10 best soldering irons for soldering radio components from AliExpress

Radio components are electronic components that are used to manufacture various devices. Nowadays, there is often a need to repair a broken charger, fix a device microcircuit, etc. In this case, you cannot do without a soldering iron. When choosing, it is important to consider that you will have to work with small parts, so the tip must be pointed. It is also advisable to choose devices with temperature control, otherwise the elements of the microcircuits can simply be damaged. In addition, the soldering iron must heat up and cool down quickly, otherwise the repair will take a long time. We have collected the most functional and reliable models presented on AliExpress, with prices several times lower than in regular stores, in this review.

Top 10. JCD 908s

Rating (2021): 4.64

3253 reviews taken into account from resources: AliExpress

• Characteristics

  Price: 651.60 rub.

• Power: 80W
• Output temperature: 180-500°C
• Blade material: copper/stainless steel
• Temperature adjustment: yes

Inexpensive soldering iron for home use. You can choose copper or steel tips. The difference between them is that the former conduct heat better and solder easily sticks to them, but they need to be constantly cleaned, while the latter are protected from scale formation and are more suitable for working with small parts. There is no adapter included, as the model is plugged into a wall outlet. The cord does not bend due to the presence of a spiral wire. For convenience, the soldering iron is equipped with an LCD display and buttons to increase and decrease the temperature. The step is only 1 degree. True, some consider such fine tuning unnecessary and even inconvenient. In addition, the disadvantage is the absence of a power button.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Availability of screen
• Copper or steel tips to choose from
• High power
• Wide temperature range

• No on/off button
• Inconvenient temperature adjustment
• Flimsy plastic housing

Buy on AliExpress.com

See also:

• 20 best e-books from AliExpress

Varieties of stings

All modern sets of tips for soldering irons differ significantly from each other, it all depends on the material, protective coating, shape and thickness

In addition, each replacement tool can dissipate different amounts of power, which is very important when choosing the most suitable product. Experts say that the most important thing to consider is what material the tip is made of and what shape it has.

As for the material, depending on the tasks, you can use tips with copper, ceramic, copper-steel, brass, chrome or nickel coating. The shape of the product can also differ significantly: curved, pointed, cone-shaped and even with a cut. As practice shows, it is easiest to remove excess solder with a curved device, as well as dismantle parts from the board. It is the material and shape of the tips that play an important role in the operation of the soldering iron, since the following characteristics depend on them:

• The resulting ability to inject energy at the soldering site. It is this characteristic that determines the possibility of high-quality and uniform heating of the working area.
• The level of thermal conductivity, which determines the final amount of heat supplied from the soldering tool to the working area.
• The degree of resistance of the tip used to oxidation.

But, despite all the advantages, even copper tips have their drawbacks. The main part of them is associated with the low level of wear resistance of the material and the fact that they are susceptible to the negative effects of corrosion. To eliminate these nuances, manufacturers apply a nickel or steel coating to the tip, and the thermal conductivity of the tip changes.

Due to the fact that gas soldering irons are widely in demand both in the private and industrial spheres, manufacturers produce a wide range of tips with different performance characteristics. Thanks to this, you can purchase the most suitable soldering iron rod at an affordable price.

Top 9. ANENG SL102

Rating (2021): 4.71

438 reviews taken into account from resources: AliExpress

Remembers the temperature When you turn on this soldering iron, the temperature set during the previous start will be automatically set.

• Characteristics

  Price: 457.49 rub.

• Power: 60W
• Output temperature: 180-520°C
• Blade material: stainless steel
• Temperature adjustment: yes

A budget soldering iron that is convenient to take with you. It is equipped with a sharp tip, making it suitable for working with microcircuits and radio components. The set also includes additional accessories: a case, replacement tips, a stand, a sponge, pliers and solder flux. True, the quality of the latter raises questions: experienced buyers write that they can immediately throw it away and buy another one. But the soldering iron itself received high praise, as it heats up almost instantly. In addition, it is equipped with a convenient option to save the set temperature the next time you turn it on. The standard cord is short, but you can order a model with a long cable.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Wide temperature range
• Fast heating
• Saving the set temperature for the next start

• Takes a long time to cool down
• Flimsy plastic
• Poor quality flux

Buy on AliExpress.com

Top 8. SHHONG S2-4

Rating (2021): 4.75

1794 reviews taken into account from resources: AliExpress

The most complete set In the kit with this soldering iron you can order additional tips, flux, stand, sponge, case and even a multimeter.

• Characteristics

  Price: 1190.54 rub.

