Which one is the best soldering gun for electronics on the market? We tested different brand soldering gun of our lab and talk to the user and finally made a short list of 10 best soldering gun which are reliable, durable, highly efficient for your soldering job such as home DIY, professional, industrial, manufacture project. You need to consider some basic important factors before buying the best soldering gun wattage, tip shape and size, temperature range, gun shape, which brand you will choose?
There are many brand present on the market for soldering gun but not all of them are good. We got Weller is one of the best for in soldering gun section, they have a great name on soldering gun because they provide quality material, high durability, highly efficient, low cost. We also gave a list of 10 best soldering gun with another famous brand name including Weller. Soldering gun, breadboard, multimeter, scientific calculator is essential for every science students for basic need.
You will get full buying guide on considerations on the below section of this article.
Editor’s Choice For The Best Soldering Gun For Electronics
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Name
Detail
Weller D550PK
Weller D650
Weller 9400PKS
10 Best Soldering Gun Reviews
01. Weller D550PK
Here our first choice Weller D550PK for the best soldering gun for electronics, DIYers and hobbyists. Why we choose this is in the first place? Weller is a popular brand for electronic product maker, they supply high quality product with great durability, high efficiency, ultimate accuracy so that people trust on them.
Weller D550 operates by two different power finger triggers 200 watts and 260 watts. When you need low power use 200 watts and for high 260 watts is perfect for any soldering job. It is a super-fast gun ready for use within 6 seconds when power up.
You are getting one cutting tip, one soldering tip, one flux brush, a coil of lead free solder, soldering aid tool, user manual and a case for safety carrying or storage with this package. This is great piece of device which you can use for home work or professional work both.
Since 1945 Weller is a leading brand for electronic equipment you can check it out for your ultimate soldering job.
Highlighted Features
- Two position triggers 200 watts and 260 watts
- 120 Volts, 50/60 Hz frequency
- Package includes soldering gun, soldering tip, cutting tip, sealing tip, flux brush, aid tool, user manual, coil of lead free rosin core solder, carrying case
Overall a perfect and excellent soldering gun for professional and home both use.
02. Weller D650
When need more power from soldering gun then Weller D650 is one of the best choice because it gives you high power wattage about 300 watts. You can trigger two powers 200 watts when low power needed and 300 watts for high power. Normally 100 watts is perfect for home use, 300 watts for professional and industrial work.
Weller D650 is perfect for professional and home or lab work both. The temperature range of this super power model is 1100°F – 900°F which is enough for any kind of soldering job. It is not heavy only 5 pounds much lighter as a high-power soldering gun.
This amazing kit also includes one soldering tip, a coil of lead free solder, user manual and a storage case for carrying.
Highlighted Features
- 200 watts and 300 watts
- Heavy duty 2 wire grounded cord with nickel plated tip
- Heat resistant thermoplastic housing
- Storage case, a coil of lead free solder, one soldering tip, user manual guide included with the package
For soldering purpose Weller D650 is has a great reliability for highest performance with excellent durability.
03. Weller 8200PKS
Here we come up again with world class soldering gun brand Weller 8200PKS, which is tremendously perfect for any kind of soldering project. The gun set offer kit and case to carry equipment’s in one place. Using Weller soldering gun is just like easy tool around you with easy manual system.
Within a very short time in 6 seconds, it can start to use and works light illuminating to view clearly. As well the set produce 140/100 watt in wire gun and temperature range is 900 Fahrenheit. The gun shape model gives the set ultimate universal uses privilege and comforting in hand. By this package you are really getting high efficient smoothing tip, cutting tip, lead free solder and instruction outlet.
Though you are working with pistol shape but performance is much great in soldering world. Over the years, it found in family for all purpose in USA but the country of origin is Mexico.
Highlighted Features
- 140/100 watt produce
- Temperature range 900F
- Quick using in 6 seconds
- Works light illuminating
- Weight 3 pounds
In short line Weller 8200PKS is one of the best quality made soldering gun you will find searching on the market though at value so much reasonable than others.
04. Wall Lenk LG400C
Our next recommendation Wall Lenk LG400C one of the best high-power soldering gun works in a second. It has two wattage system 150 and 400 watts tip which is exclusive as a soldering gun. Low temperature will give you doing all the normal jobs done high power 400 watts gives the facility to do industrial work.
Wall Lenk gives higher efficiency, durability, reliable soldering gun for your professional, DIY and industrial purpose. The control of this excellent soldering gun is convenient, user friendly and gives instant response which user likes very much. It has maximum 1000 degrees Fahrenheit temperature operation enough for any kind of soldering work.
