Soldering irons use a low-melting alloy solder to bond two metallic surfaces. The soldering iron heats its tip to a temperature hot enough to melt the alloy into molten. The molten then re-solidifies, bonding the two surfaces. Soldering irons are used in a variety of industries to fabricate, repair and maintain parts and components. The industries that implement soldering include automotive, aerospace, marine, computer, electronics, medical and construction.

Soldering irons can be either a portable or table-top unit. Field technicians use portable soldering irons for on-site repairs and maintenance. Portable units operate by either an outside electrical power source or a self-contained power source, such as fuel or batteries. Soldering irons heat and cool in a matter of seconds, which provides the operator with efficient safety. When purchasing soldering irons, consider the following:

1. Purchase pencil-style soldering irons for comfort and precision.

2. Control tip temperature with soldering iron stations.

3. Use butane-operated soldering irons for field service.

4. Buy battery-operated soldering irons for quick repairs and maintenance.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use pencil-style soldering irons

Pencil-style soldering irons are held between the operator's thumb and first two fingers just like a pencil or pen. They are ideal for precision soldering because they give the operator a high level of control. This style of soldering iron is comfortable to use and available in light- to heavy-duty models.

I recommend: Find pencil-style soldering irons at American Beauty Soldering Tools. These soldering irons are ideal for use in production lines as well as repairs and maintenance. Sunshine Glassworks supplies heavy-duty, pencil-style soldering irons manufacturered by Hexacon. Use these soldering irons for continuous studio soldering.

Buy soldering irons with stations

Soldering irons with control stations, commonly referred to as simply soldering stations, give the user control over the tip of the iron's temperature. Soldering irons that are too cool are ineffective and temperatures that are too high can damage the application. The operator sets the temperature on the station and can adjust it as needed.

I recommend: Browse an inventory of soldering stations at Howard Electric Instruments. The soldering iron supplier's inventory includes lead-free models. Find a soldering station with a selectable digital readout at M.M. Newman. The company's 690-SD Soldering Station provides temperature control ranging from 65 degrees C to 450 degrees C.

Purchase butane-operated soldering irons

Butane-operated soldering irons are ideal for field service work. Because they operate on fuel, field technicians aren't limited by power outlet placement. This type of soldering iron can often operate for several hours on a single butane filling.

I recommend: Order butane-operated soldering irons from Master Appliance. These soldering irons have long-lasting tips that are oxygen-free and copper-based. Tecra Tools offers soldering irons that can be refilled with standard butane fuel. A single filling operates the soldering iron for up to four hours.

Find soldering iron suppliers that offer battery-operated units

Battery-operated soldering irons are lightweight and portable. These soldering irons are a good back-up option for field technicians. They can't operate continuously as long as butane-operated soldering irons, but are less expensive and adequate for simple repairs and maintenance.

I recommend: Purchase a battery-operated soldering iron online at Tequipment.NET. The soldering iron's tip is insulated to prevent electrical leaks. Hammond Electronics offers a battery-operated soldering iron capable of operating above 600 degrees F for 120 continuous minutes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To lower the cost of operating a battery-powered soldering iron, purchase at least one spare set of batteries and a battery charger. Keeping your spare set of batteries charged will prevent downtime during repairs and maintenance.