Cordless/rechargeable soldering tool

[Cajonpassfan]

I'm in the market for a lightweight cordless iron for light work on decoder boards and similar electronics. Preferably capable of light repair work on the layout, ie soldering code 55 railjoiners, attaching light weight wire to switch machines, and such. I do have other equipment, but like the freedom of moving around without worrying about cords and plug locations. Is there such a thing out there?
Advice and suggestions appreciated.
Thanks,
Otto K.

[Steveruger45]

Hi Otto
I have a Tooluxe 40420L Cordless Soldering Iron. I’m quite happy with it for the freedom of use on the layout.
It takes AA batteries.  You could use rechargeable AA batteries I guess but I don’t.  I take the batteries out after use.
Amazon has it for about $16.  I’m sure there are better ones out there but for the cost I found it of good value.

[woodone]

I have been using an ISO-Tip unit for years- 3 different size tips you can use. Expensive! But we’ll worth it IMO.
Only place to buy is Micro-Mark I think.

[Cajonpassfan]

Thanks guys, appreciated.
Over time, I've had two ISOTips and generally liked them, but for the money, it seems like I got not a lot of use out of them before they stopped charging. I also dislike the goofy, bendy wire connections to the tip. That's why I am looking at options.
Steve, I was reluctant to buy just a battery powered iron thinking the batteries wouldn't last long or provide enough heat. Thoughts?
It's cheap enough,  I may just try one.
Any other suggestions appreciated.
Otto

[peteski]

Steve, I was reluctant to buy just a battery powered iron thinking the batteries wouldn't last long or provide enough heat. Thoughts?

I have been following this thread, and those were also my thoughts.  How much "oomph" (wattage) can be squeezed out of AA batteries?  Seems that it would not have enough thermal capacity for soldering rail(joints).

It will be interesting to find out.  Also, how long do the batteries last?

I have an almost 50 year old (I  can't believe it is that old!) Weller cordless iron which has 2 C-size NiCad cells in it.  At this point the batteries are long dead. I have bought replacement cells, but have not replaced them yet.   I never used it very much and never tried to solder rail joints. I usually took it with me to the NTRAK shows in case there was some on-the-fly soldering needed.

To be honest, I really prefer a good quality temperature-controller 40W pencil-type iron for soldering at home.

[Steveruger45]

Otto, Pete.
The batteries (4 x AA),  last me four or five uses on average. It gets really hot, like 1000F.
 I’ve never really used it for solid continuous soldering projects though, more for the odd insitu fix like broken wire joints and putting in additional  feeder wire and such under the layout. Batteries wouldn’t last long enough for any serious solid repeated use IMHO.

[Cajonpassfan]

I have been following this thread, and those were also my thoughts.  How much "oomph" (wattage) can be squeezed out of AA batteries?  Seems that it would not have enough thermal capacity for soldering rail(joints).

It will be interesting to find out.  Also, how long do the batteries last?

...

To be honest, I really prefer a good quality temperature-controller 40W pencil-type iron for soldering at home.

Pete, thanks, but you're missing the point. I do own a fine Hako temp controlled outfit for serious work, see below. But it's clunky, heavy, and for quick repairs under or on top of the layout, its cord, power cord and likely an extension cord to get to the nearest plug just get in the way. I want to find something quick but functional, akin to your portable "traveling" tool, hence my inquiry.
Otto

[Cajonpassfan]

Otto, Pete.
The batteries (4 x AA),  last me four or five uses on average. It gets really hot, like 1000F.
 I’ve never really used it for solid continuous soldering projects though, more for the odd insitu fix like broken wire joints and putting in additional  feeder wire and such under the layout. Batteries wouldn’t last long enough for any serious solid repeated use IMHO.

Thank you, Steve, that's what I figured. Still, for the money, it maybe worth trying (unless I get a better suggestion).
Otto

[peteski]

I  did not miss the point Otto.  Not trying to dissuade you from a cordless iron - just mentioning my personal preference (as I mentioned I also own and have used a cordless iron). I simply stated that regardless of the inconvenience factor, I still prefer using an AC-powered pencil type soldering iron, preferably with regulated temperature.   But I agree that cordless iron comes  in handy for quick repairs. I really need to install new cells in my cordless iron, since it does sometimes come in handy at the model trains shows.

I guess that I strayed a but off topic. Sorry, but this is sort of expected on TRW. 

Steve, too high of a temperature is jut as bad as too low.  1000 deg. F is too high for any soldering.  It would likely spell death to any solid state electronic components. I realize that wiring is more forgiving. I also suspect that the 1000 deg. is measured when the tip is not being used. It probably cools down quickly to a more reasonable temperature once it touches the metal items being soldered.

[mmyers]

I use this Master Appliance Butane soldering iron.
https://www.masterappliance.com/ultratorch-ut-100sik-soldering-iron-heat-tool/

Martin Myers

[MPA86]

Have not used it on the layout yet, but this one works well for almost anything indoor or out. I primarily use it currently for radio work. Heats up quick and lasts fairly long on a charge.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Specialty-Tools/Heating-Tools/2488-20

[Cajonpassfan]

I use this Master Appliance Butane soldering iron.
https://www.masterappliance.com/ultratorch-ut-100sik-soldering-iron-heat-tool/

Martin Myers

I'd be scared to use open flame under the layout, or to solder board connections. But perhaps I'm missing something....
In any case, I pulled the trigger on a $26 rechargeable (and returnable) from Amazon, should be here in a few days, see below. I'll post a review, my Covid malady permitting (I've been down with it for over a week; annoying, but not serious, so far).

Thanks for your suggestion @MPA86, that looks like a good choice for heavier work
Otto K.

[nickelplate759]

I'd be scared to use open flame under the layout, or to solder board connections. But perhaps I'm missing something....
In any case, I pulled the trigger on a $26 rechargeable (and returnable) from Amazon, should be here in a few days. I'll post a review, my Covid malady permitting (I've been down with it for over a week; annoying, but not serious, so far).
Thanks for your suggestion @MPA86, that looks like a good choice for heavier work
Otto K.

The flame isn't open - it is shielded and heats the iron tip, not your work piece.
A soldering torch, on the other hand, would be all kinds of fun under the layout.

[Viperjim1]

I personally use the Weller butane pencil soldering pen. Temp control and pencil to wide tips and refillable and electronic ignition. It’s about 60$ but have had it for about 8 years now.

[Cajonpassfan]

The flame isn't open - it is shielded and heats the iron tip, not your work piece.
A soldering torch, on the other hand, would be all kinds of fun under the layout.

Ah, my bad, it seems I did miss something...
Otto K.