You can use it for automotive, generators, motors, appliances, plumbing, electrical wiring, sheet metal and more with this great tool.
Highlighted Features
- 150 watts and 400 watts dual power
- Maximum 1000 degrees Fahrenheit temperature
- Instant response
- User friendly navigation
Who needs powerful tool for soldering work is one of the best choice for him or her having low and high wattage for any kind of soldering work at the same time.
05. Weller 9400PKS
Our next choice from Weller model 9400PKS one of the best economical soldering gun kit. The 9400PKS soldering gun only available with kit they do not offer only gun you have to buy with kit package. Why you will not get kit if you get full package with gun price. Buying kit is the best idea because if you buy only gun you must need other tools this package offers you all in one here at the same platform.
This amazing package includes soldering gun tip, cutting tip, smoothing tip, hex wrench, iron plated copper, rope cutting tip with the soldering gun. It has dual power trigger mode 100watt and 140watts enough for basic soldering. Only 6 seconds needed to heat up the soldering gun. Most interesting and helpful feature of this gun built in 3 LED spotlight which will help you to see the object on you project. Two power triggering positions allows high to medium heat up to 900 degree Fahrenheit.
Highlighted Features
- Two power triggering 100W/140W
- Only 6 seconds heat up
- Kit includes soldering gun tip, cutting tip, smoothing tip, iron plated copper, hex wrench, rope cutting tip
Weller 9400PKS light weight 1.8 lbs is heavy duty, highly efficient also economical soldering gun with kit.
06. Performance Tool W2019A Soldering Gun Kit
Here is our next soldering gun from Performance tool W2019A one of the famous heavy-duty gun. 120V AC, 0.7A and 60Hz W2019A is made in Taiwan. Only 9.6 ounces and the dimension of this soldering gun is 10.6 x 1.8 x 10.7 inches. You will get an extra tip, build in spotlight, extra soldering wire with this soldering gun. This great piece of tool is appropriate for using home, office application industrial, automotive, marine for any kind of soldering purpose. W2019A heats up instantly at 85watts.
Highlighted Features
- Instant heat up at 85W
- Only 9.6 ounces weight
- Package includes extra tip, extra soldering wire
- Built in spotlight
Performance tool W2019A is one of the best budget soldering gun kit on the market.
07.Craftsman Solder Gun
Craftsman solder gun is one of the best quality products on the market for heavy duty high durability soldering gun. Craftsman soldering gun has famous name on the market for high durability. This model is for those people who need high power soldering job because Craftsman allows 150Watt to 230Watt range power triggering which is more than enough for industrial working including house hold purpose and lab project purpose as well as. Craftsman soldering gun is the favorite choice for professional. You are getting extra soldering tip, soldering wire with this stylish black colored soldering gun.
Highlighted Features
- Watt 150/230
- Perfect for professional
- Made of nickel plated steel
- Heating elements replaceable
- Weight 2.93 pounds
Craftsman soldering gun is professional quality soldering gun with reasonable budget.
08.Wall Lenk WG991KCS
Another quality best soldering gun from well-known brand Wall lenk WG991KCS, the gun is medium duty gun for doing different kinds of soldering applications. Wall lenk is very popular for suppling better category electronics device to our run through life. While we need soldering gun for various purpose, so why not select that one which is quick in off and on setting and easy to control and very fast heating programmed.
Yes, Wall lenk WG991KCS is very fast in heating while you are in quick object and it runs within a 10 second and you can change it so quickly like in 30 seconds. Though the soldering object shape is like gun, you must careful when controlling the temperature. Because it can have lit upto 800-degree Fahrenheit and watt 150/100. Like an outside test will less risk the project when attempting in main project.
The set comes with a 2-wire professional soldering gun, three soldering tips, smoothing, cutting and lead free solder which is not harmful for health and environment. Besides you are getting soldering instruction sheet to use perfectly on your project.
Highlighted Features
- Lit temperature 800-degree F
- Supporting wattage 150/100
- Runs in short time like in a 10 second
- Change the temperature in 30 second
- Medium duty gun for soldering
- Weight 2.85 pounds
Overall an amazing tool for soldering purpose which quick and easy to navigate and control as your desire level.
09. 100W 5pc Soldering Gun Kit
From Makoto group here is one of good quality soldering gun kit with a nice mold carry case. The gun set 100W kit including with two extra cutters which is useful in various soldering project. Besides the gun set has light bulb for viewing while you are working on your board.