• Power: 60W
• Output temperature: 200-450°C
• Blade material: copper/stainless steel
• Temperature adjustment: yes

A soldering iron with a ceramic core that provides fast heating and cooling and also helps save energy. In addition, the model maintains a stable temperature, which is important for precise work. The seller offers several sets to choose from. The extended package includes additional tips, a multimeter, flux, a stand, a sponge and a convenient case for storage and carrying. The power cord is soft and comfortable. It also has an on/off button. Another important advantage is fast delivery from AliExpress. But buyers have complaints about the packaging: the product is wrapped in just one layer of bubble wrap.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Extended equipment
• Ceramic core
• Fast delivery

• Weak packaging

Buy on AliExpress.com

Top 7. Lefavor Soldering Iron

Rating (2021): 4.80

2311 reviews taken into account from resources: AliExpress

• Characteristics

  Price: 317.43 rub.

• Power: 60/80W
• Output temperature: 200-450°C
• Blade material: stainless steel
• Temperature adjustment: yes

A very cheap soldering iron from AliExpress with a modern type of heating - a ceramic core. In the description, the manufacturer indicated that the model is suitable for working with radio components. This is true, because the tip is sharp, so you don’t have to worry about touching the adjacent wire of the microcircuit. In addition, the tip is made of stainless steel, which provides protection against short circuits and scale formation. There are various sets available to choose from: just a soldering iron, a set with a sponge and flux, as well as additional attachments. In reviews, buyers write that the model is excellent for home use and minor repairs, especially for such a low price. The only thing is that sometimes there are defects.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Low price
• Various sets to choose from
• Sharp sting

• High percentage of defects

Buy on AliExpress.com

USB Tool Parts

Many modern craftsmen are increasingly interested in how to make a thin tip for a USB soldering iron with an activator at home. It is worth considering that the tip must correspond to a value that is limited by the applied voltage. The best characteristics in this case are a thin tip made of high-quality materials.

If you have an old purchased product on hand, then you can use a spare tip, which is always included. Almost every craftsman who has minimal plumbing skills can make a tip for such a soldering iron on his own. In this case, it is better to give your preference to a copper rod, the diameter of which should not exceed three millimeters.

When the workpiece is cut to the required length, one of its ends should be sharpened. This procedure should be carried out depending on personal preferences, since it should be convenient for the master to solder the elements of the microcircuits. But the second end of the rod should be adjusted in thickness to the mounting hole in the soldering iron. Otherwise, you can apply a thread of the appropriate size.

Tags: antenna, battery, beat, sconce, view, harm, choice, switch, generator, house, , clamp, protective, insulation, how, , installation, power, voltage, limiter, heating, soldering iron, transfer, connection, touch , wire, project, start-up, , work, size, calculation, revise, regulator, resistor, repair, row, garden, homemade, homemade soldering iron, network, connection, resistance, means, ten, type, current, transistor, , photo, shield

Top 6. Handskit Digital Soldering Iorn

Rating (2021): 4.82

1551 reviews taken into account from resources: AliExpress

Best Price This soldering iron is 35% cheaper than its closest competitor.

• Characteristics

  Price: 200.20 rub.

• Power: 60/90 W
• Output temperature: 180-480°C
• Blade material: stainless steel
• Temperature adjustment: yes

A functional soldering iron from AliExpress, which is suitable for working with radio components and microcircuits thanks to its pointed tip. It has a bright LCD screen that displays the temperature. The model also has a special insert that protects against burns. A ceramic core is installed inside, so heating occurs quickly. It is also convenient that there are power buttons and temperature adjustment buttons on the case. The latter is very thin: the step is only 5 degrees. The advantage of this soldering iron over most models in our review is the presence of 5 tips in the set. True, their quality is not very good, so many people buy others.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Fine temperature adjustment
• LED display

• Mediocre quality of supplied tips

Buy on AliExpress.com

See also:

• 10 best gas soldering irons from AliExpress

Electrical insulating part

To prevent the nichrome thread and other contacts from shorting, we need to prepare a special insulating mixture. For this we need talc and silicate glue. Add talc to the silicate glue and mix gradually, we need to achieve the consistency of liquid sour cream.

Stage 1 of creation

You need to put a copper tube on the metal base of the soldering iron. A layer of 1 millimeter of insulating mixture is applied on top of the tube. Now you need to tightly wind 30 cm of 0.2 mm nichrome thread. Pull the remaining ends to the sides to connect power later.

