Best Soldering Gun on the Market – Review and Buyer’s Guide

Without a doubt, a soldering gun is a useful tool that can be used in a large variety of applications, including the building or repairing of electronic devices and the creation of DIY projects that feature small details. To be sure, there are other types of soldering tools that can be used to achieve similar results. However, because it’s ergonomic, practical, safe and user-friendly, the soldering gun is one of the most widely-used soldering tools out there.

Because of the tool’s popularity, there are hundreds of brands and models of soldering guns out there. As you can probably imagine, this can make it hard to choose the right one. With that in mind, this guide will provide thorough reviews of the five best soldering gun options on the market. Additionally, it will provide useful information about soldering guns in general.

Image	Product
EDITOR'S CHOISE	Weller D550PK Professional Power: 200 – 260 watts Voltage input: 120 volts Weight: 4.25 pounds Check Price	Check Price
DUAL-WATTAGE	Weller 9400PKS Universal Power: 100 – 140 watts Voltage input: 120 volts Weight: 3.05 pounds Check Price	Check Price
ENERGY-EFFICIENT	Newacalox Soldering Kit Power: 60 watts Voltage input: 120 volts Weight: 1.01 pounds Check Price	Check Price
HEAVY-DUTY	Wall Lenk LG400C Power: 400 watts – 150 watts (dual wattage) Voltage input: 120 volts Weight: 2.3 pounds Check Price	Check Price
A LOT OF ACCESSORIES	Hi-Spec 180W Power: 200 watts Voltage input: 110 volts Weight: 3.53 pounds Check Price	Check Price

1. Weller D550PK Professional – Best All-Around Soldering Gun

Combining the strength of a professional soldering iron with the ease of use of a hobbyist’s tool, this product by Weller offers versatility and balance. Ergonomic, it provides great precision, making it a great tool for working on circuit boards and other projects that feature great detail. Aiming for practicality, the Weller D550PK 260-Watt/200W Professional Soldering Gun heats up in only six seconds, and it cools down in a similarly speedy fashion.

Design and Ergonomics

Heating and Power

To be sure, the Weller D550PK 260-Watt/200W Professional Soldering Gun is a remarkably powerful soldering gun. So powerful, in fact, that it heats up completely in a matter of only six seconds. Even better, it is capable of maintaining a consistent level of heat for several minutes at a time, ensuring that you will be able to finish your tasks to complete satisfaction before its system shuts down and the tip begins cooling down.

Stability

As was just mentioned, the Weller D550PK is capable of maintaining a constant and consistent level of heat for several minutes at a time. By eliminating increases and decreases in its level of heat, this soldering gun can help you perform difficult tasks with precision. Even more than that, this stability helps prevent damage to the gun itself after extensive use.

PROS

• Heats up completely in only 6 seconds.
• Kit contains various useful accessories.
• Ergonomic design.
• Features easy-adjustment fingertip trigger.

CONS

• Lights tend to become loose and stop working.
• The handle may get somewhat hot.

2. Weller 9400PKS Universal – Best Dual-Wattage Soldering Gun

Another soldering gun by Weller that makes it into our list, the Weller 9400PKS is an excellent product that prioritizes stability, reliability, smoothness and safety. Despite being a heavy-duty soldering gun, it’s remarkably compact and ergonomic, making it easy to handle. Additionally, it’s versatile enough to be used in projects both large and small. Using a dual-wattage power trigger, it even allows you to adjust the level of heat according to your needs.

Handling and Control

Being very ergonomic and user-friendly, the Weller 9400PKS allows great control. Apart from making your tasks easier, this provides a higher level of precision when working on small details. At the same time, however, the soldering gun allows a fantastic level of control when dealing with larger tasks such as soldering pieces of metal together. To elevate the amount of control you have over it, this soldering gun also includes three LED lights that make the object you are working on more visible.

Portability

Ease of Use

As was previously mentioned, the Weller 9400PKS 120V Dual Heat 140/100W Universal Soldering Gun is a portable and practical product. More than that, though, it’s incredibly user-friendly. After being plugged into a power source, the soldering gun is ready to use. To do so, you are only required to become familiar with one simple trigger control. If you pull the trigger halfway, the gun will heat up to 140 watts. If you pull it all the way, however, it will heat up to 100 watts.

PROS

• Tip heats up very quickly.
• Handle remains cool.
• Features 3 built-in LED lights.
• Includes 7-year warranty.

CONS

• Too big to fit into tight spaces for small jobs.
• Not powerful enough for big jobs.

2. Weller 9400PKS Universal – Best Dual-Wattage Soldering Gun

Those who are looking for versatility may get everything they want from the Newacalox Soldering Iron Gun Kit. This 5-in-1 kit includes everything you could possibly want in order to perform a variety of soldering tasks. In particular, however, this kit is particularly effective for finishing welding tasks. Energy efficient and very safe, this soldering gun can be used by both beginner and experienced users.

Versatility of Use

Including five different soldering tools in one single case, the Newacalox Soldering Iron Gun Kit is an incredibly versatile product. These tools are a soldering gun, a desoldering pump, two high-precision soldering tweezers and a generous amount of solder wire. Out of these, without a doubt, the desoldering pump is the most surprising and the most welcome addition. This high-pressure vacuum tube with an aluminum body frame that helps removing sold with ease.

Energy Efficiency

Welding Power

When activated and fully heated, this gun’s tip and iron pipe heat up to 400 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, a soldering gun can perform all types of tasks with ease. What is more, due to its power, the Newacalox Soldering Iron Gun is able to reach that level of heat in a matter of seconds. Largely, this is due to its inner-heated ceramic technology. By not allowing heat to escape, this technology allows the gun to heat up quickly and without wasting energy.

