Thinking of blowing some $ on black Friday to get a long lasting, reliable, good quality soldering iron. Probably my top budget would be $250. Anyone got any recommendations? Would also be good with buying used, I just want to keep this for at least 10 years and be able to do both PTP and PCB repairs.
Best "lifetime" soldering iron
- Thread starter BoomTexan
- Start date
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Ricky D.
Doctor of Teleocity
I have a Weller pencil iron my Dad got for me 60 years ago. Still works well.
northernguitar
Poster Extraordinaire
Weller or Hakko. Both will survive Armageddon.
haggardfan1
Poster Extraordinaire
I might have the same one! Mine is probably fifty years old. Does it have threaded interchangeable cartridges and tips? Mine still works fine, as of last cable repair.
Engine Swap
Poster Extraordinaire
My Hexacon is 25+ years old and a real work horse
Over 30 years ago I fished an old Weller Magnastat from a dumpster. It still worked and keeps working up to this day, making perfect soldering connections every time.
I believe it is this model. Its the Telecaster among soldering stations
www.instructables.com
I believe it is this model. Its the Telecaster among soldering stations
Revival and Upgrade of a Vintage Weller Soldering Station
Revival and Upgrade of a Vintage Weller Soldering Station: Did I already mention that I like to repair, resurrect, reuse, and re-purpose things? Yes? This time I will tell you about the Weller Magnastat soldering irons and stations, and my love affair with my own, faithful Weller that lasts, by...
www.instructables.com Last edited:
Nogoodnamesleft
Friend of Leo's
In post secondary school it was Weller with temperature control of course.
tarheelbob
Tele-Holic
For me, Haako.
I farted around with various wattage soldering "irons" forever, from the just OK to pure crap, and never had the consistency and control I needed. I got a Haako years ago and have had nothing but excellent soldering results. Great tool.
- Bob
I farted around with various wattage soldering "irons" forever, from the just OK to pure crap, and never had the consistency and control I needed. I got a Haako years ago and have had nothing but excellent soldering results. Great tool.
- Bob
Jon Snell
Friend of Leo's
If you can afford it the Metcal PS-900 will do almost anything. Just change the bit for SMD work and delicate soldering to enough power to resolder battery lugs. I know, I use one on my work bemch every day.
uk.rs-online.com
PS-900 | Metcal Soldering Station 90W, 240V | RS
abcdefghijklmnop
Tele-Holic
Weller is not the Weller that they used to be. I've had 3 of them go bad shortly after purchasing them, in the past 2 years. I contacted their "support" and got crickets back.
Hakko here.
That huge thing is a Craftsman-branded beast made by Weller. It plugs straight into the wall, and the handle is the size of a motorcycle throttle grip. It's perfect for removing can caps from chassis pans.
That huge thing is a Craftsman-branded beast made by Weller. It plugs straight into the wall, and the handle is the size of a motorcycle throttle grip. It's perfect for removing can caps from chassis pans.
CV Jee Beez
Friend of Leo's
Hakko. Was using a refurbished one obviously from the late 60's or early 70's until my grandpa passed and I got his from the 90's. Going strong!
The Weller WE550 is top quality, solidly built and has served me well for 25-30 years now and still going strong. The large variety of temperature settings works well for different projects. Don't remember what it costed, but it was very reasonable.
I've got a Weller like this one. They first one died after a couple of years. The replacement has lasted a long time. If I was buying one now, I'd probably look into Hakko.
That's not been my experience at all
Tenderfoot
Friend of Leo's
Have this one I bought about 8 years ago. You can easily set the temperature you want since it has a digital display. It automatically reduces to 350F if no soldering is detected which is a great safety feature which has saved my A#s a few times or you can press the white button to reduce temp to 350F. 
tubedude
Friend of Leo's
At work I had a nice PACE soldering/rework station. In retirement I use a 300W Weller soldering gun for soldering high masses and a Hakko programmable temp station. 2 years ago i got a chinese desoldering standalone for under a hundred bucks. It made it about 3 months.
nc0gnit000
Tele-Afflicted
I use a Weller with a digital heat setting. Served me well for years.
Good luck in your search.
Good luck in your search.
Ricky D.
Doctor of Teleocity
Same features as mine. I have a chisel tip in mine. We got it at Baynesville Electronics outside Baltimore along with an Eico 2036 kit (36 watt integrated amp).
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