How to choose a soldering iron for soldering wires and microcircuits

Main selection criteria

So, first, let's take a brief look at the most important parameters that you should pay attention to when buying a soldering iron.

Heater type

First of all, devices are divided into electric and gas. First, let's talk about those that run on gas.

It is recommended to choose a gas soldering iron for soldering wires in junction boxes. It is convenient in that it works autonomously, without electricity, which is important for electrical work. In addition, such a device can be used as a heat shrink hair dryer.

The disadvantages of gas devices include the complexity of working with microcircuits, as well as the fact that when gas burns in the atmosphere is emitted substances harmful to the body, therefore it is extremely dangerous to work with such a device for a long time health.

It is advisable to choose an electric soldering iron for soldering microcircuits and the same wires, if there are no problems with the power supply. Electric models are divided into the following types:

1. Spiral. The cheapest, most practical and durable type of heater. The disadvantage is that it heats up for a long time, but this is not so important if you need to choose a soldering iron for your home.
2. Ceramic. More expensive and at the same time fragile (it may stop working even with a slight blow). The advantage is that it heats up quickly. If the main thing for you is to choose a device such that it heats up quickly and strongly, a model with a ceramic heater will be the most optimal solution.
3. Pulse. Another design option that can heat up quickly. It is better to choose a pulse soldering iron for soldering microcircuits and for working with printed circuit boards. Such a tool will cost more and is used to a greater extent only for the listed works.

Separately, mention should be made of such an embodiment as a soldering station. With its help, you can quickly and better solder wires and microcircuits. For radio amateurs soldering station selection will be the best solution!

Power

As for the choice of the power of an electric soldering iron, then the following recommendations should be taken into account:

• power up to 10 W can be used for soldering the simplest microcircuits;
• from 20 to 40 W - this is the optimal power for use in domestic conditions;
• it is advisable to choose a 60-100 W model if you are going to solder wires;
• over 100 W, home craftsmen should not use it, because such devices have their own specific area of ​​application (soldering radiators, metal parts, etc.).

Additional features

Also, when choosing a soldering iron, you should pay attention to such points as:

1. The handle must be well protected from overheating. In this case, the wooden handle has the best performance. Plastic handles warm up faster, which interferes with smooth operation, and ebonite ones are heavier than analogues, which also reduces the usability, especially when soldering microcircuits.
2. The tip should be copper, it is easier to process and, moreover, it is easier to clean from carbon deposits. It is desirable that the set includes a set of stings, different in shape. It is also good if it is possible to replace the tip or adjust its length. It is believed that the straight sting is the most comfortable to work with, especially for beginners.
3. The power cord must be flexible, long and always double insulated.
4. The mains plug is best when collapsible. It seems to be a trifle, but it still testifies to the quality of the device and at the same time simplifies its repair.
5. Pay attention to the package bundle. As a rule, high-quality soldering irons are supplied with a case, a tip support, a sponge for cleaning the tip, etc.
6. We recommend choosing a soldering iron with a thermostat, which will allow you to adjust the heating temperature of the tip under your own conditions of use.
7. The constant temperature maintenance function will protect the device from burnout.

This and all the tips that we wanted to provide you. As you can see, there are many nuances that you need to pay attention to when choosing a soldering iron for your home.

Summing up

So, you have studied the main criteria by which the choice of a tool for soldering wires and microcircuits is carried out. Now, once again, briefly summarize in order to consolidate what we have learned:

1. For printed circuit boards and microcircuits, it is better to choose a pulse soldering iron or a spiral one, but with a power of no more than 30 watts.
2. For connecting wires and other electrical work, a gas model or an electric one, with a power of 60 to 100 watts, is suitable.
3. To solder metal parts, you need a powerful apparatus (from 100 W or more).

We also recommend watching a useful video on the topic:

So we figured out how to choose a soldering iron for soldering wires and microcircuits. We hope the provided instructions have helped you in choosing the right tool for home use!

You probably don't know:

• How to solder wires correctly
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