Looking for a soldering iron

[AVAFREAK182]

Just for simple stuff.

Under $30 would be nice. Where/what to get?

 

[rudeguy]

I need this advice too. Can someone link to an inexpensive kit that has a decent iron and a sucker?

 

[Baked]

Visit your local RadioShack. I think it's under $20.

Found it. Dual-wattage Soldering Iron = $11.

 

[AVAFREAK182]

Looking for something a little better.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I have this one:

http://www.radioshack.com/prod....jsp?productId=2062750

Works great, has button to turn it on/off so you can easily control it without having to pull the plug.

 

[SlitheryDee]

I thought there wasn't a lot of difference between soldering irons. Having a switch to turn it off is about the greatest advancement there is in soldering irondom isn't it?

 

[slpaulson]

Originally posted by: SlitheryDee
I thought there wasn't a lot of difference between soldering irons. Having a switch to turn it off is about the greatest advancement there is in soldering irondom isn't it?

Fancy ones let you adjust the temp.

 

[krotchy]

Originally posted by: SlitheryDee
I thought there wasn't a lot of difference between soldering irons. Having a switch to turn it off is about the greatest advancement there is in soldering irondom isn't it?

Depends on what you are using it for. I have a Weller stand at work that heats up in seconds and I can set the temperature to 1 degree of accuracy and monitor the tip temperature on an LCD. It also lets me store 3 specific preset temps.

However when it comes to single/dual temperature resistive ones, they yes they are mostly all the same.

 

[bobdole369]

Hakko 936 is pretty standard.

http://www.hakkousa.com/detail...49,112&PID=1249&Page=1

Weller makes good irons. If you make money soldering - these pay for themselves pretty quick. Or if you can get your company to buy it....

For everyday occasional stuff - you only need a $25 radio shack model. If your lucky you get a switch.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: SlitheryDee
I thought there wasn't a lot of difference between soldering irons. Having a switch to turn it off is about the greatest advancement there is in soldering irondom isn't it?

I use a soldering iron very seldom, so on/off switch is no biggie. Still, it would be nice.

 

[compman25]

This
or This
or This
and check this link

 

[vshah]

don't get the cheap ones from radio shack, they take fucking ages to heat up and don't melt solder for shit. get one with replaceable tips.

 

[Mrvile]

I used to do all my audio cable work and guitar work with a cheap 40w Radio Shack iron. You'll want to choose the wattage based on the work you'll be doing, but if you're going to only use it occassionally and casually, the Radio Shack ones are more than enough.

 

[CallMeJoe]

I've used Antex soldering irons at work, and really like them. They are compact and easy to handle, heat quickly, and perform as well as higher wattage irons from other manufacturers. There is also a wide variety of tips available,.