Topic: Your Favorite Portable Soldering Iron? (Read 5887 times)

Peter Kowalczyk · « **on:** January 22, 2020, 04:20:02 PM »

I'm looking for a new portable soldering iron to keep in my toolkit and use on-site on install jobs. I've been using a bench-top 'Console' Hako 936 iron that works great, but the kit has too many pieces to be convenient for portable use.

Any recommendations?

Brian Jojade · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2020, 05:14:10 PM »

For non demanding stuff, the iso-tip 7000 is hard to beat for a portable unit. If you're doing a ton of soldering, probably not ideal. But for a few connections here and there, it's awesome.

I've got a few units, one which I think is almost as old as I am...

Taylor Hall · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2020, 06:07:34 PM »

This one has been making waves in a few circles I'm a part of: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDTO6X7/

Heats up super fast, temp control is quite accurate, and it can be rigged to operate off of commonly available cordless power tool batteries thanks to its 12-24V operating range (which is stupid easy if you're in the dewalt camp since they make a battery adapter with a 12V power bung built in. Brilliant. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HLW5FYG/).

Keith Broughton · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2020, 06:57:07 PM »

I just bought a Ryobi One soldering iron from Home Depot.
Works great...if you already use Ryobi battery operated products.
Store SKU #1003185131

Greg Bellotte · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2020, 12:01:51 PM »

I hate crappy soldering irons, and will usually just take my Weller WES51. But when there's no power available for soldering, the Pyro Pen Jr is my favorite portable. Heats to 700 in a few seconds. Only downside is that it's butane powered, so I can't fly with it.

Debbie Dunkley · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2020, 01:03:09 PM »

I purchased this one based on recommendations on the forum - I REALLY like it:

Hakko soldering iron

Peter Kowalczyk · « **Reply #6 on:** January 24, 2020, 08:09:10 PM »

Thanks all,

My existing iron has the same form factor as the Weller and Hako ones that Debbie and Greg described; I need something simpler.

Shoulda noted that I have a 'Bernzomatic' butane powered iron that I find to be extremely finicky to keep full and keep lit. It's let me down more times than its worked for me.

So, that leaves the cordless or external-DC powered ones. I'm liking the one Taylor Hall linked. I'll keep using my Hako 936 whenever I have or can improvise a 'workbench;' this one is more for 'up-on-a-ladder' sort of tasks.

Joseph D. Macry · « **Reply #7 on:** January 28, 2020, 08:52:47 AM »

I love my Weller Portasol, butane powered. So many places i have to work without convenient power nearby.
Fits easily in my tool pouch along with screwdrivers, pliers, etc. I keep a can of fuel in the truck.
I do have to change the tip every couple of years.

John Schalk · « **Reply #8 on:** January 28, 2020, 04:12:04 PM »

I don't do a lot of soldering, but I wanted something portable, so after poking around here and polling my friends, I went with a Master Appliance Ultratorch UT-100SI for ~$100 a year or so ago. I like it when it lights, but I've had consistent issues with the ignition. I bought it new and only used their fuel. I will probably replace it with a plug in iron for the workbench at home, so I'll see what budget options show up in this thread.

scottstephens · « **Reply #9 on:** January 29, 2020, 12:37:17 PM »

Peter,

Another shout out to the Weller. I have 2 of them. 10 years not even a hick up.

Scott

Dave Scarlett · « **Reply #10 on:** January 29, 2020, 02:33:30 PM »

This guy's got some neat ideas:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uGS11yuVyo&t=223s

Peter Kowalczyk · « **Reply #11 on:** January 29, 2020, 03:50:49 PM »

Quote from: Dave Scarlett on January 29, 2020, 02:33:30 PM

This guy's got some neat ideas:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uGS11yuVyo&t=223s

Looks like the core of this system is what Mr. Hall was suggesting...