With a light weight you are getting all the kit in one place on a beautiful case. The soldering gun is not high profiled like Weller or well lenk, it is just used for simply attaching object. If you are searching for highly electronics device you may look at Weller or well lenk. Otherwise simple jobs are done very perfectly by this gun.
Highlighted Features
- 100 Watt supporting gun with kit
- Including a mold carry case
- Comes with two extra cutters
- Gun has light bulb for viewing
- Weight 1.95 pounds
For using simple and not so heavy soldering you may fine the model is good enough but for higher purpose Weller and well lenk is recommended.
10. Ersa Multi-Sprint high-speed electric soldering gun
Our last choice from 10 best soldering gun Ersa it’s a different soldering gun than our previous product. It’s look like actual gun handy small light weight Ersa is perfect for basic soldering work. It has 75 watts heating power which approximately heats up in 20 seconds. The maximum tipping temperature of this handy tool is 420 degrees Celsius.
Highlighted Features
- 75 watts power
- Heating up in 20 seconds
- 2mm chisel shaped tip
- 420 degrees Celsius max temperature tip
Who are searching handy, slim basic soldering gun fits anywhere Ersa is one of the best choice for them.
How to pick the best soldering gun?
There are few important considerations before buying the best soldering gun. You need to ensure following considerations
i) Wattage
ii) Tip size and shape
iii) Only soldering gun or kit
iv) Temperature range
v) Gun shape
vi) Which brand
i) Wattage: More wattage draws more power if you get high power it will take high current also cost you more electric bills. Nothing to worry soldering gun doesn’t take much energy which cost you more. Generally soldering gun 100-250Watt range is available on the market if you need more power also available but 100-250Watt is enough for any kind of home, lab, industrial or professional work. High wattage soldering gun heats up fast than low wattage.
ii) Tip size and shape: Soldering gun tip size and shape also most important factor for your soldering gun. If you know the project what types components you have to solder then you can imagine which shape or size soldering gun you need. Suppose you buy a gun when you go to work you got the gun shape is useless for your project then you have to spend more money to change the tip shape or size of the soldering gun.
iii) Only soldering gun or kit: Only soldering gun is not enough for soldering work you need more tools for soldering job such as soldering tip, cutting tip, smoothing tip, soldering wire etc. Wise decision is to go for soldering gun kit here you will get all the necessary tools in one package including soldering gun. If you buy piece by piece it will cost you more. Soldering gun kit is the best idea for soldering job.
iv) Temperature range: The temperature range of the soldering gun depends upon the wattage power of the gun more wattage means more temperature range. Generally, 300Watt gun can produce up to 900 Degrees Fahrenheit 1100 Degrees Fahrenheit. For industrial or professional work high temperature range needed.
v) Gun shape: Gun shape is important factor for soldering perfectly if the gun grip is not easy and comfortable your project will not be finished accurately. Choose a soldering gun which has comfort griping, nice shape which fits perfect on your hand then you can do your job in excellent way.
vi) Which brand: Many brands present on the market for soldering iron but which one is the best soldering gun on the market? We have researched spending 72 hours on our lab and talking to the customers who are using soldering gun and got a final result. We got Weller is one of the best soldering gun maker company they are very reliable, efficient, long lasting, heavy duty soldering gun maker company. So that we selected and gave first place Weller for the winner soldering gun. Weller is successfully established their name for soldering iron market for their high-quality material, excellent service life. There is some other famous brand available on the market for soldering gun we included those on our review you can check it out but Weller is wise decision on our opinion.
Types of soldering iron
There are four types of soldering iron on the market for soldering purpose viz
i) Soldering station
ii) Soldering pencil
iii) Soldering Tweezers
iv) Soldering Torch
v) Soldering system (repair/rework stations)
i) Soldering station: Soldering station is popular for soldering job it consists of temperature or wattage control panel, a stand for holding the solder, a sponge, cleaning wire which is a combining package for soldering any kind of project. Soldering station has the flexibility for soldering because it offers low range to high range temperature solder simultaneously the safe holding of the soldering iron with unnecessary dust clean by sponge.
ii) Soldering pencil: Soldering pencil is small device which is needed for small or tiny component soldering purpose. Where you need small or time component replacement you need it the most because big size soldering iron or gun can not help you to fit the tiny component fit on the small circuit board. In that case soldering pencil is very popular.
iii) Soldering tweezers: The soldering tweezers also needed most for the tiny or small soldering job but it has the facility for gripping which is not available on soldering pencil. Generally soldering tweezers have two metallic part by which the component is soldered or holding up for soldering job. Tweezers have comfortability for small component gripping.
iv) Soldering Torch: Another variety of soldering iron is soldering torch small piece of soldering tool like torch. It is powered by propane gas or acetylene or butane gas. The ignition flame of the soldering torch does the soldering work. Soldering torch is handy, light weight and easy to carry.
v) Soldering system (repair/rework stations): Soldering repair or rework station system are used in most commonly for industrial work where many function or tools needed simultaneously at the same place. The price of the soldering system is much more than soldering gun or iron. For manufacturing work soldering system is used in great number.
