
Soldering irons are hand-held tools that are used to apply heat through a metal tip, enabling the melting of solder wire in order to create fixings and perform small welding-like operations. Melting solder helps it to flow into the joint between the heating element and a piece of work, this then becomes a strong joint once the solder has cooled and hardened.

Soldering irons are often supplied with a stand so that the heated iron can be safely secured while not in operation, rather than risking potential damage by putting the tool down directly on the work surface. For more information about soldering irons, soldering iron kits, and all the equipment you need to solder, please see our [soldering irons guide](https://uk.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/soldering-irons-guide).

### What types of soldering irons are there?

Due to the numerous applications soldering can be used for, there are different types of soldering irons to meet different requirements. Each type has its own benefits, which we have listed below. Soldering irons can also be found in soldering gun form with a pistol-like grip for ease of use in many applications. Soldering guns also benefit from a 'pull to use' trigger system meaning the iron isn't permanently at full heat and can be easily activated by the user as and when it is required.

#### Gas Powered

Lead-free, gas-powered soldering irons are normally fuelled by butane gas, which is stored in a reservoir or tank that can be refilled or replaced, depending on the model. These irons are especially useful when there is no mains power available in the area where soldering will be taking place, and their cordless design allows for more freedom of movement when tight or difficult angles are involved.

Used mainly for occasional repairs, gas powered soldering irons can have an adjustable temperature range that can be controlled due to the ability to adjust the gas flame.

#### Electric Powered

Perhaps the most commonly found in workshops and school technology departments, electrical soldering irons maintain a consistent temperature due to being plugged into the mains. This can make them easier to use, especially for repetitive work, as there is a guaranteed temperature at all times which helps to maintain accuracy. Suitable for both soldering or desoldering work, electric soldering irons are more likely to feature a built-in socket that enables the replacement and switching of iron tips. This can allow for easy and efficient tooling changes during a project, allowing the user to switch between iron tip types to best suit their requirements.

#### Battery Powered

Battery-powered soldering irons are fitted with rechargeable or replaceable batteries, making them quick to set up and easy to operate. They are another cordless version of the tool, giving more freedom of movement without the worry of a trailing power cord getting in the way. They are easily portable, making them ideal for on-the-go professional tradespeople or DIY use.

### Who uses soldering irons?

Soldering iron kits are used in a variety of applications, including pyrography, electronics assembly, workshops, repairing components and creating detailed artwork. They are commonly used in the assembly of PCB boards and can be used to repair electronic components within a larger system.



