Getting an Okay Soldering Iron

EDC Gear for Flashlight Carriers
1

I bought the cheapest soldering iron on Amazon. I know how good of an idea that probably was. Still, what the heck. It poured out noxious smoke for a while. The instructions said it would do that for five minutes and then stop. It definitely went more than five minutes but it did eventually stop. The problem is that it still reeks like burnt plastic. Even off, it stinks a little.

So, what is the best inexpensive soldering iron? I imagine that not all of them stink like burning plastic. From all the people modding flashlights to those of us who just need to break a little thread-locker, can we get some good ideas together?

2

Oh god.
That’s not good.

If you want a good starting soldering iron, get this one:

A notch up, with the TS100:

Counpon for the TS100:

3

BlueSwordM you may want to start using the Advanced Post Editor for these links to work:

I bought a CXG DS110T a little more than a couple years ago, happy so far. The heater elements seem durable and are easy to obtain in AliExpress. Looks like the DSxT model series is being replaced by the ExWT:

Cosmetic changes I'd say. Pay attention to the selected version, the US version uses a 110V heater.

That PX-988 from Banggood looks to be some clone sibling, it probably uses the same 90W heaters as the above.

Cheers

4

Let me add generally the “900M tips compatible” is mentioned ad nauseam. The 900M series was discontinued by Hakko as far as I know, the T18 series is where to look at if looking for tips for the above mentioned irons (TS100 excluded).

Advice: don't waste your time buying cheap 10 piece packs of “900M” tips. Such tips are garbage and oxidize almost inmediately. Go genuine, it'll save you time, effort… and money.

:-)

5

This is the one I have, it is excellent.

6

If I just want to heat up locktite knife screws would one of those Weller wood burning kit irons work ok? They are reasonably priced and I don’t do any soldering/modding.

7

Three-In-One Lab Unit (Digital Multimeter / Regulated Power Supply / Soldering Station)

The Velleman LAB1U Three-In-One Lab Unit is the first of the series ... Your space saving lab solution ;-)

:BEER:

- SAM -

8

I have a variation of that one from hobbyking , for 17 euros shipped you can’t beat it.

9

I got mine off ebay, but the price was around 15.00 $US. Best money I have spent on an affordable tool so far, held up more than 3 years now. It does exactly what it should and nothing broke. It looks way cheaper than it is. Even the temperature adjustment is accurate and works.

10

I bought this one in the past, but I’ve not been able to find out how to find the right kind of tips for it. Any ideas?

I wanted to start the learning process by tinning some wire ends, for which the only included tip is too fine.

11

If you want a real modern Iron that use replaceable tips with heat element

KSGER T12 v2.1S
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/KSGER-Soldering-Station-DIY-Kit-STM32-2-1S-OLED-1-3-Display-Temperature-Controller-Digital-Electronic/32820505482.html


or a combination with hot air
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/KSGER-STM32-OLED-T12-Temperature-2-IN-1-ALL-IN-ONE-Hot-Air-Gun-Dryer-Digital/32843211322.html

12

If that's anything like the AOYUE 937 I can't recommend it.

I've used this JBC high-end station and it was amazing, but it's out of my price range by a fair bit.

I currently own this X-tronic model and it's nice.

I've used a friend's TS-80 and while it's nice, it's also expensive and low-power.

I'll admit to eyeing the ersa i-con nano/pico, and while I've heard good things, those are also out of my price range

13

So im guessing this is compatible with Hakko T12 tips? Because id rather get this than the TS100.

Also, do you suggest getting the Hakko T12 Tips or these will do?

14

the reviews on those KSGER tips are good, of course you can buy original ones