During the repair of television and radio equipment, electronics, household appliances and some parts of cars, it becomes necessary to solder various parts. Many people know a familiar tool - an electric soldering iron. Now other devices have appeared, for example, gas soldering irons. Compared to similar electrical appliances, they have many advantages. The selection describes the most reliable gas soldering irons used in various situations.
Content
It is believed that gas tools are explosive. This statement can be refuted provided that safety precautions are observed during the work. One of the requirements: the burner flame must not be directed at combustible materials and objects that can quickly ignite. In the event of a gas leak, thoroughly ventilate the area where the work was carried out.
Careful study of the instructions that come with the device will help to safe work with gas equipment and extend the life of the soldering iron. It certainly indicates the type of gas that this device uses (butane or propane). In many cases, soldering irons are refueled using conventional refueling cans for household lighters.
A gas soldering iron is a versatile compact device used to create permanent connections of various parts. The device is used in places where it is not possible to connect to the electrical network. Radio amateurs also resort to his help, we solder radioelements from the boards. When carrying out plumbing and paintwork, the gas apparatus is a reliable assistant. The device heats pipes and threaded joints, solders large structural elements using refractory solders, softens the paint and varnish coatings to be replaced.
The construction of the main models of gas soldering irons consists of the following elements:
The working process begins when the gas is mixed with the surrounding oxygen. Starting is carried out from a built-in piezoelectric element or an external combustion source by applying a flame. Using the control knob, you can change the intensity of the flame, adjusting the operating temperature. The ceramic grate with a thin layer of platinum is a catalyst that ensures uniform combustion and heating of the tip.
The main plus of gas appliances is that the device can operate autonomously without any additional batteries. The devices allow you to solder parts of different sizes in any conditions. Such devices are used in places where access is difficult. When working with electric soldering irons, the working area is limited by the length of the cable and depends on the availability of the electrical network.
Many models have a lock to protect the device from being turned on unintentionally. Heating time - up to 450-2000 ° С - from 15 to 30 sec. The devices can operate in several modes:
The huge range of available gas soldering irons sometimes makes it difficult to select the right tool. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account what goals and objectives will be set for the adaptation. Choosing the right device for soldering or cutting, you need to focus on some parameters:
Depending on the functions performed and the frequency of use, the devices can be divided into the following main groups: professional, stationary, household (multipurpose with various attachments).
If you imagine an auto mechanic with a household soldering iron trying to connect two massive parts, then it becomes a pity for the time spent. This is where professional devices will help. Also, builders, plumbers and workers in other areas, where high temperatures are required, turn to their help. Professional devices perfectly heat parts, easily cut plastic. Well-purified butane is best suited for refueling. Cheap gas will quickly spoil the catalyst, and it can become clogged with particulate matter. If, nevertheless, this happened, then you should not give in to panic: the catalyst can be pulled out and cleaned. Professional gas tools Make it possible to quickly perform any work at the highest level.
The Super Pro 125 soldering iron is one of the most powerful gas-fired soldering irons of its kind, providing the equivalent of 125 watts of heating power. The device has considerable dimensions: the handle diameter is 25 mm, the length without the tip and cover is 180 mm. You cannot put such a device in your pocket. It fits well in the hand, despite the fact that it looks thick in girth. A modest gray-orange color scheme suits the work environment. High-quality workmanship, durable and pleasant to the touch plastic - evidence that the instrument will last a long time and flawlessly. The instructions from the developer say that the device is filled with butane. There are two build options: North American and European. In the first version, the handle at the place of the reservoir is made of plastic, in the second - of metal.
The launch is carried out by lightly pressing a button. It heats up to operating temperature in 30 seconds.At the end there is a nut for adjusting the gas flow from minimum to maximum. She walks smoothly, but slightly stiff, that is, a spontaneous turn is excluded. Professionals speak positively about Portasol. This is one of the few models where the regulation of the gas supply works normally, and therefore the temperature of the tip, which expands the functionality. The time of continuous operation in the mode of minimum power reaches 2 hours. Gas reservoir ultrasonic welding eliminates leakage when exposed to ultraviolet rays, extreme temperatures or shock.
The DAYREX DR-24 professional device uses natural gas for lighters. The quick prime valve allows the soldering iron reservoir to be completely filled in just 3 seconds. The tool is packed in a plastic case, which makes it easy to transport.
Equipment:
DAYREX DR-24 has a piezo ignition system, which provides complete autonomy. Users note that the soldering iron has established itself as a necessary tool that has a complete set to perform various functions. You can work, for example, with glue sticks for joining different materials (plastic, wood, rubber). Works great in all weather conditions (rain, wind).
Stationary devices are ergonomic in operation. They are comfortable to hold in your hand. With the stand, the appliance can be turned into an almost stationary burner.
