Soldering iron vs soldering gun (Which to select, 2023)

When it comes to soldering two dominant tools are the soldering iron and the soldering gun. Both of the tools have their unique features, benefits, and limitations.

The answer to the question, “Is a soldering iron better than a soldering gun”, depends upon the type of project you are working on. If you are working with small electronic components, a soldering iron is a good option. On the other hand, if your project involves soldering of thick wires or soldering of larger components such as soldering of copper pipes, a soldering gun would be a better option.

In this article, we will discuss and understand the soldering iron vs soldering gun and their advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s get started.

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Soldering iron vs soldering gun

Both of the tools have their significance, so we can’t say that anyone of them could be considered better. When you get aware of the advantages, disadvantages, and applications of a soldering iron and a soldering gun, you’ll select a better tool for yourself.

Soldering Iron

A soldering iron is a tool with a heated tip commonly made of copper, connected to a power source. When the tip reaches its maximum temperature, the solder starts to melt, creating strong connections.

Soldering iron comes with different wattage and some offer adjustable temperature control. One of the major advantages of the soldering iron is its precision and heat control.

Is a soldering iron better than a soldering gun?

The tip of the soldering iron is small and pointed allowing you to work on delicate electronic components such as circuit boards, small wires, and microchips.

Soldering iron offers an interchangeable tip feature, enabling versatility in soldering applications. Lower-wattage irons are suitable for delicate soldering tasks, while higher-wattage options can handle larger joints and wires.

Advantages

A soldering iron is an ideal tool for smaller projects, and it is very easy to control than a soldering gun.
It is one of the fantastic options for beginners as it is an easy-handling tool.
As compared to a soldering gun the soldering iron is light weighted and portable.
A variety of options are available in the market, you can select the iron which best suits you.

Disadvantages

A soldering iron is not compatible with working with thicker wire.
It is not energy efficient, and they take time to heat up which makes the soldering process frustrating.

Soldering Gun

A soldering gun, which is styled like a pistol and intended for heavier-duty soldering operations, is different from a soldering iron. It operates by passing an electric current through a copper tip, rapidly heating it to high temperatures. When the tip comes in contact with solder, it melts and makes a reliable soldering joint.

Compared to soldering irons, soldering guns are known for their higher wattage and increased heat output. This makes it a better option for soldering larger components, thick wires, and joints that need higher heat.

The soldering gun heats up quickly, and this quality can handle numerous soldering tasks quickly. This makes them suitable for rougher conditions and heavy use, such as in industrial settings or for soldering tasks that involve more significant components.

There is also another type of soldering gun which is called an automatic soldering gun. This soldering gun has automatic solder feed features means with the help of one button the required amount of solder will be out for the soldering joint.

This tool comes in different wattage ranges. The automatic feed option makes it an excellent option for soldering.

Soldering iron vs soldering gun which one is better

Advantages

Soldering gun delivers high power that why it is suitable for large electrical jobs.
More precise work and less handling of solder
This soldering tool also heats up more quickly than a soldering iron so for creating a soldering joint we don’t have to wait.
The soldering gun heats up fast, so they are considered energy efficient.
It is compatible with a variety of tips to perform soldering of different components.

Disadvantages

Mostly in soldering guns copper is used which is a soft metal so it dissolved after frequent use.
Soldering guns are heavy.
They are dangerous to work with as it has a very high temperature.

The selection of the right tool or which one is best totally depends upon the type of work or project you are handling.

Selecting right tool

We have understood both the soldering iron and soldering gun and also see their features. Let’s discuss the factor that will help you to choose which will be the best option for your soldering work.

1. Application and project requirements

The first that should be considered is what type of project you are handling. The project or application defines which tool will be right for you.

The soldering iron is considered a good option for soldering small electronic components due to its pointed tip and precision. For larger components, thick wire, and high-duty joints a soldering gun can be a much better option.

So try to select the soldering tool by considering the application and needs.

2. Skill level and experience

Your choice of tools may be influenced by your level of soldering expertise and experience.

A soldering iron is most of the time recommended for beginners and for those who work with delicate projects. It is because of its accuracy and control. Working with a soldering iron is considered easy as it is an easy-handling tool.

Unlike soldering iron, soldering guns require more experience due to their higher heat output and fast heating. Make sure you select the tool that you can handle efficiently.

3. Budget and cost

Last but not the least factor budget and cost. You must have to consider your budget before buying any tool.

The soldering iron is considered more affordable as compared to the soldering gun. Soldering gun offers high wattage so according to this the price will be a little higher. If you have a limited budget, a soldering iron may be a more practical choice.

However, it is important to balance cost considerations with your specific requirements to ensure you have the necessary tool for the job.

4. Personal preference

The personal preference of a person is also crucial in selecting a tool. Maybe you may feel more confident while working with a soldering gun than with a soldering iron.

A soldering gun needs skills to handle it and if you are positive that you can work with it without any damage then prefer a soldering gun. Basically, choose the soldering tool with which you feel comfortable and assertive.

Conclusion

There is no definitive winner in the debate between soldering iron vs soldering gun. Both tools have their advantages and are more useful for particular tasks.

A soldering iron is the best tool for delicate soldering tasks because it gives control, precision, and versatility. But with the soldering iron, you can not perform soldering of thick wire or larger components.

A soldering gun, on the other hand, offers a higher wattage, more heat output, and durability, making it appropriate for heavy-duty soldering jobs. It offers a great opportunity to soldering larger components like soldering of copper wire but due to high it can be risky to work with it without any expertise.

The choice of tool ultimately depends upon your need, the project you are working on, and your personal preferences. Considered the factors while selecting the soldering tool.