Soldering Iron Help

[Mister H12]

I need suggestions for a soldering iron!

I plan on doing a full led conversion with all my lights soon (almost all my lights are out), and the soldering iron i currently have is a super cheap hobbyist kind and it sucks.

What would be the best kind to get?

Best brand?

 

[YukonXL04]

I would suggest one of the adjustable temp irons from parts express. I still need to pick one up too.

 

[Mister H12]

Any certain brand any better than the others? I don't mind paying extra for something better in this situation, i'll end up using it for more than just my LED project. don't wanna mess a lot of stuff up by going with something cheap

 

[Maic]

Any certain brand any better than the others? I don't mind paying extra for something better in this situation, i'll end up using it for more than just my LED project. don't wanna mess a lot of stuff up by going with something cheap

i have something like this : http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ADJUSTA...rg=20140407115239&rk=1&rkt=20&sd=310107308086
No problems with it for the 2-3 years i have it. Didn't expect it to last so long for the price. Did some soldering on 3mm LED's up to 12gauge wire. NP.

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

I bought mine from Advance auto Its actually decent to be honest I think it was around 20 bucks looks very similar to that ebay link above.

 

[livingez_123]

I still use my Bernzomatic, it has a very small tip and adjustable heat.

 

[ezdaar]

Big honkin pistol grip weller from homedepot with custom filed tips is what i use. Tips are cheap to replace and last a decent length of time.
Instant heat and durable as a rock!

Can do everything from big heavy duty jobs to precision small stuff like smd and led work.

That said i do want a soldering station like i used while working for a repair shop.

 

[yates ™]

Bought a cheap one probably ten years ago or so and still use it. The only reason I would get a new one right now is to get the style that is only hot when you're using it.

 

[Mister H12]

Thanks for all the help guys.

The one i have now is a cheap wood burning tool from Hobby Lobby with a soldering attachment.. so anything will probably be better.

I wanted to go with Weller because the guy that builds my PCs for me suggested the brand.. but he suggested a $100 model :/

Anyway.. i can spare $20 so I'll probably just test out that eBay model on some stuff.

 

[Red Rider]

I picked up a killer soldering station with digital readout from radio shack for 14$ or so. Super deal. I would look there occasionally and you might get similar deal, especially at a RS in location where there are few do it yourselfers like in the city.

I agree that the gun/instant on is great in that you don't need to deal with a hot iron that could be dropped or burn something in the vehicle. I need to pick up one of those.