Soldering Irons - Recommendations?

[Khristophorous]

Can you guys recommend a good one for around $50?  It seems like 20 years ago I could buy whatever pencil they had in Wal Mart's automotive section and it would do even tight PCB work just fine. Now those type of irons can't even tin stranded wire some times. I came across a video that didn't appear to have a stake in it's recommendations and among those was a Yihua 937D+. The 939D is on Amazon for right at $50. It was described as a Hakko clone.

[mountainhick]

I did buy a yihua/WEP with an air heater. I do NOT recommend it!

https://www.amazon.com/WEP-882D-Soldering-Tweezers-Desoldering/dp/B0BX5KXBPD/ref=sr_1_18?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-WK4z6Wb4nHneeX1jXP6mspbJ-WbkdbFU-MFdhJ_dcWd9EPvsVMAnEllFHfG82beBcFYcG7HXUJKo0qsFGl8ke9oPXyZNcZKJbFTBNDd57CnnpBXKlcZhqHU_dPIFuPq__j9PyNlDpNWkKagZb1hc7P40Etat9E6Jb7aGUySd7OaIyhzYRi22zXox7cCSJRcgrR11x4-lFocoHTKqU-Lqj_VTv4aYFaUcCxvTUORvP7sblLqmcyfZ-Fb_nBZcBPjZ2YpH9P_9Aa5wC4CZnnlMocFgdLWEFOrcpBIlfM9Iyo.BNPI0D4AU9dZ3CMi-U1_AjSgD1pN86Vp8oaEurNVSmk&dib_tag=se&keywords=937d+soldering+station&qid=1763566511&sr=8-18

The soldering iron works well, but the unit's design overall is terrible due to the small light weight base not staying put on the bench. The slightest tug on the soldering iron of air heater wires, and it's gone somewhere you don't want. It was constantly falling off the bench, and the air heater's automatic turning on is a fire hazard. If it tips out of its cradle slightly it turns on when you don't want it to. It should be controlled by a switch in the handle.

I guess I could have taped it to a brick to keep it put on the bench. I did like the air heater for shrink wrap.

I replaced it with a Hakko for about $100, and glad I did. Completely worth the extra cost.

[acheld]

Genuine Hakko products are worth the extra expense if you're going to use it regularly -- very reliable and parts are available if needed.

Check out the 600/601 iron.  IIRC, they do have temperature control which I consider mandatory.

The 888 station is great, as is the 971.  The 888 is not too expensive, and is very comfortable to use.

[BrianS]

Buy once, cry once.

[kagliostro]

My 2c

NEVER uses solder paste to clean the tip; it would quickly damage it

Use stainless steel wool instead

Franco

[mwelch55]

My Weller WES51 Soldering Station died during my last project.  After looking at the prices of new a Weller, I decided to get this soldering station:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RVMZNYR?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

The price now is $53.  I was impressed with it.  It heats up way faster than my Weller.  I plan on fixing my Weller station and selling it.

[acheld]

The Yihua (I want to say YeeHaw!, but won't) models are basically Hakko ripoffs.   I'm sure they work fine, and for occasional use will be great.   

Two things about Hakko products, and no I am not paid by them:  very robust construction, and if one breaks you can get parts easily.

I'm not totally against less expensive Chinese products, they have their place.  Soldering irons are very basic for what  we do, and should be reliable, comfortable, and stay around for a long time.  That's what you pay for.

[shooter]

and stay around for a long time.  That's what you pay for.

yep!


got 2 pencils, both Weller, one's 35 yrs old, the other 20  35W n 25W


solder is almost as important, the industry standard in my book is 63/37,  a good 60/40 works just fine for guitar type stuff.
not a fan of the save-the-planet stuff, used it once, put it in the landfill


I have 150 more trees now then 35 years ago, so i'm doing my part 

[danhei]

I’ve had a Hakko soldering station for more than ten years and really like it, though it’s outside your budget.