How to choose a soldering iron: important parameters, choosing a tool for the home, pipes and chips
Though, that the modern market is represented by a wide range of different soldering irons, many do not know, how to choose the right tool, to make it convenient to solve the tasks. Sellers in specialty stores can not always fully describe all the pros and cons of each model, so it is better to look for the answer on the Internet. Before you buy a soldering iron, it is necessary to get acquainted with its characteristics and try to understand, which ones are the most important, and which - the least. You should also pay attention to the country of origin. So how to choose a soldering iron, not to be mistaken?
Important parameters
Each tool has its own parameters and characteristics, determining its functional purpose and application. A soldering iron is no exception. Choosing a specific model, it is necessary to focus on the following parameters:
Power and size
Many believe, that the bigger and more powerful this tool is, the better. However, this is not the case. If required directly for pipes, then the power and size parameters must be the same, if for chips others. There are models with a capacity of at least 10 W and above 500 W.
Operating voltage
In the most popular models, the operating voltage is 6, 12, 36 and 220 Volt. Of course, it is better to choose a soldering iron, powered from the mains with a capacity of 220 V. As for security, then the operating voltage to 36 B is the best option. If you need to buy a soldering iron for the home with the lowest voltage, then you have to buy a step-down transformer.
Type of heating element
Modern devices are mainly available with built-in spiral heaters, which are a ceramic or mica tube with a wire coating, located on top. Some models also have ceramic heaters, however, their service life is not too long, and the price is quite high.
Form of pity
There is a large selection of various thousands. It is best to choose such a soldering iron, who has the ability to change the sting. In this case, you can buy a tool, regardless, it will be intended for the house or for processing of chips.
Sting length adjustment
It is necessary to choose such devices, which have such a function. This is due to the fact, that after a while the solder begins to destroy the sting, causing notches, reducing its size, etc.. P.
Soldering iron type
If you can not choose the right tool, it is best to buy rod or pulse models.
An electric soldering iron is considered the best. It is universal and optimally combines all the necessary parameters.
Choosing soldering irons for home use
According to generally accepted rules, There are no special requirements or recommendations for soldering irons for the home. The main thing, that the tool has a wide scope, was reliable and safe. For the house the best option will be rod soldering irons. Their main advantages are reliability, durability and practicality.
The disadvantage of this tool is the need to wait, while it warms up before use. There is an alternative - a pulse soldering iron, warms up instantly, has an ergonomic design and, exept this, it is very easy to use. However, such a device is used mainly for soldering chips, and its cost is much higher, than in conventional rod models.
Choosing a device for home use, it is necessary to be guided by such parameters, as practicality and convenience. Therefore, taking into account such tools, the following requirements apply:
- The optimum power should be 25-40 W.
- The dimensions should be small, this makes them easy to use.
- Operating voltage - 220 V.
- Handle material. Tools with plastic handles are quite light, but overheat very quickly, ebonite - very heavy. The best option is a wooden handle. It is very light and has a low thermal conductivity.
- The electric cable must have double insulation.
- The optimal sting is straight, made of quality materials and tightly fixed in the soldering iron.
- Rosin can be purchased dry or in alcohol solution.
- The solder solder must be lead-tin, have a wire thickness 34 mm.
- It is desirable to buy a solution of orthophosphoric acid, which will be needed for cleaning and tinning of oxidized parts and spare parts.
If the soldering iron will be used very often at home, then the best choice would be a soldering station. It is much more expensive, but it includes baths for soldering iron and special stands. There is also a temperature control of the sting.
Choice of soldering iron for pipes
To lay a durable and reliable pipeline, special tools are needed. One of them is a soldering iron, to which the following requirements apply:
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Specialists use the device with power 1-2 kw. But if a pipe soldering iron is bought to work in the apartment, then such power will be superfluous.
- For small-scale work it is better to choose a soldering iron with power 680 W. It is perfect for pipes with a diameter 16-65 mm.
- For soldering plastic pipes, have a diameter 65 -90 mm, you will need a tool with power 850 W.
- If the pipes have a diameter greater than 100 mm, it is better to choose models with more power 1 kw.
Choosing soldering irons for pipes, you should pay attention to the presence of different nozzles. They are made as usual, and from metallized Teflon.
Choosing a soldering iron for chips
Most users prefer to use soldering stations, however, some radio amateurs prefer to use hand-held soldering irons for chips. The following requirements apply:
- The maximum power of the tool should not be more 25 W.
- A thin tip with a diameter should be used 2,5-3 mm.
- It is necessary to buy such models, which have temperature control of the sting, so as not to damage the chip.
- Experts do not recommend using silver solder. Better, if it will have a low tin content.
- Any flux is selected, regardless of the components or manufacturer.
Remember, that when working with chips, be sure to use grounding, to avoid being hit by static electricity. Even a small spark can cause irreparable damage to chips.
As for the choice of country of origin, then high-quality devices are presented by the Czech Republic. They have the best value for money, and the kit includes everything you need for a wide range of work. Good models are presented by Turkish manufacturers. But remember, that there are too many counterfeit Chinese-made counterfeits on the market.
So, choosing a soldering iron is not an easy task. It is not so easy to find such a device, which would meet all the requirements, presented. According to most experts, for work it is best to buy soldering stations. They are convenient and practical. However, for domestic use, a conventional soldering iron will come in handy.
