During the repair of television and radio equipment, electronics, household appliances and some vehicle components, it becomes necessary to solder various parts. Many people know the 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
There is an opinion that gas tools are explosive. This statement can be refuted, provided that safety precautions are observed during operation. One of the requirements: the flame of the burner must not be directed at combustible materials and objects that can quickly ignite. In the event of a gas leak, carefully ventilate the room where the work was carried out.
A careful study of the instructions that come with the device will help to secure 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 ordinary cans for refilling household lighters.
A gas soldering iron is a versatile compact device used to create permanent joints of various parts. The device is used in places where there is no possibility to connect to the mains. Radio amateurs also resort to his help, we solder the radio elements from the boards. When carrying out plumbing and paint work, a gas appliance is a reliable assistant. The device is used to heat pipes and threaded connections, solder large structural elements using refractory solders, and soften paintwork to be replaced.
The design of the main models of gas soldering irons consists of the following elements:
The working process begins when the gas is mixed with ambient oxygen.The start is made from a built-in piezoelectric element or an external combustion source by applying a flame. By means of the adjusting button it is possible to change the intensity of the flame by adjusting the operating temperature. A ceramic grate with a thin layer of platinum is a catalyst that ensures uniform combustion and heating of the tip.
The main advantage of gas appliances is that the device can work autonomously without any additional batteries. 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 an electrical network.
Many models have a lock to protect the device from spontaneous activation. Heating time - up to 450-2000 ° C - from 15 to 30 seconds. Devices can work 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. When choosing the right fixture 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 (multi-purpose with various nozzles).
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 can help. Also, builders, plumbers and workers in other areas that require the creation of high temperatures 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 solid impurities. If, nevertheless, this happened, then you should not panic: the catalyst can be pulled out and cleaned. Professional gas tools Provide the ability to quickly perform any work at the highest level.
The Super Pro 125 soldering iron is one of the most powerful gas soldering irons of its kind, delivering the equivalent of 125 watts of heating power. The device has considerable dimensions: the diameter of the handle is 25 mm, the length without a sting and a cover is 180 mm. It will not be possible to put such a device in a pocket. It fits well in the hand, despite the fact that it looks a bit thick in girth. Modest grey-orange coloration suits the working environment. High-quality performance, durable and pleasant to the touch plastic - evidence that the tool will last a long time and flawlessly. The instructions from the developer say that the device is refueled with butane. There are two build options: North American and European. In the first version, the handle in place of the tank is made of plastic, in the second version it is made of metal.
Starting is carried out with a slight push of a button. It heats up to operating temperature in 30 seconds. At the end there is a nut for adjusting the gas supply from minimum to maximum. She walks smoothly, but slightly tight, that is, spontaneous rotation is excluded. Professionals speak positively about Portasol. This is one of the few models where the gas supply adjustment works normally, and hence the temperature of the tip, which expands the functionality. The time of continuous operation in the minimum power mode reaches 2 hours. Ultrasonic welding of the gas tank eliminates leakage when exposed to UV rays, extreme temperatures or shock.
The DAYREX DR-24 professional appliance uses natural gas for lighters. The presence of a quick filling valve allows you to completely fill the soldering iron tank 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 ensures 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 to connect various materials (plastic, wood, rubber). Works great in all weather conditions (rain, wind).
Stationary devices are ergonomic in work. They are comfortable to hold in your hand. With a stand, the appliance can be turned into an almost stationary burner.
Users recognize Dremel Versaflame F0132200JCа as one of the best stationary models. This multifunctional device is useful for work in the workshop and at home. It can do almost everything: melt, solder, burn, 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 piezo element for ignition. The included hard case makes it easy to store.
A powerful soldering iron can work in torch mode, depending on the nozzle. A wide temperature range from 200 to 1300 degrees makes it possible to use various types of solders in the work. The presence of a leg for fixing the palnik on the surface allows the device to be used permanently. The height of the flame is regulated by a lever, which is located on the body of the device. Management is reduced to intuitiveness and does not require special ingenuity. There are two interchangeable nozzles (microtorch and soldering tip). Scope: soldering, welding, heat shrinkage. The existing piezoelectric element serves to ignite the gas. The volume of the fuel tank is 20 ml, with a minimum gas consumption, the desired effect is achieved.
The functionality of a stationary gas tool is not limited by anything. The device perfectly copes with such works as heat shrinkage, paint removal, cleaning surfaces from corrosion, soldering, gas burner. The burner flame can be adjusted, but the range is not wide enough. The masters note that there are minor flaws in the operation of the regulator, in particular, at a minimum, the torch burns unstably.There were no complaints about the ignition of the burner. The dimensions of the device are quite large. Beautiful appearance and excellent packaging will appeal to aesthetes. Pleasantly pleased with the price.
Models in this category should always be in the arsenal of the home master. Gas soldering irons, as a rule, have a whole set of additional nozzles. Thanks to such a range of additional devices, the devices are used quite widely. The main purpose is repair work. The tools do not require an additional ignition source. They are practical and compact.
The set of a budget soldering iron includes three types of tips that are made of stainless steel (sting, hair dryer and cutter). The tool heats up quickly, the operating temperature is adjustable from 450 to 1300°C, the body surface is non-slip. This texture is very convenient: the tool will not fall out of your hand. The packaging contains information on safe handling practices.
The budget soldering iron has a built-in piezoelectric element and is designed to perform spot 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. Butane is recommended as fuel. T heating max - 1200 ° C, the length of the sting is 15 mm. Lack of additional attachments reduces versatility.
The handy tool is suitable for welding, soldering, hot cutting and heat shrinking. A gas soldering iron is used in the work of car repairmen, jewelers. The operating time of a fully loaded tool is from 1 to 1.5 hours. Ignition is carried out by a built-in piezoelectric element. The pencil type of flame is quite suitable for domestic work. The kit includes an additional set of nozzles, a can of gas, a wrench for changing accessories, solder, a sponge for cleaning.
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 here is thought out for soldering in field conditions. The modest plastic case has nothing superfluous. There is an on/off switch and a flame regulator. A significant disadvantage is the lack of piezo ignition. The number of nozzles is minimal (sting and hair dryer).
The device is easy to use and easy to understand for the average layman, it behaves perfectly in a variety of conditions. A fair price with good quality - what else can you expect from a household tool.
A compact and inexpensive gas 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 have a place in the arsenal of the home master.The size and shape are not much different from a ballpoint pen. The metal case does not heat up during operation. A small gas tank has a volume of 7 ml. The temperature range is enough to perform various tasks and work with various solders. The flame regulator is located on the body. The fact that there is no function to control the remaining gas complicates the work a little, so you need to visually monitor the fuel consumption. The absence of piezo ignition also upsets many a little, but this reduces the cost of the model, so the tool may appeal to economical owners who have other sources of fire at hand. The device performs soldering, cutting polypropylene pipes, heating metal parts to eliminate corrosion, woodworking (burning). The soldering iron is quite durable if you work with it according to the instructions.
The difference between this option lies in the successful 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 intended for gas burners and lighters is used. The soldering iron is easy to refill. The capacity of the tank is 12 ml. This amount is enough for one hour of work. The device ignites from an external source. The high-quality case is made of metal and plastic. In addition to the sting, the device is equipped with several nozzles (torch, hair dryer, cutting). Slow cooling of the nozzles when replacement is necessary sometimes reduces the speed of work. Fuel consumption is not visually controlled, since the gas tank is opaque, and this is a significant disadvantage of the model.Despite some shortcomings, users respond positively to this tool.
The opinions of experienced craftsmen made it possible to compile a list of the best instruments 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.