Soldering Irons

Soldering

Power Tools, Soldering & Welding

Electrical, Automation & Cables

Automation & Control Gear

Automation Signalling

Contactors & Auxiliary Contacts

Electric Motors

Industrial Robots

PLCs, HMIs & Industrial Computing

Process Control

Sensors

Solenoids

Cables & Wires

AV Cables

Cable Glands & Fittings

Cable Joints & Cable Sleeving

Cable Management

Cable Ties & Fixings

Computer Cables

Electrical Power & Industrial Cables

Networking & Coaxial Cables

Single Core Cable

Wire to Board Cables & Ribbon Cable

Enclosures & Server Racks

19-Inch Racking

Enclosures

Enclosures & Racking Components

Fuses & Circuit Breakers

Circuit Breakers

Earth & Lightning Protection

Fuse Holders & Accessories

Fuses

HVAC, Fans & Thermal Management

Air Conditioning & Fans

Air Conditioning & Heating Accessories

Building Automation

Electronics Heating & Cooling Components

Fan Accessories

Lighting

Light Bulbs, Lamps & Tubes

Light Fittings, Fixtures & Luminaires

Lighting Components

Torches & Inspection Lamps

Relays & Signal Conditioning

Relay Accessories

Relays

Signal Conditioners & Isolators

Switches

Capacitive, Magnetic and Piezo Switches

DIP & Rotary Encoded Switches

Domestic Installation Switches

Foot Switches & Components

Joysticks & Components

Key Switches & Selector Switches

Keyboard & Keypad Switches

Limit & Position Switches

Micro Switches & Detector Switches

Push Button Switches & Components

Rocker Switches & Components

Rope Pull Switches & Components

Rotary Switches & Components

Safety Enabling & Control Switches

Safety Interlock Switches & Components

Switch Disconnectors & Components

Toggle Switches & Slide Switches

Electronic Components, Power & Connectors

Batteries & Chargers

Battery & Charger Accessories

Battery Chargers & Power Banks

Non-Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable Batteries

Connectors

AV Connectors

Automotive Electrical Connectors

Backplane & Rack Connectors

Circular Connectors

IC Sockets & Adapters

Mains & DC Power Connectors

Network & Telecom Connectors

PCB Connectors & Wire Housings

Power Connectors

RF Coaxial Connectors & Adapters

Terminal Blocks

USB, D Sub & Computing Connectors

Wire Terminals & Splices

Displays & Optoelectronics

Display Modules

Fibre Optic Components

Indicators & Indicator Components

LED Lighting Components

LEDs - Light Emitting Diodes

Laser Modules & Components

Optocouplers & Photodetectors

ESD Control, Cleanroom & PCB Prototyping

ESD Control & Clean Room

PCB Etching, Preparation & Developing

PCB Handling

PCB Spacers, Pillars & Supports

PCB Tools

Prototyping Boards

Passive Components

Antennas

Capacitors

Crystals, Oscillators & Resonators

EMI Filters & Protection

Fixed Resistors

Inductors

Passive Components Kits

Rotary Encoders

Sounder, Buzzer & Microphone Components

Surge Protection Components

Variable Resistors

Power Supplies & Transformers

Power Supplies

Renewable Energy

Transformers

Voltage Converters

Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ROCK, STEM Education & Development Tools

Arduino Shop

BBC micro:bit Shop

Development Tools & Single Board Computers

ROCK SBC Shop

Raspberry Pi Shop

STEM Education

Semiconductors

Amplifiers & Comparators

Audio & Video ICs

Chip Programmers & Debuggers

Clock, Timing & Frequency ICs

Communication & Wireless Module ICs

Data Converters

Discrete Semiconductors

Interface ICs

Logic ICs

Memory Chips

Power Management ICs

Processors & Microcontrollers

Programmable Logic ICs

Sensor ICs

Mechanical, Fluid Power & Tools

Access, Storage & Material Handling

Ladders & Steps

Material Lifting & Loading Equipment

Storage & Shelving

Transit & Equipment Cases

Trucks, Trolleys & Lifting Tables

Adhesives, Sealants & Tapes

Adhesive, Sealant & Tape Dispensers

Adhesives & Glues

Sealants & Resins

Tapes

Bearings & Seals

Gaskets, Seals & Packings

Linear Motion

Rotary Bearings & Housing Units

Engineering Materials & Industrial Hardware

Anti Vibration & Levelling Components

Carbon Fibre & Felt Sheets

Castors & Wheels

Ceramic Materials

Channel Support Systems

Conveyor Components

Insulation Materials

Knobs, Levers & Handles

Metal Materials

Plastic & Rubber Materials

Polishing & Finishing

Shim Stock

Structural Systems

Fasteners & Fixings

Clips & Springs

Girder Fixings

Magnets & Magnetic Strips

Nails & Rivets

Nuts & Washers

Pins, Keys & Retaining Clips

Screws & Bolts

Sheet Metal & Panel Fasteners

Spacers & Standoffs

Wall Plugs, Fixings & Anchors

Hand Tools

Cable, Connector & Crimping Tools

Clamps & Vices

Hammers & Demolition

Knives, Scissors & Saws

Manual Grease Guns & Accessories

Measuring & Marking

Pliers & Cutters

Sanding, Filing & Polishing

Screwdrivers, Hex & Torx Keys

Spanners, Sockets & Wrenches

Specialist Tools

Staplers & Riveters

Threading Tools

Tool Kits & Tool Storage

Mechanical Power Transmission

Belts & Pulleys

Brakes & Clutches

Bushes & Collars

Hakko Soldering Irons

0 Products showing for Hakko Soldering Irons

Popular Searches

Related links

Be the first to know about our latest products and services