What size soldering iron do i need?

Wattage or power consumption: The power consumption or wattage of a soldering iron is often quoted. The wattage can vary. For basic non-temperature controlled irons, a wattage of 40 watts may be good for general work, and higher if heavy soldering is envisaged. For small PCB work, 15 or 25 watts is a good value.

How do I choose a soldering iron?

Wattage: you should pick up a soldering iron with at least 30 watts of power. Soldering irons with low wattage take longer to heat up and are not consistent holding the temperature. Tip compatibility: the iron’s tips should be replaceable, and the iron should be compatible with a wide variety of tips.

What size soldering iron do I need for electronics?

A 25 or 30 Watt iron should suffice for most small electronics work. Most soldering “guns” are vastly overpowered for electronics soldering and can easily overheat components or expose them to harmful voltages.

Is a 40w soldering iron good for electronics?

A 30-40 watt fixed-temperature iron will be on the hot side for electronics work. It will melt solder very quickly and make it really easy to heat up large component leads quickly, such as those on connectors.

Is a 30w soldering iron good?

A 30 watt ‘simple soldering iron’ is okay for modest electronics. Soldering ordinary through hole electronic components and thin (e.g. mm) wire, even the thin metal legs on DC power plugs and sockets, should be fine. A simple iron relies on thermal equilibrium to maintain its temperature.

Is a 60 watt soldering iron good?

An unregulated 60 watt iron is good for for very high speed work, especially on large connections. Even a 45 watt iron can be too hot for PC board work, but with a little care it makes clean connections quickly.


Is a 25w soldering iron good?

Very high quality Soldering Iron

I have this 25w soldering iron bought about 25yrs ago, which is still working and just bought a new one just to have an extra iron. The quality is very good, simple and extremely reliable.

How hot is a 40 watt soldering iron?

The 200PHG-40WATT is an economical soldering iron that comes standard with 3 wire grounded power cord. It is UL and cUL listed, and offers 40 watts of power with a maximum tip temperature of 860°F (460°C).

What’s the difference between a soldering iron and a soldering gun?

Soldering Guns VS Soldering Irons

Conveniently operated with a trigger using one hand, a soldering gun is shaped like a pistol and is used for joining metal surfaces. A soldering iron, which is also used for joining two pieces of metal, is wand-shaped and utilizes a heated metal tip.

Are Weller soldering irons good?

The Weller Soldering Iron is the best choice for electricians on a budget. It’s a great soldering station for beginners or hobbyists with simple tasks like rewiring lamps, building electronic kits and fixing electronics in general.

What do you need to solder a circuit board?

What Soldering Equipment Do You Need?

  1. Soldering Iron. A soldering iron is a handheld tool that provides the heat source needed to melt the solder. …
  2. Solder Flux. Solder flux is a purifying agent. …
  3. Soldering Paste. A solder paste looks like a gray putty-like material. …
  4. The PCB. The PCB is your circuit board.

What wattage soldering iron is best?

The wattage rating should be between 20 and 50 watts.

A higher-wattage soldering iron can maintain a stable temperature longer while you’re soldering a connection and can reheat itself faster in between.

How long does it take for 30w soldering iron to heat up?

Typically, a major brand soldering station will heat up in about 30 seconds. Line voltage irons will take somewhat longer, due to being unregulated (they will oscillate around their in-built setpoint) and gas powered soldering irons will heat up in about 15 seconds.

How hot does a 30 W soldering iron get?

30 Watt Soldering Iron

Brand Forney
Item Dimensions LxWxH 1.25 x 1.25 x 8 inches
Power Source Corded Electric
Item Weight 0.02 Pounds
Upper Temperature Rating 750 Degrees Fahrenheit

Can I use Vaseline as flux?

Can You Use Vaseline as Flux? Yes, Vaseline works just as well as commercial flux, and you can even buy a generic brand. Petroleum jelly is primarily made from waxes and mineral oils so that it won’t corrode your components. Plus, it cleans away the gunk and eliminates metal oxides that could compromise your bond.

Do you need flux to solder?

Yes, you can solder without flux. While it is helpful in the process of soldering as the flux helps break down the oxides on the metal, it is not needed. Also, most solder nowadays come with a rosin core which does the job of flux helping breaking down oxides.

How hot will a 60W soldering iron get?

Operating at 60W and 110V, this soldering iron can be adjusted to five different temperatures: 280°C, 330°C, 380°C, 430°C and 480°C. This iron is very easy to use and features an on/off switch, allowing you to keep it plugged in on your workbench stand for quick access.

What size solder should I use?

For most electronics work, solder in the range of 0.4 – 1.0 mm in diameter will work well. If you perform a lot of work on surface mounted devices, aim for the lower end of this range.

What temperature does a 25 watt soldering iron get?

25 watt. Soldering irons with 25 watts can reach a temperature, that’s a little higher than the 20 watts, of 380°C-430°C.

Does it matter what soldering iron I get?

