I have a torch that I use for bigger guages but I need something for smaller wires like 12-20 guage because I'm getting ready to do a alarm install, rewire some headlights, and some other little jobs that involve soldering smaller guage wires. So I have narrowed it down to 2 guns at my local hardware store and was wondering which would work best for me. They are both Weller guns, one is a 140/100W gun which heats at 1020 degress at 140W and 900 degrees at 100W and the other gun is a 75W one which heats at 1050 degrees.

Which one would work best for what I need? I like the 75W one better due to the smaller tip but the adjustable heat on the other gun is a nice feature too.

 

I use the Weller 140/100 gun, and like it enough. But, oddly enough, their $20 single-tip "Therma-Boost" gun is perhaps more enjoyable. (It is a mystery.)

The 75 watt one may leave you wanting more, even on small wires.

EDIT: I changed to a 13 dollar iron, which broke after a few months of abuse. Then I bought the butane torch mentioned below.

 

I havent i dont do alarms but i am fine with my radio shack 40 watt solder iron, it does even 12/14 gauge with ease

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Davus &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I use the Weller 140/100 gun, and like it enough. But, oddly enough, their $20 single-tip "Therma-Boost" gun is perhaps more enjoyable. (It is a mystery.)
The 75 watt one may leave you wanting more, even on small wires. </TD></TR></TABLE>

So even though the 75W one gets hotter than the other gun is still might not be quite enough to easily do medium sized wires?

 

I have a 30w radio shack soldering iron. I do not know if it is my soldering technique or what, but it is a bit hard to solder. It takes a little while to heat up the wire. I think I paid $7 for it. Do I need a iron with higher wattage? I also just read somewhere that you need to keep the tip cleaned. I did not know about this before, so my tip might be quite dirty.

 

The 30w irons SUCK!

If your soldering wires the instant on off irons work great. If your soldering electronics invest in a good iron that has a ground probe. Ebay is your best bet. You can pick a Metcal up for less than $200.

 

I think the 40 watts would b fine at radio shack. I also have a grounded electronics soldder pen from radio shack...worked fine to solder some stuff to an xbox circuit board

 

i use one of those.. very compact. easy to use under a dash, or tight places.

20 bucks, commonly found at radioshack/fry's.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Built B16A &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

i use one of those.. very compact. easy to use under a dash, or tight places.

20 bucks, commonly found at radioshack/fry's.</TD></TR></TABLE>


Hey thats mine, lol. This unit works great. I can't live without it. Perfect for honda electrical system.

 

yeah, after i saw yours, went to fry's and picked one up.. used it a few times at work, and decided to buy another for home. the butane lasts forever.. so its deffenetly workable.