PROS

• Includes desoldering pump.
• Features inner-heated ceramic technology.
• Energy efficient.
• Very safe.

CONS

• Tip wears down quickly.
• Vibration makes controlling the gun a bit harder.

4. Wall Lenk LG400C – Best Heavy-Duty Soldering Gun

If you are looking for a soldering gun that can take on a variety of tasks without additional accessories, this may be the right product for you. The Wall Lenk LG400C 400/150 Heavy Duty Watt Soldering Gun is a tough, solid and effective little tool. Despite its compact size, it’s surprisingly powerful. Additionally, it’s highly responsive and very ergonomic, two characteristics that add to its level of control and overall precision.

Control and Accuracy

Compact and easy to maneuver, the Wall Lenk LG400C 400/150 Heavy Duty Watt Soldering Gun offers a great level of precision during your soldering and welding jobs. Additionally, featuring a dual-wattage system, it allows you to regulate and adjust the temperature of its tip in accordance to your needs. As if that wasn’t good enough already, this soldering gun includes a 1-inch work light that fully illuminates the work area.

Heat and Power

While activated on the higher wattage setting, the Wall Lenk LG400C 400/150 Heavy Duty Watt Soldering Gun is capable of heating up completely in a matter of only seconds. Fully heated, it can help you perform a variety of tasks with ease, including automotive and appliance repairs, motor building, generator re-wiring, electrical wiring repair, sheet metal manipulation and many others. On its lower setting, the gun maintains a medium level of heat with great stability, allowing you to take your time during long-winded and detail-oriented projects.

A Heavy-Duty Soldering Gun

PROS

• Very easy to use.
• Features trigger-activated control.
• Dual wattage feature.
• Heats up quickly.

CONS

• Not very consistent temperature.

5. Hi-Spec 180W – Best Soldering Gun with Accessories

Complete and fully-accessorized, this soldering kit by Hi-Spec can be a great choice for straightforward and no-nonsense users. After being plugged in, this tool reaches soldering temperature in only a few seconds. Once heated, its high-quality metal tip allows a quick and precise use. To ensure maximum control, this soldering gun offers three different heat settings. Each of these settings is perfect for a particular type of soldering job. Additionally, this kit includes a variety of useful accessories designed to make your job easier and more effective.

Power and Heat

The Hi-Spec 180W 3-in-1 Soldering Gun Kit is very powerful. Due to its advanced heating system, it can maintain its temperature constant and centralized in the tool’s tip. Better yet, this soldering gun is capable of easily and quickly reaching a temperature’s of 1100 to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to use it on a variety of tasks that range from small and detail-oriented to large and complex. Apart from power, this gun offers additional control by featuring three different temperature settings.

Design and Precision

Without a doubt, the Hi-Spec 180W 3-in-1 Soldering Gun Kit offers a great deal in terms of design. Ergonomic and portable, its pistol-like design provides a fantastic grip. Of course, this translates itself into both added precision and reduces strain. Apart from precise, the tip is solid and tough, allowing you to press down without fear of breaking it. As if all this wasn’t enough, this soldering gun comes with a built-in LED that provides direct illumination as you work.

PROS

• Adjustable and versatile.
• Heavy-duty design.
• Ergonomic and easy to handle.
• Precise.

CONS

• Somewhat expensive.

Buyer’s Guide

Types of Soldering Irons

As you may or may not know, soldering guns are not the only type of soldering tools out there. As a matter of fact, there are five main types of soldering irons. Each one of these soldering tool types has been designed to perform specific jobs. For that reason, professionals tend to have various (if not all) of them at hand at all times. They are the following:

Simple Soldering Iron

Soldering Station

Those who need to perform bigger soldering tasks may benefit from a soldering station. Normally, this soldering tool includes an electrical power supply, an electronic display, a temperature control system and a soldering tip. More often than not, this soldering tip features a temperature sensor that ensures a consistent level of heat. In addition, soldering stations may have a stand that holds it in place while in use.

Soldering Tweezers

Consisting of two electronic terminals, soldering tweezers offer precision and power. Commonly, they are used to work on resistors, diodes, capacitors, batteries and other similar objects. Soldering tweezers don’t require the use of a station to be operated.

Soldering Torch

Using propane gas or other combustible substances, soldering torches are used to produce intense heat in short bursts. Often, this type of soldering tool is used to melt metals and make large repairs. Because it’s difficult to handle and dangerous, this type of soldering tool is better left to experienced users.

Soldering Gun

Finally, we have soldering guns. They look a lot like cordless hand drills, and they are used very similarly as well. Because soldering guns use wire looped tips, they can cool down quickly, making them safer and eliminating the need to use holsters with them. Because they are practical, user-friendly and very safe, soldering guns are a great choice for welding beginners and DIY project enthusiasts.

What to Look For in a Soldering Gun

Wattage

Normally, the more wattage a soldering gun requires, the more heat it will be able to produce. For that reason, wattage itself is not that important. However, you should always make sure that a soldering gun does not have a very high wattage despite producing very little heat.

Temperature Control

These days, more often than not, soldering guns feature temperature control systems that allow users to monitor and adjust the heat of their tip. Without a doubt, this is an important feature that you should demand from your next soldering gun.

Tip Compatibility

When soldering, different tips can be used to perform different tasks. Before making a purchase, make sure that the soldering gun’s tip is apt and well-suited for whatever it is you want to do. Take into account that some soldering guns have interchangeable tips, allowing you to choose the perfect one for each task.