Looking for a good butane soldering iron.

[Michaelinpr]

I have for years been using the one they sell at Radio Shack because it is the only one I have found here in PR and back home in Canada. I am looking online but I do not know which one to get. The Radio Shack one, which is the same as a lot of the ones I have found with a different name, seems to leak gas after a while from the switch. Every time I am trying to start the two I have I have to be careful not to start a fire in my hand. Also the tips wear down pretty quick. I know I am using to much heat and that is why the tips wear down.

So what brand are good?

Where should I buy from?

[celltech]

I've been using this one for 10 years. No issues and works great.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001HWC9Z4

[Rototerrier]

I have a butane just for the torch. For actual soldering, I can't stand it. If you aren't dead set on butane, maybe consider a good gun.

http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WEL8200.../dp/B00002N7S0

This thing makes quick work of just about anything you throw at it. Well, for smaller things you obviously need a pen or something a little more surgical. I don't deal with too many super small jobs, so the big gun does the trick for me every time.

[nsscaver1]

Never had a problem with my Weller. It's almost 20 years old. Many tips and used often. Never leaks.

[bostonkiter]

It took nearly four years of buying crap to finally invest in this:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJOFQqsJuL...UA/s1600/1.jpg

I feel like a fool not investing in this highly recommended unit! I solder everything from huge HV connectors to 24g night flying harnesses with ease with this WelleR.

IF YOU WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS AND BE CONSISTENTLY SUCCESSFUL, GET THIS ONE NOW!

[Michaelinpr]

I like the butane because I can use it at the field too without any cords. We have no power at the field. Plus a lot of the soldering I do is for making 24V PSU's for people. I find the butane iron is easier to make the connections to the output terminals. The 50W electric I have never heats up the terminals enough to get a good solder. I guess I can go bigger than 50W but I also like the convenience of cordless.

Thanks guys. I will check out the links.

[fourbie]

For years I used a Weller instant heat soldering gun along with other various mains makes with more power but I always felt it never had the guts particularly for jobs on cars. In fact I have a whole toolbox of electric irons. Then one day I asked a question a bit like yours, what soldering iron will do better than Wellers etc. and was told to get a Solderpro. I got one and WOW, what a difference it made to my soldering misery. I never use the Weller these days, it's like an antique and dated

Yes, it burns lighter fuel at a fair lick (but it is cheap enough!); yes it goes through tips (that's cos I don't clean them like I should!) but I bought a pack of them; yes, I have burnt myself a little now and then but the iron is the only one I turn to be it a tiny microswitch soldering job or big electrical work on the car.

[pitchandyaw]

I have this and it does everything perfectly! I love it.

http://www.pro-iroda.com/Pro120K.htm

[pjuran]

I have this one and love it!

http://www.amazon.com/Weller-P2KC-Pr...soldering+iron

[Slyster]

This tool is the BEST for soldering bullets and it's cheap/free shipping.

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/tri-fla...-6781?item=158

[Mini Tmaxx]

This is the one I use. Mainly just for small repairs tho. For heavy soldering I use my weller.

http://www.powerprobeonline.com/ppsk.html

I have used a snap-on one as well but it was junk.

[Michaelinpr]

Originally Posted by Slyster

This tool is the BEST for soldering bullets and it's cheap/free shipping.

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/tri-fla...-6781?item=158

I have a small propane torch that I have used for bullet connectors. It it used for copper plumbing but I found it to easy to over heat the bullet and then the solder wont stick anymore.

Plus I cant use it to make the connections on the power supplies I am making.

[aww]

I have a Weller Pyropen Which is 17 years old, I'm an Auto electrician and this iron is used all day every day for those 17 years. I'ts the only gas iron I've used that will get hot enough to use lead free solder.
Anthony

[fourbie]

Originally Posted by aww

I have a Weller Pyropen Which is 17 years old, I'm an Auto electrician and this iron is used all day every day for those 17 years. I'ts the only gas iron I've used that will get hot enough to use lead free solder.
Anthony

I wish I'd gotten one all those years back - I only discovered them a few years back.