Help me choose a soldering iron.

Replies

• 

  Ashraf HZ

  You can probably get any cheap soldering gun, as long as the wattage is not too high and that the soldering point is thin enough for general electronic components. But regardless of that, Hakko is a very reliable brand.
  
  I got a temperature controlled one from CTBrand, for about only $20. Works great, especially when soldering tiny or heat sensitive components. The cheaper soldering guns usually damage these components.
  
  In addition, if you plan to solder SM components, get a separate precision soldering gun.
• 

  silenthorde

  I have zeroed in on the GOOT KS/KX 30watt or the HAKKO model 501G.
  
  Any comments on these ASH?
• 

  silenthorde

  Im getting the GOOT for rs430 ($8.89) and the Hakko for rs 310 ($6.41). is it aa good bargain. Shipping is free.
• 

  Ashraf HZ

  Either should be fine 😀
  
  Though, I suggest you also find the "pistol" looking type of soldering gun that has 30W normal operation and a 130W "boost" option when you hold on the trigger. It'll help if you want to quickly heat the tip up from a cold start or quickly melt some solder.
  
  Check here: #-Link-Snipped-#
  
  Be sure to order a solder sucker (officially called desoldering pumps) as well.
• 

  docel

  The GOOT is the best iron, even if it is more expensive. its metallised tip is quite 'Life time' and the quality is excellent.
  
  Hakko is good too, but then its like the Taj vs the Ritz...... 😉
  
  GOOTs are available in India and comes with a standard needle tip.
• 

  Muffy

  Hi
  I have the Goot KS-40R.. Heats up quite quickly,and has excellent tip life,but the needle tip makes it a hard to solder, as the heat transfer is slower than that of a chisel . I invariably end up using the 25W Soldron for sensitive components and 35W Soldron for general purpose soldering. If you go for soldron then try to get the aluminum coated tips, they last much longer than the tin coated ones.
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  silenthorde

  Thanks a lot guys...I think I will go for the GOOT KS 30R for the time being. And also keep a Soldron 25W handy for sensitive components.
  
  
  @Ash: Isn't a soldering gun quite clunky and difficult to handle? I have only ever used it once and wasn't satisfied. Possibly because I'm not an expert in soldering.
  
  One thing I'd like to know about soldering guns is whether the high power trigger is only to give the iron a faster initial heating or does it have any other purpose. 130W will fry anything that looks like an IC.
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  Ashraf HZ

  Personally, for extended stable soldering periods, the "gun" version is more comfortable to hold. Precision wise, they are probably the same.. depends on the solder tip and technique I guess.
  
  The high power does assist with quick desoldering as well, if used properly. Other than that, I'm not sure of its use. One could probably find something to use it for.. maybe melting something 😉
  
  Regarding ICs, do remember to use sockets! Never directly solder an IC on the board, unless you are surface mounting the components.
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  silenthorde

  Thanks for the useful little tip. Ash. I think Il go for the regular 30W Hakko or Goot soldeirng iron.
  
  Soldron doesnt have a 25W soldering iron with a aluminium coated tip. Looks like Il have to get an extra set of bits.