Stage 2 of creation

Now apply a layer of insulating mass over the created winding of their nichrome thread. Take a wooden handle and drill a hole, it should be larger in diameter than our heating element.

Then lubricate the hole with talc glue and insert the heating part. After this, the soldering iron is sent to dry in a warm place for 12 hours.

All that remains is to install 2 batteries on the case and connect all our parts. First, install the batteries and connect the wiring from the batteries to the switch.

From it we already connect to one end of the nichrome wire, after which we connect the other end to another power contact.

Such a soldering iron can work on batteries alone for 2 hours, and this is a pretty good result. This soldering iron is quite simple and, if necessary, you can repair the soldering iron yourself, which is a big plus. We think you found the article interesting and wish you success with your build!

Top 5. LDKGJJS Soldering Iron

Rating (2021): 4.85

513 reviews taken into account from resources: AliExpress

The best option for working in a car This soldering iron works from a cigarette lighter or alligator clips.

• Characteristics

  Price: 647.03 rub.

• Power: 60W
• Output temperature: 200-430°C
• Blade material: n/a
• Temperature adjustment: no

Cheap portable soldering iron from AliExpress, which is great for working in the car. You can choose from a model with a power cord from the cigarette lighter or with alligator clips. If desired, the wire can be disconnected, which buyers consider a big plus. The device heats up in 1-2 minutes: this is not the best indicator in our review, but compared to old Soviet devices it is not bad. LDKGJJS Soldering Iron is well suited for soldering radio components and microcircuits, since the tip is sharp. It is made of stainless steel, which provides short circuit protection. Judging by the reviews, tin sticks to the tip easily. To avoid slipping in your hands, there is a silicone pad on the body.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Low price
• Suitable for car use
• Anti-slip silicone pad

• Takes a long time to heat up

Buy on AliExpress.com

The design of the soldering iron and the principle of its operation

Every radio amateur and home DIYer knows what a soldering iron looks like. However, when choosing a hand tool, it is important to familiarize yourself in detail with its design, and also take into account that the devices differ in power. The main design elements of the device are:

• holder;
• sting;
• cord;
• a heating element.

A hand tool has the ability to convert electrical energy into heat, which in turn is transferred to the soldering zone. The tip is the working part of the device. It can heat up to 400-450 °C. The hot tip, when exposed to the surface being treated, contributes to the melting of the solder and the parts being connected. As the molten substance hardens, the elements being processed are fixed.

Soldering irons differ in the type of power supply. Battery and network devices are on sale. The latter must be connected to the mains.

For reference! Cordless soldering irons are convenient to use for periodic tasks, since the battery charge is limited.

Top 4. NovelLife SH72 Electric Soldering Iron

Rating (2021): 4.87

446 reviews taken into account from resources: AliExpress

The most reliable There are no complaints about damage or rapid breakdowns in reviews of this model. It is equipped with a powerful adapter and heats up instantly.

• Characteristics

  Price: 1613.01 rub.

• Power: 65 W
• Output temperature: 220-400°C
• Blade material: metal
• Temperature adjustment: yes

A modern soldering iron that is perfect for working with radio components. Unlike old Soviet models, it is compact and fits in the palm of your hand, like a fountain pen. In addition, the weight is practically not felt, thanks to which you can work for a long time without fatigue. An important advantage is instant heating to the desired temperature. In addition, it is convenient to solder microcircuits and small parts, since the tip is sharp. The set includes a powerful 24 W adapter and even a stand with a sponge, which makes work easier. The temperature is adjustable in the range from 220 to 400°C, making the model suitable for soldering various elements. The only thing is that some buyers write in reviews that the plastic of the case is not very reliable.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Instant heating
• Compactness
• Powerful adapter

• Stand with sponge included

Buy on AliExpress.com

Which soldering iron is better: pulse or regular?

The pulse type of the device can be assembled by any radio amateur with his own hands. Parts for such a device can be found on the radio market. The IP (pulse soldering iron) works only while the button is pressed, which makes it possible to avoid wasting electricity. Quick cooling of the tip eliminates the possibility of accidental burns.

If necessary, the master can independently replace the burnt-out tip. To do this, you just need to bend the copper wire and insert it into the clamps of the clamp. The only disadvantage of the IP is the weight of the device, which affects hand fatigue in case of prolonged operation.

Important! Working with an IP is much more convenient than with an ordinary soldering iron. The tip heats up faster, and even a novice radio amateur can replace the tip in the event of a breakdown.

This cannot be done in a regular soldering iron, since in them the functions of the tip are performed by a rod tip, which is manufactured in the factory. For a pulse device, the tip can be made of copper wires.

