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[Peter Kowalczyk]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

Hakko soldering iron

[Peter Kowalczyk]

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]

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]

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]

Peter,

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

Scott

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