The soldering iron and soldering gun are the most popular soldering tools. There design and features make them useful in different kinds of work scenarios, and a sound and the informative application will provide for the utmost efficiency and quality improvement.
You can use the soldering gun or the soldering iron for a soldering job. These two tools are designed and created specifically for soldering and share many qualities as well. But there are certain underlying differences between the two, and hence they are often used for different kinds of scenarios and varying applications. The soldering iron solder through a heated iron tip. It has the shape of the wand and may require the use of both hands. The soldering gun can be easily operated through a single hand, can be used for joining metals and has an inbuilt trigger for swift, fast and convenient soldering.
Below is the description of the two tools along with their Individual advantages and disadvantages.
Soldering Iron Advantages and Disadvantages
The soldering iron is often used for the delicate tasks involving electronics and is used on the circuit boards. The heating tip provides for precise application of heat and hence they are specifically suited for works where extra heat can damage the adjoining components located in the surrounding area. The iron has a very lightweight and can hence be used for longer time periods comfortably. It is available today in a variety of sizes. While the heavier soldering iron is used for heavy-duty jobs, the lighter ones are used in electronic projects. The iron may also have the interchangeable tips and can be used in a myriad of job processes and work projects.
The tip of the soldering iron remains hot for a long period of time and hence it does not needs to be switched on and off again. Hence the use of soldering iron provides for a smoother and efficient workflow.
But there is a darker side to the use of soldering iron as well. They operate at a lower voltage and hence may not be preferred for the heavy duty work scenarios. The tip also heats up slowly when compared to the soldering gun. Hence the machine can be only preferred and used in instances where low heat and power requirement is there.
Soldering Gun Advantages and Disadvantages
The power configuration and wattage configuration of a soldering gun may range from 100 to 240 watts. The tip of the gun has the shape and built of a copper wire loop. The gun can hence be used in instances and situations where the soldering iron may not be used because of its size and design. Hence the use of the gun provides for a higher degree of flexibility and the machine can also be used in the confined corners and spaces. As they have a higher power capacity, they can be used for the heavy-duty tasks as well. So whether it is a heavy electrical connection or a delicate metal solder work, the soldering gun is your best counterpart. You can buy a soldering gun online itself.
The in-built transformer of the solder gun is efficient towards increasing the amperage current and hence the gun can heat up in very less time. You can plug in the gun and its tip is warm enough in a few seconds! Further, the soldering gun also has a small light that illuminates the area where you need to work upon. This light gets “on” automatically when you pull the trigger of the gun. The gun trip heats and cools easily and in the least of time, which provides for a very economical use.
But there are also certain drawbacks associated with the soldering gun. The tip of the gun (the copper wire) is soon dissolved/damaged and you require replacement more than often. The guns are also heavier when compared to the iron, which limits its usage and capability. There may be clumsiness involved, and you may be required to take breaks often when you use the soldering gun.
The soldering gun and the iron may help you attain your project goals efficiently, provided you are choosing the right option for a given scenario.
