How to Select a Soldering Iron

Doing a job right takes the right tools, and doing a soldering job right takes the right soldering iron. Soldering irons come in a variety of wattages and power sources and are designed for different soldering needs. Use this guide to help you select a soldering iron that will help you solder correctly and safely.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a tip. Depending on what type of work you're doing, you'll want a different type of tip. Pyramid tips are good for soldering sheet metal. Chisel tips and fine round tips are better for electronics work.

2. Consider your location. If you have access to power outlets, a soldering iron that plugs into the wall is the most affordable and logical choice. However, if you are in a shop or outdoors, you might want a battery-operated or gas soldering iron.

3. Choose the wattage. For thick wires and heavy-duty copper soldering, get something higher than a 25-watt rating—up to 80 watts is good. For all-around jobs, a 25-watt type is sufficient.

4. Consider your use. If you are going to be soldering often over a long period of time, a soldering iron with a stand, an On-Off switch and temperature control is a good investment.

5. Invest wisely. Soldering stations are nice, but expensive. They come with a power supply, a soldering iron and equipment for sensing and regulating tip temperature. But if you only solder occasionally, getting the cheap version is probably best.

Tips & Warnings

• For solid-state electronic devices and static-sensitive integrated circuits, look for an iron that is "ESD-safe" (electrostatic discharge safe).
• When you get a new tip, heat it and cover it with solder before using. This is called "tinning" and helps keep the tip from getting dirty.
• Copper tips rust easily and don't convey heat as well. Get a special metal tip instead.
• Make sure your area is well ventilated before beginning to solder.