RCCrawler Forums

ecoli · 11-17-2011, 12:52 PM

I've run into situations enough times now where I'm looking at getting a butane or other cordless soldering iron for taking with me in to the field. Looking for options/ideas on what's out there. I use a 60W Weller at home and really like it, but as long as it gets the job done, I'm not picky

Manning · 11-17-2011, 05:57 PM

I use a RadioShack brand butane soldering iron for emergency field repairs. Had it for years. Works well, it's a little finicky to get going, but once it fully warms up it will do the job. The iron and a butane refill bottle are permanent items in my tool box.

1tenner · 11-20-2011, 07:28 PM

My friend has a batter powered one. I think he got it from radio shack but I'm not sure. It works in a pinch, but it takes forever to heat up (maybe the batteries were low), and probably wouldn't work at all if it was cold outside.

crunky · 11-20-2011, 09:11 PM

i started out with the cheapo bernzomatic pencil type iron, but found that i had to refill it all the time and the heat was finicky.

i now use the bluepoint yaks22 that came off the snap on truck. costs about $80 bucks and is refillable with cans from home depot or wherever. it gets super hot and comes with a few different types of tips for different jobs. the heat is very controllable and the fuel life is decent. i have not had to replace the small tip on it yet, but some people said if they use it every day for small soldering that they needed to replace the tip once a month. i've had this one for over two years and the tip is still like brand new. then again i take care of my tools that take care of me, so go figure.

the biggest thing you need to be aware of is where the exhaust heat is escaping from the tip. i made this mistake when i first got the iron and melted a spur gear adding a set of deans to the motor still mounted in the truck.

luckily i melted a spur gear and didn't set it down on the table as i have heard others have done.

hope that helps.

YYCADM · 11-24-2011, 06:29 AM

I use one of those Princess Auto pencil torches, and it works really really well. I prefer it to my 80 watt electric. The fuel tank is big enough to last a long time, and it is hot enough to braze with fine rod. I think I paid about 30 bucks for it

Pointman · 11-26-2011, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crunky

i now use the bluepoint yaks22 that came off the snap on truck. costs about $80 bucks and is refillable with cans from home depot or wherever. it gets super hot and comes with a few different types of tips for different jobs.

X2 Get this and never look back. It's saved my butt a few times in the field.
You can't really beat snap-on.

moron88 · 11-26-2011, 06:59 PM

i use harbor freight irons. they dont last super long but at $15 you really cant complain. rumor has it that you can use weller tips but i have never tried myself.

CountryChevy15 · 11-27-2011, 08:32 AM

Recently picked up a bernzomatic mini torch, not the pencil style one, the bigger one. Refillable and lights right away even in colder temps. Has a regular flame setting that is PERFECT for soldering and heat shrinking. Does a great job. Picked it up from Lowes for about 25 bucks. Well worth every dollar.

skinner · 11-27-2011, 09:43 AM

I too use a blue point off my snap on truck, lil pricey but well worth it!!

11-17-2011, 12:52 PM	#1
ecoli I wanna be Dave Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Canada, eh. Posts: 2,919	Butane soldering iron options I've run into situations enough times now where I'm looking at getting a butane or other cordless soldering iron for taking with me in to the field. Looking for options/ideas on what's out there. I use a 60W Weller at home and really like it, but as long as it gets the job done, I'm not picky

11-17-2011, 05:57 PM	#2
Manning RCC Addict Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Lowell, Arkansas Posts: 1,307	I use a RadioShack brand butane soldering iron for emergency field repairs. Had it for years. Works well, it's a little finicky to get going, but once it fully warms up it will do the job. The iron and a butane refill bottle are permanent items in my tool box.

11-20-2011, 07:28 PM	#3
1tenner Rock Stacker Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Spokaloo Posts: 64	My friend has a batter powered one. I think he got it from radio shack but I'm not sure. It works in a pinch, but it takes forever to heat up (maybe the batteries were low), and probably wouldn't work at all if it was cold outside.

11-20-2011, 09:11 PM	#4
crunky I wanna be Dave Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: cape crud... will you be my friend Posts: 2,102	i started out with the cheapo bernzomatic pencil type iron, but found that i had to refill it all the time and the heat was finicky. i now use the bluepoint yaks22 that came off the snap on truck. costs about $80 bucks and is refillable with cans from home depot or wherever. it gets super hot and comes with a few different types of tips for different jobs. the heat is very controllable and the fuel life is decent. i have not had to replace the small tip on it yet, but some people said if they use it every day for small soldering that they needed to replace the tip once a month. i've had this one for over two years and the tip is still like brand new. then again i take care of my tools that take care of me, so go figure. the biggest thing you need to be aware of is where the exhaust heat is escaping from the tip. i made this mistake when i first got the iron and melted a spur gear adding a set of deans to the motor still mounted in the truck. luckily i melted a spur gear and didn't set it down on the table as i have heard others have done. hope that helps.

11-24-2011, 06:29 AM	#5
YYCADM Pebble Pounder Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Regina, Saskatchewan Posts: 117	I use one of those Princess Auto pencil torches, and it works really really well. I prefer it to my 80 watt electric. The fuel tank is big enough to last a long time, and it is hot enough to braze with fine rod. I think I paid about 30 bucks for it

11-26-2011, 06:59 PM	#7
moron88 Rock Stacker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: kalamazoo Posts: 94	i use harbor freight irons. they dont last super long but at $15 you really cant complain. rumor has it that you can use weller tips but i have never tried myself.

11-27-2011, 08:32 AM	#8
CountryChevy15 Rock Stacker Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Champaign Posts: 98	Recently picked up a bernzomatic mini torch, not the pencil style one, the bigger one. Refillable and lights right away even in colder temps. Has a regular flame setting that is PERFECT for soldering and heat shrinking. Does a great job. Picked it up from Lowes for about 25 bucks. Well worth every dollar.

11-27-2011, 09:43 AM	#9
skinner Quarry Creeper Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: out in boonies!! Posts: 349	I too use a blue point off my snap on truck, lil pricey but well worth it!!

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