Soldering Iron for working under dash.

[Chromatic]

Hey guys.. My Iron burnt out over 6 months ago,.. and I bought a battery powered one but it was terrible.

I'm grabbing another iron tomorrow cause I need one anyway, but will use it for this install as well.

What do you recommend for soldering in tight places and under the dash near other wires/plastic?

I'd like a butane wireless.. And I've heard good things about them.

What do you think?

This is very inexpensive and has decent reviews. I don't use my soldering iron more than half a dozen times a year or so,.. so it doesn't need to be super durable.

Bernzomatic Butane Micro Flame Torch and Accessory Kit-328630 at The Home Depot

Other than that,.. I'd have to go wired to buy locally.. Or order one online.

What do you guys recommend? The cheaper irons, and lower powered ones just seem to make a mess and are frustrating,.. they don't get hot enough etc. I've never used Flux,.. some I'm going to work with that this time,.. heard is really makes a difference.

What irons would you recommend? And is the one I linked good enough for doing a few connections of 14g wire or smaller?

If not,.. link other types you'd prefer.

Thanks.

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[Side Show 10+ year member]

I was looking at getting one of those rechargeable electric ones, they seem alright..... but I dunno now lol

 

[Chromatic]

I was looking at getting one of those rechargeable electric ones, they seem alright..... but I dunno now lol

Well to be fair.. I got a Walmart $10-15 Battery one.. and it wouldn't even hardly melt the solder.. Was a joke. I took it back within the hour!

I'm sure some battery ones of better quality are ok.

But, I think It's either Butane or Electric for the real deal.

But you can score some really nice irons I hear for under 50 bucks..

I was just thinking a butane would be good under the dash without cords,.. but just wondering what you guys use (those that solder anyway).

 

[Lexicon740iL 10+ year member]

I been using this battery powered Hakko for audio installs and mods on my cars and I love it.

It's very powerful.

Hakko FX 901 Cordless Soldering Iron Battery Operated Solder Iron FX 901 P | eBay

32 buck's to your door is a great price IMHO and I've spent several hundred on nice digital irons

I use Tenergy Premium 2500MAh rechegable NIMH batteries and it last's forever and gives nice even heat and longer runtime VS. Alkaline cells in the same unit.

Tenergy Premium Ni-MH AA 2500mAh Rechargeable Battery

I use PACE and HAKKO bench units when repairing PCB'S in my business. Those are two brands I've used for years with excellent results.

I have never cared for Butane irons myself.

 

[Side Show 10+ year member]

I've only ever had butane, they work well, but don't seem to last very long, usually get about 1 year out of it befor the refil nozel buggers up

 

[fasfocus00 5,000+ posts]

this is the one that personally have used for the last 3 years.

Solder It Inc PRO120 Heavy Duty Pencil Style Butane Soldering Iron | eBay

 

[Side Show 10+ year member]

I've had the snap-on ones and had an old electric one that you could actually adjust the temp that you wanting the tip to be

 

[Chromatic]

I did some reading.. and decided on this:

Weller P2C Butane Soldering Iron - Amazon.com

It's the Weller P2C Butane Soldering Iron. The Battery one is the best Battery one out there.. but it just doesn't get hot enough for my needs,.. For 12-14g wire it seems like it might have some trouble,.. so I went with my gut and Butane. This seemed like a reasonable deal, and I trust the brand.

The way it vents is also nice,.. doesn't damage surrounding wires/plastic and such if in tight areas. I think this is a solid product.

Fasfocus: I looked at yours.. and it seems to be an awesome Iron, but everyone who bought it LOVED it, but it died on everyone of them within 6-12 months.. So there must be some inherent flaw in it, otherwise it's an incredibly Iron when it works! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[CrossoverOre 10+ year member]

Butane iron are cool for their mobility and they also tend to heat up relatively quick. They are also extremely sensitive to impacts when they are hot. They are not my first choice for tight position soldering. The heat created by the burning of gas can melt plastic very quickly. So if you are looking for something for tight soldering locations I would probably go for an electric non battery powered one especially if you only use it every other month.

 

[Chromatic]

Butane iron are cool for their mobility and they also tend to heat up relatively quick. They are also extremely sensitive to impacts when they are hot. They are not my first choice for tight position soldering. The heat created by the burning of gas can melt plastic very quickly. So if you are looking for something for tight soldering locations I would probably go for an electric non battery powered one especially if you only use it every other month.

Thanks.. the one pictured above is the one I bought and have.. I really, really like it. Best iron I've had (always had the plug in electric irons).. the extra heat on this one really helps me in my just average soldering skill. Surprisingly it's working well in tight locations,.. to be honest.. since I'm splicing into factory wiring at kick panels.. I'll only be soldering (with this iron) 4 speaker wires or so that I can see so far.

My big torch I'll be using WELL away from the car for the big wire.. 4 gauge for battery and ground.. and it does one heck of a job! Plus it's super fun to use //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Looks something like that.. can't go wrong with that for larger jobs,.. (Cept the one I have has a push button ignitor.. otherwise the same)

I've also just started using flux, and that's making a big difference. A little reading/research goes a long way!

Thanks CrossoverOre for your tip,.. I agree in tight spots,.. butane heat can be very sketchy if you aren't super duper careful and realize the kind of heat it is emanating in the area.

 

[Ramrod 10+ year member]

Kind of an older thread... But I use a Team Checkpoint Soldering Station. I used to built custom radio controlled cars for customers world wide and used this for well over 8yrs every single day. Still using it now time to time.