Cold Heat Solder Iron

[DaVortex]

I need to purchase a soldering iron and saw this on T.V. a while back it looks like a good idea and very inexpensive.

Has anyone ever used one of these? Does it actually work?

 

[Excelsior]

Get a real soldering iron.

 

[DaVortex]

the reason why im leaning towards this is the price ($20) as I said I will only use this unit minimally so dont want to spend too much $

 

[Crescent13]

I've heard they take forever to heat up, they don't get hot enough, they break quickly, and they're made out of crap.

get something real.

 

[eldorado99]

I've used one, they are crap, get a real one.

 

[BigJ]

I heard they're OK for thicker wire, but don't dare try it with the smaller stuff.

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: DaVortex
the reason why im leaning towards this is the price ($20) as I said I will only use this unit minimally so dont want to spend too much $

Home Depot sells it, buy it there since they have a great return policy!

 

[jagec]

Just get a $5 soldering pencil; it will probably work just as well.

 

[Skeeedunt]

I have one. Never used it Also have a multimeter I've never used if you need any advice on that.

 

[jupiter57]

Originally posted by: Skeeedunt
I have one. Never used it Also have a multimeter I've never used if you need any advice on that.

You sound like me!
My wife always buys me tools for every occassion, most of which I have absolutely no use for. Though I do all my own electronics, mecanics, hime improvement, electrical, etc. work, some of the things she gets me are just not my style!

 

[loup garou]

They are garbage. We had one in the office, totally useless. The tip crumbles, is too big for just about any use, it's an awkward shape, and it's difficult to use.

 

[SuperSix]

JonnyGURU has a small review on his site - http://www.jonnyguru.com/

Scroll down a bit.

 

[Sphexi]

Originally posted by: Crescent13
I've heard they take forever to heat up, they don't get hot enough, they break quickly, and they're made out of crap.

get something real.

Hearing something doesn't make it true.

They heat up instantly, and cool down almost as fast. They get plenty hot for softer solder, and like people have said they're only good on basic jobs. Because of the technology they use, the tips have to be split down the middle, and so they're kind of wide. If you're just connecting two wires, or repairing some basic metal object, it'll work great, but if you're looking to do work on circuit boards or inside something, stick to a normal soldering iron (only $8+ at Radioshack btw).

 

[funboy6942]

I have it and have used it for over a year (wife gave it to me for my birthday a year ago) and I love it. It doesnt take any time to heat up. I stick it on the solder and short out the tip so it gets hot and before I know it the solder is ready. BUT you cannot use it on mother boards, circuit boards, or anything like that for it does send a current through the stuff and can kill what ever your working on. I know first hand on that because I killed my 9600xt AIW with it. My other sodering gun took a dump and decided to use it to put a resistor back on. Did an excenlent job putting it back on but my card had nothing but garbled screen.

Now my tip is worn out and needed another soldering gun I got this instead of buying another gun and a tip:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BA.../002-9160011-4685615?v=glance&n=228013

$30 shipped and even though some reviews claim it doesnt get hot enough are talking out thier asses. It does take a bit to heat up but it has a gague that tells you when it is ready, im also used to instant heat I got from my cold heat. I just worked on a circut board for a external enclosure and it was ready acording to the gague was in the red and it melted that board solder right away without hesitation and ggot the job done. I dont think for $30 your going to find a cheaper one that does or has all the attachment that black and decker has.

But in either case I reccomend them both depending on what it is your working on.