What is soldering gun?
Soldering gun is an electrical device which is used to make contact electronic component on board to make a useful circuit. Soldering gun is one kind of soldering iron, it does same work as soldering iron only difference it’s gun shape or pistol shape.
Construction of soldering gun
Photo Credit Wikipedia
Soldering iron is constructed simply with a transformer inside having two winding primary and secondary coil. The soldering gun has following components including transformer
- Transformer
- Screw
- Triggering switch
- Low resistance thick tip copper wire
Operation of soldering gun
The secondary coil of the soldering gun draws huge amount of current which is connected with a soldering tip made of metal such as copper wire having very low resistance carries the whole current almost several hundred amount of current makes the contact or bond with electronic component on a circuit board for flowing the current in the circuit.
Necessary tools need to available with your soldering gun
Some basic tools or components needed for any kind of soldering job are
- Soldering wire
- Helping hand and magnifying glass
- Tip thinner
- Tip cleaner
Soldering wire is melted by soldering gun making strong mechanical bond on board soldering wire is sold by wire spool. It is great essential without wire spool you cannot make any bond.
Helping hand can hold your circuit board for soldering job and you can visualize in zoom with the magnifying glass.
For fast, efficient cleaning tip thinner is used to clean the tip of soldering iron.
How does soldering gun work?
Soldering gun has a transformer inside it on the secondary coil draws high current which passes through a copper metal having very low resistance does for soldering called tip.
Is solder strong as welding or not?
In welding base metal melted joining apart but in soldering extra soldering wire melted although the process is same. Both bond is strong although welding is stronger because base metal melt and attached on the bonding. Soldering requires low temperature on the other hand welding does in high temperature.
Which metal is solder made of?
Generally, lead free solders contain copper, silver, tin, bismuth, zinc, indium etc. and the traces of other metal for commercial use. Maximum lead-free solders melting points 5 to 20°C or higher for conventional 60/40 and 63/37 tin-lead solder.
Where does soldering gun is used?
Soldering gun is used for various purpose for education in laboratory of electrical and electronic engineering, for science project, commercial use in industry for manufacturing of electronic device, professional use in servicing center and also for DIY home purpose for hobbyist.
How does soldering gun use?
Soldering gun using is very easy first of all make sure the tip is placed on the gun and put the power cord online. You will get power triggering mode for wattage range low to high, select the range. You need to take soldering wire also to melt it down to make the strong mechanical bond for the component you want to solder on board. After soldering complete use clean the tip with tip cleaner it will make the gun durable for long using.
What wattage need for soldering gun?
Soldering gun are available on different wattage level on the market. On the soldering purpose basis, you have to select the soldering gun. If you use it for home or simple lab project low wattage like 20Watt-100Watt is enough for your work. If you want to use for commercial or professional purpose, then you need high range wattage such as 100Watt-300Watt or more.
How long soldering iron need to heat up?
For heating up of soldering iron depends upon its power wattage if you have more wattage then it will be heat up within few seconds or instantly. High wattage soldering gun or iron draws high current means high temperature on the tip within seconds make the tip hot. You will get soldering iron or gun instantly heat up or 6 to 10 or 20 seconds heat up on the market.
What are the safety precaution of soldering?
For beginner soldering may be dangerous if he can do anything wrong. Your safety first, wear glass use hand gloves on hand, solder on a well ventilate room because the fuse emits from soldering is harmful it can damage lungs inhaling the fumes, wash your hand properly after done soldering job the soldering material may be lead contains great harmful for human body if it goes inner the body in any ways.
How to desolder a component?
If you place a component wrongly in a board or now you need to remove a component which you placed on the board how do you remove it. Its very simple in that case you need desoldering tool which are available, place desoldering wick and remove with the desoldering tool that it again place new one which you need to place.
How to clean the tip of the soldering gun?
After doing soldering old solder remain on the tip when you have to do solder again on a new board or PCB old solder will make problem soldering job will get problematic it will not heat up properly so you need to remove old solder first before doing new job. Just heat up the soldering gun and take a wet sponge and scrape it to remove the old solder properly. Soldering tip needs to be clean properly as it looks like shinny or closer.
