Soldering iron.

Can someone recommend an effective soldering iron for small electrical work? :shrug:Connecting leds for example.

I have a bog standard cheap electric iron that just isn't good enough. :nonod:

Are gas ones better or the electric gun type?
I don't want to spend a great amount of money, I just need something better than what I have, which seems to struggle to even melt lead free solder!

An ebay link would be appreciated. :yesnod:

I like the Antex TCS50. It's powerful enough to solder plugs etc, and also to heat up and join more delicate components quickly before the heat spreads up the lead and fries them.
Also its not too expensive for a temperature-controlled iron, and unlike a lot of them doesn't have the bulky separate base station design.

The NEW Antex TCS50W 230 volt Digital soldering iron - In handle temp control. Completed

Bill

PS...looks like it's I actually cheaper in Maplins http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/antex-50w-mains-soldering-iron-xj45y

I like this gas one. You can heat it up wherever you may be. You don't have to rely on the mains and it does more than solder. Watch the ebay video at the bottom of the ad.

Maplin 30W to 100W 3-in-1 Gas Soldering Iron Kit Blue Torch Hot Air Blower New Completed


Bill, watch this video mate.

Ive no idea but whatever one you get don't hold it like this!!

I've had a Snap On one for 15 years and I can't fault it. Used it many times on breakdowns and never let me down but they are quite expensive. You get what you pay for.


John

Andy the tyre man wrote: Ive no idea but whatever one you get don't hold it like this!!

Ouch!

The ebay item id given is invalid, no result has been sentI received a Bernzomatic butane torch for Christmas, which also has a soldering iron tip. I've used it on a few occasions now and it works great, really like it.

I have actually done that for real Andy...working on a big PCB with a short-leaded soldering iron . The cable went taut, pulled the iron back through my hand and left me holding the wrong end.
I can indeed confirm that it's not a comfortable way to hold a soldering iron !!

The gas kit does look good too Leigh, how does the hot air blower part work, is there a little fan hidden in there, or does the gas flow/ heat somehow generate the blowing ?

Thanks everyone. :clap:

In the end I went into town and bought the little gas solder kit from Maplins. The versatility and the price swayed me. :lol:
I have now completed the little soldering job I was struggling to do with a standard cheap 240v iron. This little gizmo worked well, and is neat enough to get into the tight working space I was stuck with. :yesnod:

As you can see it is not much bigger than a pen.




Very happy with it so far. It has a hot knife attachment that I can see coming in handy for plastic work, two different soldering ends, a micro burner and a hot air blower. :broon:

The blower is handy for heat shrink insulation.