Andrew Broughton · « **Reply #12 on:** January 29, 2020, 09:45:52 PM »

Quote from: Taylor Hall on January 22, 2020, 06:07:34 PM

This one has been making waves in a few circles I'm a part of: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDTO6X7/

Heats up super fast, temp control is quite accurate, and it can be rigged to operate off of commonly available cordless power tool batteries thanks to its 12-24V operating range (which is stupid easy if you're in the dewalt camp since they make a battery adapter with a 12V power bung built in. Brilliant. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HLW5FYG/).

Thanks for the tip. Got one and flashed the firmware, love the form factor and size and weight! Perfect for my gig toolbox!

duane massey · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2020, 03:11:15 PM »

Recently got one of the Ryobi hybrid units (18vdc or 110vac), and it is perfect for my needs. Only complaint is that it goes into "power-save mode" too often when I am not using it for a few minutes.

brian maddox · « **Reply #14 on:** February 01, 2020, 06:44:07 PM »

Quote from: Joseph D. Macry on January 28, 2020, 08:52:47 AM

I love my Weller Portasol, butane powered. So many places i have to work without convenient power nearby.
Fits easily in my tool pouch along with screwdrivers, pliers, etc. I keep a can of fuel in the truck.
I do have to change the tip every couple of years.

^^this

There are times when i prefer my butane iron to my electric just for the lack of "tether".

Tim McCulloch · « **Reply #15 on:** February 02, 2020, 09:13:09 PM »

Also a Hakko (I have a 936 on my bench but needed something for the tool box.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006MQD7M4/

Chris Hindle · « **Reply #16 on:** April 16, 2020, 08:52:28 AM »

In the tool box is a Weller iron, and a Portasol.
Workbench has a Weller Soldering Station.
I don't use the Portasol much, but in 20 odd years, it has never let me down.
Chris.

Hal Bissinger/COMSYSTEC · « **Reply #17 on:** April 16, 2020, 10:38:36 AM »

Quote from: Chris Hindle on April 16, 2020, 08:52:28 AM

In the tool box is a Weller iron, and a Portasol.
Workbench has a Weller Soldering Station.
I don't use the Portasol much, but in 20 odd years, it has never let me down.
Chris.

Weller iron in tool kit, if I have to use an extension cord so be it. Weller soldering station on the bench also. Never liked the Portasol. Makes me feel like a plumber.

-Hal

John Schalk · « **Reply #18 on:** April 26, 2020, 09:53:49 AM »

Quote from: John Schalk on January 28, 2020, 04:12:04 PM

....I went with a Master Appliance Ultratorch UT-100SI for ~$100 a year or so ago. I like it when it lights, but I've had consistent issues with the ignition.

I finally figured out my ignition issues. One of my maintenance projects was to correct two mis-wired 1/4" TRS to XLR adapters (tip to pin 3!) and once again I could not get my torch to light up. In frustration I moved the heat/fuel lever to the max position and bam, she fired right up. I checked the manual this morning and I was following their directions correctly (fuel lever at 3), but they also state that, in colder conditions, to move the lever higher. I don't think my 69 degree basement qualifies as "colder conditions" but whatever. I am back in love with my angled tip, butane soldering iron

dave briar · « **Reply #19 on:** May 24, 2020, 02:39:43 PM »

Quote from: Dave Scarlett on January 29, 2020, 02:33:30 PM

This guy's got some neat ideas:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uGS11yuVyo&t=223s

Sure wish I had Adam’s shop!

Andrew Broughton · « **Reply #20 on:** May 25, 2020, 12:38:21 PM »

Quote from: Dave Scarlett on January 29, 2020, 02:33:30 PM

This guy's got some neat ideas:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uGS11yuVyo&t=223s

Awesome.

Ok, without looking on the internet, and answering just "yes" or "no",
Who remembers the reference to what he says at the very end: "Do not taunt happy fun ball"?
That made me smile.

ProSoundWeb Community · Â« **Reply #20 on:** May 25, 2020, 12:38:21 PM Â»

ProSoundWeb Community

Author Topic: Your Favorite Portable Soldering Iron? (Read 5887 times)

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