wet sponge to clean it.

Using butane is no different; it just takes a little longer to get the iron hot. There will be an adjuster to regulate the flow of butane but I just max it out at first to get the iron hot, then adjust it to where it melts the solder decently. Be careful on placing the iron horizontal as there is flame. Be careful around anything flameable!

It's a little different than a regular soldering iron, but the principles are still the same.

Good luck!

Edit: The Wellers are readily available at RadioShack or any hardware store. Wellers also come in kits.