Users recognize the Dremel Versaflame F0132200JCa as one of the best stationary models. This multifunctional device is useful for work in the workshop and at home. It can do almost anything: melt, seal, burn out, hot cut, etc. The fuel tank is filled with liquefied butane. The set includes a removable leg. The device with a high heating rate and fast recharge is ready for use at any time. Time of uninterrupted operation under the condition of maximum load 70-80 minutes. There is a flame blocking mechanism, a level regulator and a piezoelectric element for ignition. The included hard case makes storage easy.
The powerful soldering iron can operate as a torch depending on the tip. A wide temperature range from 200 to 1300 degrees makes it possible to use different types of solders in work. The presence of a leg for fixing the pallet on the surface allows the device to be used stationary. The height of the flame is regulated by a lever located on the body of the device. Management is reduced to intuitiveness and does not require much ingenuity. There are two replaceable nozzles (microburner and soldering iron tip). Applications: soldering, welding, heat shrinking. The existing piezoelectric element serves to ignite the gas. The volume of the fuel tank is 20 ml, the desired effect is achieved with the minimum gas consumption.
The functionality of a stationary gas tool is not limited by anything. The device perfectly copes with such work as shrinking, removing paint, cleaning surfaces from corrosion, soldering, and a gas burner. The burner flame can be adjusted, but the range is not wide enough.The craftsmen note that there are minor flaws in the operation of the regulator, in particular, the torch burns unstably at a minimum. There were no complaints about the ignition of the burner. The dimensions of the device are quite large. Beautiful appearance and perfect packaging will appeal to aesthetes. Nicely pleased with the price.
Models in this category should always be in the arsenal of a home craftsman. Gas soldering irons, as a rule, have a whole set of additional tips. Thanks to this range of accessories, devices are widely used. The main purpose is repair work. The tools do not require an additional source of ignition. They are practical and compact.
The set of a budget soldering iron includes three types of tips, which are made of stainless steel (tip, hair dryer and cutter). The tool heats up quickly, the working temperature is adjustable from 450 to 1300 ° C, the surface of the body is non-slip. This texture is very convenient: the tool will not fall out of the hand. The packaging contains information on safe working practices.
The budget soldering iron has a built-in piezoelectric element and is designed to perform point work with various materials (plastic, metal, wood). The cost of the device is not high. On the body of the soldering iron there is a button for fixing a thin pencil flame and an intensity regulator. It is recommended to use butane as a fuel. T of heating max - 1200 ° С, tip length is 15 mm. The lack of additional attachments reduces versatility.
The convenient attachment is suitable for welding, brazing, hot cutting and heat shrinking. Gas soldering iron is used by auto repairmen and jewelers. The operating time of a fully loaded tool is 1 to 1.5 hours. Ignition is performed by a built-in piezoelectric element. Pencil type of flame is quite suitable for household work. The kit includes an additional set of nozzles, a can of gas, a wrench for changing accessories, solder, a cleaning sponge.
Outwardly, the compact device looks like an ordinary ballpoint pen. The working part of the soldering iron is covered with a cap. The device is very mobile, everything is thought out here for soldering in field conditions. The modest plastic body has nothing superfluous. There is a switch lever and a flame regulator. A significant disadvantage is the lack of piezo ignition. The number of attachments is minimal (tip and hairdryer).
The device is easy to use and easy to understand for the average man in the street, behaves perfectly in a variety of conditions. Loyal price with good quality - what else can you expect from a household tool.
A compact and inexpensive gas-fired soldering iron could not fail to get into this rating, and this is due to the fact that it is very convenient to use. One of the best pocket tools for all occasions has a small size, it will always find a place in the arsenal of a home craftsman. The size and shape are not much different from a ballpoint pen. The metal case does not heat up during operation. The small gas tank has a volume of 7 ml. The temperature range is sufficient for various tasks and work with various solders. A flame regulator is located on the body. The work is slightly complicated by the fact that there is no function for monitoring the remaining gas, so you need to visually monitor the fuel consumption.The lack of piezo ignition also slightly upsets many, but this reduces the cost of the model, so the tool can be liked by thrifty owners who have other sources of fire at hand. The device performs soldering work, cutting polypropylene pipes, heating metal parts to eliminate corrosion, woodworking (burning out). The soldering iron is durable enough if you work with it according to the instructions.
The difference between this option lies in the good combination of price and quality. The compact body fits perfectly in the hand. There is a button for regulating the gas supply. For work, gas is used, intended for gas burners and lighters. The soldering iron is easy to refuel. Tank capacity - 12 ml. This amount is sufficient for one hour of work. The device ignites from an external source. The high-quality body is made of metal and plastic. In addition to the sting, the device is equipped with several attachments (torch, hair dryer, cutting). Slow cooling of the nozzles when changing is necessary sometimes slows down the speed of work. Fuel consumption is not visually monitored, since the gas container is opaque, and this is a significant minus of the model. Despite some drawbacks, users speak positively about this tool.
The opinions of experienced craftsmen allowed us to compile a list of the best tools in their opinion. Reviews are subjective. The choice of a gas soldering iron depends on the specific situation and the frequency of use of the device.