I need a new solder Iron
#1
06-08-23, 04:38 AM
I need a new solder Iron
From pictures it looks like I have a very old Weller 30W iron that has served me well but I recently spliced in a trailer harness and there were a couple of heavy ground wires that it simply would not get hot enough.
Soo looking at what is available the next step up is 60 & 80w units. First instinct is to go with 80w but it's a big iron. So what are the pros/cons/usage for that big one?
I would also say that pretty much all my solder needs is for wiring!
Soo looking at what is available the next step up is 60 & 80w units. First instinct is to go with 80w but it's a big iron. So what are the pros/cons/usage for that big one?
I would also say that pretty much all my solder needs is for wiring!
#2
06-08-23, 05:31 AM
Group Moderator
I replaced my ancient Weller (USA made) a while back and got a newer model 9400. Not sure what the output is and I don't think I've soldered anything huge, but been pretty happy with it. It's a gun vice an iron and it has two outputs depending on how hard you squeeze the trigger. 
#3
06-08-23, 05:50 AM
Member
Other than replacing the tip, possibly the switch and the cord, not much to go wrong with a soldering gun or pencil. I have had a 9400 Weller for over 40 years and it still works like a charm (it was a replacement and I immediately replaced the cord with a 20' piece of #16 lamp cord).
The most common problem is the tip getting loose (screw in on a Weller pencil and nuts on the gun). If the tip is loose, heat is divided between the loosed connection and the tip. After that is the tip not being kept clean and tinned; poor heat conduction to the work.
The most common problem is the tip getting loose (screw in on a Weller pencil and nuts on the gun). If the tip is loose, heat is divided between the loosed connection and the tip. After that is the tip not being kept clean and tinned; poor heat conduction to the work.
#4
06-08-23, 05:52 AM
Group Moderator
If your mainly going to use it for trailer wiring I'd consider using the self solder, waterproof butt splice connectors. You use a heat gun and it melts the low temp solder, shrinks the shrink wrap and melts a waterproof adhesive to protect the connection.
If you want to get a higher wattage iron I would avoid the gun type that require you to hold down the trigger. It's very annoying to have to hold the trigger for a minute to get it to heat back up. I've never owned one but I've had my eye on a higher wattage pen style with variable temperature.
If you want to get a higher wattage iron I would avoid the gun type that require you to hold down the trigger. It's very annoying to have to hold the trigger for a minute to get it to heat back up. I've never owned one but I've had my eye on a higher wattage pen style with variable temperature.
#6
06-08-23, 01:18 PM
Group Moderator
When I had my shop we used 8200 and D550pk guns for all automotive wiring.
The 8200 was a 140w gun.
The D550pk was a 260w gun.
I also had 300-550w soldering irons for heavier and battery wiring from American Beauty.
I use Weller for all my soldering irons.
The 8200 was a 140w gun.
The D550pk was a 260w gun.
I also had 300-550w soldering irons for heavier and battery wiring from American Beauty.
I use Weller for all my soldering irons.
