Soldering is an incredibly important process, and getting the best results from your soldering efforts starts before you’ve even got the materials on the bench in front of you. Luckily, our friendly experts have outlined some of the main things you need to know about soldering irons and soldering guns; hopefully, this will help you find the right equipment for your needs, whatever they might be.
Soldering Iron vs Soldering Gun: What’s the Difference?
Soldering irons and soldering guns might seem similar, but in reality, there are several significant differences that you should know. Soldering irons are small, one-handed devices that are used for applications needing more accurate work thanks to their smaller design and excellent versatility. In contrast, soldering guns are larger devices that feature a handheld design that’s more akin to a drill or driver.
Which is Better: Soldering Iron or Soldering Gun?
Both soldering irons and soldering guns offer a range of benefits, but it’s worth keeping in mind here that each is designed for very different applications.
Soldering irons are a more traditional option, and their streamlined baton-like design can potentially make them easier to use in smaller spaces and for more precise work. They are also significantly lighter in weight than soldering guns and tend to retain heat for much longer. As such, if you’re likely to need a tool that offers long-term usage and solutions, a soldering iron may be able to retain its heat for longer without needing to reheat.
Contrastingly, while soldering guns can be a little bulkier to use and may need to reheat, they do offer a wealth of benefits. For one thing, soldering guns tend to pack much more power than irons, making them useful for heavy-duty jobs compared to traditional soldering irons. Furthermore, soldering guns provide almost instantaneous heating and cooling, which provides a much more rapid option and can potentially help prevent injuries and the like from leaving a hot soldering iron lying around; the immediate cooling also helps. However, we should stress that this does mean soldering guns may stay hot for less time compared to soldering irons, so they may need to reheat occasionally.
Which is Right for Me?
Considering the aforementioned factors, soldering irons tend to be a better option for those needing a lightweight and precise soldering tool. However, a soldering gun is a lot more powerful and practical in many cases for its instant cooling and more ergonomic handling, making these options ideal choices for many people. However, if you’re not entirely sure which option is right for your needs, make sure to contact a professional soldering equipment provider to see if they can help.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking to begin soldering, ensuring you have the necessary equipment in place is vital. Fortunately, today’s brief guide has outlined some of the main things you should know about soldering irons and soldering guns; this should help you decide which tool is most suitable for your needs. If you have further questions, please contact us at info@gordakelec.com.