Depending on what kind of work you’re going to be doing, you’ll need a soldering iron with different capabilities and specifications. Many different specs might be important to you. Maybe you know you need a soldering iron or soldering station that reaches a specific temperature.

How hot is a 100 watt soldering iron?

100 watt economical choice soldering iron is the preferred soldering iron among stained glass artists. comes with a 1/4 inch chisel style tip that heats up to 1000 degrees fahrenheit.

How hot does a 70 watt soldering iron get?

This variable-temperature soldering station features a digital temperature control and display adjustable from 200-480°C (392-896°F). The station’s 70W capacity enables the soldering iron to work with both leaded and lead-free solder.

How hot does a 200 watt soldering iron get?

More videos on YouTube

Tip Diameter .625 in
Standard Tip Style Diamond
Wattage 200 watts
AMP Draw &lt, 2 Amp
Maximum Temperature 1050 °F / 566°C

What metal Cannot be soldered?

Of metals

Solderability Metal
Fair Carbon steel Low alloy steel Zinc Nickel
Poor Aluminium Aluminium bronze
Difficult High alloy steel Stainless steels
Very Difficult Cast iron Chromium Titanium Tantalum Magnesium

What is the greatest advantage of using a soldering gun?

The soldering guns heat up more quickly as compared to the soldering iron. The soldering guns come with step down transformers that convert the power from mains to low voltage current. It helps in the quick heating of the tip. Now, as the tip heats quickly, you’ll save on electricity.

Can you use a soldering gun on electronics?

How to Use a Soldering Gun – YouTube

Which brand soldering iron is best?

The Best Soldering Irons

  • Our pick. X-Tronic Model 3020-XTS LED Soldering Station. The best soldering iron. …
  • Upgrade pick. Hakko FX-888D. If you solder frequently. …
  • Budget pick. Vastar Full Set 60W 110V Soldering Iron Kit. Lots of accessories at a low price. …
  • Also great. Hakko FH-300. If you need a stand.

What soldering iron Do professionals use?

Best Professional Soldering Iron—Hakko Soldering Iron

With a 97% positive rating, this top tool from Hakko that knows its stuff is lightweight, ergonomic, has variable temperature control and features a ceramic heater and advanced electronic controls.

What happened to Ungar soldering iron company?

New Old Stock. Ungar was purchased by Weller, swallowed by Cooper and than Apex Industries. Ungar – 7760 – Soldering equipment. Soldering iron handle, 2 wire.

What is the best solder for circuit boards?

6 Best Solder for Electronics Reviews

  • Kester Solder. First on our list is the Kester Solder, a 0.031 inches diameter steel-based solder with very high conductivity. …
  • Maiyum Solder Wire. …
  • SONEAK 60/40 Tin Lead Solder. …
  • Austor Solder Wire. …
  • Canfield Solder. …
  • Mandala Crafts Store Rosin Core Solder Wire.

How do you solder for beginners?

Soldering Tutorial for Beginners: Five Easy Steps – YouTube

How do you solder small wires to a circuit board?

How to solder wires onto a circuit board when adapting a toy.

How hot does a 15 watt soldering iron get?

Selectable 15W/30W power settings. Tip heats to 464ºF (240ºC) on low power, 700ºF (371ºC) on high power. Ideal for a variety of general household projects.

How do I choose a soldering station?

How to Choose Your First Soldering Station – YouTube

Why does my solder not stick?

A classic reason solder won’t stick to something is because you’re not getting it hot enough. My interns come to me with this problem all the time. Make sure the tip of the iron is nice and shiny. Touch some solder on it, and it should melt almost instantly.

What is the normal soldering temperature?

600°- 650°F (316°- 343°C) is a good place to start for lead-based solder and 650°- 700°F (343°- 371°C) for lead-free solder. You want the tip hot enough to melt the solder efficiency, but excess heat can damage components as the heat travels along the leads, and it will reduce the lifespan of the soldering tip.

Why does my solder not melt?

Soldering iron has not had enough time to heat up. Also, sometimes the soldering iron plug is not plugged into electrical outlet properly. Low wattage soldering iron (especially cheaper soldering iron) Tip has been oxidized.

Does soldering iron use a lot of electricity?

Temperature regulated soldering irons will continually switch on and off to maintain the set temperature. The soldering iron will definitely use more power and therefore be more expensive to operate than the soldering gun.

How hot does a 50W soldering iron get?

This iron is an adjustable 50W iron with a temperature range from 200-500°C, For most lead free soldering, try 400°C. For lead-based solder, 350°C will do. Adjust as necessary! It’s not as powerful or easy-to-use as the full stand-up Hakko but it is a lot more portable.

Can you use a paperclip as solder?

Solder Paper Clips – Leg – YouTube

How do you make homemade flux?

DIY Liquid Flux How To Make Fast Easy Cheap – YouTube

How do I know if my solder has flux?

Does Your Core Solder Have Enough Flux? – YouTube