Depends on the gauge of the wire you’re trying to solder. I’d say no if you’re trying to solder 12 gauge wire. It’s great for light duty soldering like circuit board stuff, soldering light gauge wires together. That sort of thing. One thing I’d mention, I wouldn’t use lead-free solder because it requires a higher temperature than leaded. I use Kester SN63,.031 gauge.
Does anyone have any experience with the inexpensive soldering iron testers on ebay?
I know not to expect the quality of a $1500 tester. I guess I’m asking if they’re OK for occasional use, or would I be flushing money down the hopper?
Here are the inexpensive ones I refer to:
Thanks gents!
Brian, I have these. Both were bought for around $15 a couple of years ago from Ali Express. They both track within a few degrees of each other. I calibrated my Hakko FX-888D soldering station with them, averaging the difference between the 2. I even compared them with my Fluke 289’s thermal sensor. They both were pretty close to the Fluke.You can’t beat them for the price. BTW, these are copies of the original but cost more than 10 times less.
Thanks for the feedback. If you had to pick just one does one stand out?
OK I know nothing about them, but I gather that they use replaceable sensors of different colors. Do the sensors last, or are replacements required?
I see that Banggood has the testers and spare sensors.
Brian, I like the 191 better because it seems more solid and updates faster than the FG 100 I have. You have to remember these are fakes and more than like made by a different manufacturer than the ones you listed. For the money, I say go for it.
The sensor wires are supposed to be good for 50 readings. Make sure yours come with spares. I have 20 in stock.
Check out this video
And to echo what Glenn said, I got one of THESE from Banggood.
I checked it against a friends and it is within 10 F of both of his. Plenty accurate for my infrequent, non critical use.
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Edit for spelling correction.
Teacher, 10 degrees is nothing. For kicks, I bought this Mustool adjustable temperature soldering iron. I set the control for 300C. Measured it with both of my Hakko Soldering Iron testers. Would you believe the Mustool was off by 160+ degrees too hot? Incredible. This is why I’ll bever buy a cheap soldering iron again.
Yeah I was pretty pleased with that result Glenn. Time I used some Banggood points I only paid a bit less than $9 for it. And for it to be that close to 2 of my friends …. I was thinking I came out ahead. 
Wow 160+ degrees too hot is pretty far off the mark for sure. My little cheap solder station I mentioned above was only about 25+ off. I was actually surprised it was that close. 
John Ward tested one of those things - they just reduce the Watts that are going to the heating element - so if you solder, it needs more time to reheat.
It’s not temperature regulated.
I also have one of those - I use it for applications where I need a lot of heat quick like soldering cables to a MCPCB on a heatsink.
For everything else I have my beloved Aoyue 3210
Teacher, you did well especially for $9. It’s more than accurate for most people.
My CXG DS110T is waaay off since I changed the heating element, could melt standard Sn63Pb37 at nearly 295°C on the screen, nearly 112 degrees of difference! Entered calibration mode, but could only compensate 50 degrees.
Well, I know it's 60ish points below so, for 300°C I just dial ≈360 and that's about it. 
^:)
Thanks guys! Cheap enough and plenty for my usage.
I noticed. There’s only 2 wires going to the heating element so there’s no feedback sensor like on my Weller and Hakko soldering stations. It was a cheap iron. I guess I was expecting too much.
Thanks Glenn. It is good to hear that from someone who actuall knows…. such as yourself.
Thanks my freind I have to admit, I do have long term experience. I will never say I know it all, but what I know has worked for me since the late 1960’s
Banggood had the 191 clone tester for $10.50 and I got a few packs of those sensors. Now I wait.
The Circuit Specialists soldering station and tips came in yesterday*. Both the soldering station and tester should be sufficient for my less than professional uses.
*It works and it actually came with a soldering iron.
Since I’ve been retired the last few years, Technically I’m no longer a professional. Thankfully, I can still solder like one.
If it has worked for you since the 60’s…. I’d say you are doing something right. 
Excellent, coming with the iron is always a big plus………
Hey, if it is OK with BrianK; since he started this thread… we may have to keep meeting over here for some off topic chatter every now and then. As well as on topic chatter also when wanted or needed. 
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In fact, I have an on topic question right now for you Glenn.
From what I understand, lead core solder is what you use and recommend.
I don’t do a lot of soldering, mainly flashlight related stuff with an occasional ’unknown’ something else that might pop up.
- 1. What Brand and type solder to get.
- 2. Is there one size that would work for all…. if so what is it? (If not… see #3)
- 3. If I need more than one size, what sizes would they be?
- 4 Is there a place that you would recommend that sells more reasonable than others?
If you can’t decode my poorly asked questions, we’ll just say I was having a ‘Lumpy’ moment; and I’ll try to make them more clear.
Thank you in advance………
teacher, you need to check with me? I’m one of the biggest offenders and always defend off topic chatter. Threads go where they will just like conversations. Good questions BTW and I’m still waiting for the off topic ones.