The pulse soldering device resembles a gun in appearance

Top 3. SumSour Soldering Iron

Rating (2021): 4.90

3223 reviews taken into account from resources: AliExpress

Convenient indicator When you turn on this soldering iron, a red indicator on the body lights up, warning against burns.

• Characteristics

  Price: 306.01 rub.

• Power: 60W
• Output temperature: 200-450°C
• Blade material: copper/stainless steel
• Temperature adjustment: yes

Budget soldering iron from AliExpress, equipped with a pointed cone-shaped tip, which makes working with small parts easier. In the kit you can order additional tips, for example, flat for better heat transfer to massive elements. True, many believe that they are much inferior in quality to the main nozzle and recommend purchasing them separately. The reviews also write that in Russian stores similar models cost 5 times more. In addition, buyers are advised to watch a video on improving a soldering iron from SumSour on YouTube. The temperature control works and the power cord is soft and flexible. It is also convenient that when turned on, a red indicator on the case lights up.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Fast heating
• Power indicator
• Low price
• Compactness

• Poor quality of additional attachments

Buy on AliExpress.com

Low voltage device made from a ballpoint pen

To make a soldering iron you will need the following attributes:

• stationery pen;
• MLT type resistor;
• a piece of double-sided PCB;
• steel wire (d=0.5 mm);
• copper wire with diameter (d=1 mm).

Algorithm of actions

1. First of all, remove the paint layer from the surface of the MLT-0.5 resistor. A razor blade or kitchen knife is suitable for this. If the paint does not want to peel off, then you can connect the element to a power source and warm it up slightly.
2. Prepare a cylindrical barrel. One wire coming out of it is cut off. In this place a hole is drilled for the copper wire. It must be remembered that contact of the wire with the cup is unacceptable, so countersinking is done with a drill with a large diameter. After this, a small cut is made for the conductive rod on the MLT cup.
3. A small ring is formed from steel wire, the diameter corresponding to the cut on the MLT.
4. A board is cut out of a piece of textolite. Its dimensions are calculated based on the size of the ballpoint pen and the available wire.
5. All nodes are brought together. A thin tip is installed in the seating area. You need to be extremely careful not to accidentally burn the miniature structure. A protective layer is made from mica. Thanks to it, the copper wire will not burn through the resistor.
6. Check the homemade device by connecting it to the electrical network using a regular 1 A power supply. The voltage must not exceed 15 V.

Top 2. Lefavor Electric Soldering Iron 936

Rating (2021): 4.94

5293 reviews taken into account from resources: AliExpress

The most popular This model has been ordered on AliExpress more than 11,000 times!

• Characteristics

  Price: 714.02 rub.

• Power: 80W
• Output temperature: 180-480°C
• Blade material: stainless steel
• Temperature adjustment: yes

Portable soldering iron, powered from a socket. For professional purposes, of course, it is better to purchase a station, but this model is convenient to take with you or use for minor home repairs. Customers have a choice of options with a voltage of 110 V or 220 V. You can also order a case, additional tips, solder flux, a sponge and a stand. The temperature adjustment step is 5 degrees, which many consider optimal, since the setting is not too coarse and not too fine. It is also convenient that the handle is thermally insulated and made non-slip. A plus is the presence of a screen, with which you can easily monitor the degree of heating.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Portability
• Convenient temperature adjustment
• On/off button

• The stings burn quickly

Buy on AliExpress.com

Appearance

The handle is relatively long, 180 mm. from the edge to the cable exit. The sting protrudes by ~40 mm. (depending on the type of sting). Thickness 12 mm, front extension up to 18 mm. Very light, only 24 grams without cable. Consists of the following parts:

A standard plastic contact socket with a mercury angle sensor and a rubber “tail” are inserted into a thin aluminum tube, helping to protect the cable from breaking the wires. A cable in a silicone sheath, with four cores, with an “aviation” connector of the GX12 series. I have a station with an old controller for a seven-segment indicator, so I had to change the cable to a five-core one. This is done trivially.

The front plastic part of the handle is screwed onto the thread. Closer view:

There are several “ribs” that make the grip more reliable and comfortable. The plastic is very similar to glass-filled PBT, it cuts with a characteristic rustling sound and has a slight shine when cut. Does not have an unpleasant odor. Inside the handle there are also “ribs” in a circle:

Due to them, the tip is inserted tightly, does not dangle or spin. Initially, a silicone tube was stretched over the handle, which I immediately threw away, because it does nothing useful except collect dust.