The primary consideration in purchasing a soldering gun is what the soldering gun is to be used for. Soldering tools range in wattage from as little as 15 to 25 watts to 300 watts and more. The lower wattage instruments are typically referred to as soldering irons, and are stick-like in design. Although most soldering irons are electric, gas powered soldering irons that use butane are available. These irons are typically used for repairs in areas where electric service is not available or in hard to reach places. Higher wattage instruments are typically pistol shaped and are therefore referred to as soldering guns. Soldering guns usually are 75 watts or higher. The wattage does not determine the temperature the soldering tool can reach, but does mean there is more power in reserve for large projects. Higher wattage tools can sustain soldering temperatures longer, and bring larger projects to soldering temperature more quickly.
For soldering electronics or circuit boards, soldering irons in the range of 15 to 30 watts are recommended. Higher wattage tools may cause damage to the components. Soldering stain glass projects requires a higher heat level, so soldering guns of 80 to 100 watts are recommended. Large soldering projects, such as plumbing, require more powerful soldering guns, such as those in the 200 watt or higher range. Most individuals purchasing a soldering tool for small household projects find a soldering iron in the lower wattage range to be sufficient. Larger projects require the use of a more powerful soldering gun. Some soldering guns are available with varying outputs. One such soldering gun, designed for everyday use, allows the user to choose between 100 and 140 watts. A professional version is available with the choice of 200 and 260 watts, and an industrial version allows the user to select 200 or 300 watts of power. These models use a trigger switch that allows the user to choose between the two voltages and off.
Self feed soldering guns are available, where the trigger action of the gun pulls out solder from the back of the gun to the tip. Self feed guns allow the operator to use a single hand in the soldering process, and are helpful for soldering through-hole components. Traditional soldering guns require the use of two hands, one to hold the solder and the other to hold the gun.
If the soldering gun is to be used in a closed area where the lighting is poor, it is helpful to purchase a soldering gun with a pre-focused spotlight. It is also advisable to purchase a soldering gun for which replacement parts are available. Most soldering guns allow the replacement not only of the tip but also of the power head and switch. This is particularly important of the soldering gun is to heavily used.
Soldering guns can use an assortment of tips. Tips can be purchased in different diameters and shapes. Tips for smoothing and cutting are also available. Many soldering kits come with soldering, smoothing and cutting tips. Kits commonly include a flux brush, solder and a carrying case.
If a soldering gun is too powerful for your needs and a lower wattage soldering iron is appropriate temperature control is an important consideration. Inexpensive soldering irons typically have no means of controlling temperature. More expensive, temperature controlled soldering tools typically have a built in thermostatic control to ensure the temperature of the tip of the gun remains at near constant levels. A more expensive means of controlling temperature is through the use of a soldering station. The station consists of a bench-top control unit into which a low-voltage soldering iron is plugged. Soldering stations are available with built-in digital temperature readout, and a control knob to the temperature setting. Although such a station is more costly, it is useful where a variety of soldering temperatures may be necessary. Soldering stations also often contain a stand in which the hot soldering iron can safely sit when not in use.
