Cold Solder?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,638
Likes: 3
Cold Solder?
Anyone use those new solder guns that instantly heat up - and cool down? Do ya need special solder? is it a scam - or do the solder joints hold up aqs well as traditional?
Carl Johansson
Carl Johansson
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Peachtree City GA
THEY SUCK.
I just picked one up from Costco for $10. In perfect conditions it works ok, but the moment anything moves and their is no longer solid contact between the prongs and the metal it cools.
I tried making about 10 joints and finally went back to the old standby. I thought it would be easier to use inside the car since it needs no cord, but I got frustrated quickly.
Also, the gun is cheap. $10 to 20. But the tip that came with it already showed about 15% wear (the tip burns away) after 30 uses. A new tip costs $10.
I think it's crap and mine is heading back to costco.
I just picked one up from Costco for $10. In perfect conditions it works ok, but the moment anything moves and their is no longer solid contact between the prongs and the metal it cools.
I tried making about 10 joints and finally went back to the old standby. I thought it would be easier to use inside the car since it needs no cord, but I got frustrated quickly.
Also, the gun is cheap. $10 to 20. But the tip that came with it already showed about 15% wear (the tip burns away) after 30 uses. A new tip costs $10.
I think it's crap and mine is heading back to costco.
Last edited by fishandfly; May 30, 2005 at 08:45 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
I've never used a cold soldering iron, but I work maintenance in a tire plant and the equipment we have that was put together with cold solder joints is all crap. The joints don't hold up well to vibration or twisting of the wires. Do it the old RELIABLE way, you won't be sorry.
