Best Soldering Torch | Top Picks

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  August 19, 2021
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You almost bought one before you were here, I am sure of it. To the amateur eyes, there’s not much to clarify. Apart from all those variants of the tip, there’s a lot more creating differences. Stick with me till the end to settle down on all aspects, this way you won’t have to reminisce about this moment.

Electronic enthusiast undergrads are the largest consumer of these. To them, it’s always a good idea to put a couple of extra bucks to grab the best soldering torch. Otherwise, that irritation gets itchy when you’re holding your torch and that wire just doesn’t seem to melt. Apart from that precision’s also important.

Best-Soldering-Torch

Soldering Torch buying guide

Here we have sorted out all the necessary features and functions that you might need useful in your product. And the only job left for you is to go through it to have a clear idea of what you need in your soldering torch and choose.

Best-Soldering-Torch-Buying-Guide

Burning time

Generally, the burning time of soldering torches varies in a range of half an hour to 2 hours runtime depending on their gas storages and gas type. If you are planning to use it for some light work like in the kitchen then a short burning time will probably do. But lengthy and heavy works demand a longer burning time.

The tip

Tip determines the shape of the flame and how it’s dispersed. Larger butane tips produce bigger flames which would be perfect for annealing workpieces. But even for larger bracelets or belt buckles, you’ll always need a finer flame that comes from smaller tips.

Propane/oxygen torches’ tips are more versatile as they come with a number of sizes. But in that case, the flame tends to take up a greater space. A multi orifice tip is even better in terms of versatility.

Flame adjustment

Flame adjustment is often the determiner of the level of aestheticism of your torch’s work. This function determines the size of the flame- whether you want it to be big or small to do the required job. For executing precise works you simply cannot miss it out.

Ignition system

The ignition system tells you how to ignite the gas before working with the torch. A good ignition system will heat up the gas very quickly and efficiently providing instant usability. Moreover, it should be easy to ignite the gas. These days advanced ignition systems give you the privilege to start the ignition process by a simple and convenient switch.

Source of power

A good number of torches depend on bottle gas and if you have some around you, go for them. Otherwise, the option remains butane torches or the radial system little torches. Definitely, butane torches are easier to handle but you’d need to refill them on a regular basis. Little torches come with a small propane tank and have their own oxygen generator.

Best Soldering Torches reviewed

Have a look at some of the topmost soldering torches available in the market that we have listed along with their advantages and downfalls. And all you have to do is go through the list and choose the one that is the most compatible with your work.

1. Dremel 2000-01 Versa Tip Precision Butane Soldering Torch

Aspects of Interest

Dremel Versa Tip soldering torch is one of the very few torches that are mainly designed for precise and creative work that requires detailed finish. It is a pen-sized torch that is capable of reaching a temperature range of 1022° F – 2192° F.

The torch is very user-friendly. Its advanced ignition system gives it the privilege to start up almost instantly and no individual ignition tool is needed for that.

The torch comes with a wide range of accessories to give you a number of welding options that include plenty of soldering, brazing, and other minor welding projects.

The variable temperature system can control the temperature very precisely. Also, there is a feature for FLAME LOCK-ON that simplifies lengthy operations.

Besides the torch can blow non-exhaust hot air without an external so it’s very effective for working on delicate projects that need light working.

Moreover,  it comes with safety features to protect valuable components like plastic protection for heat protection. So this product can be a great option for you to grab not only for perfection but also for considering the safety of the users.

Pitfalls

  • It has small gas storage.

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2. Portasol 011289250 Pro Piezo 75-Watt Heat Tool Kit with 7 Tips

Aspects of Interest

This butane powered cordless soldering torch is one of the very few premium quality torches out there. The tool kit can be used for both professionally or personally because of its distinct features.

The torch has a flameless combustion system. It can work on a medium power range of 15- 75 watts. It comes with 4 soldering tips. The gas tanks are beautifully welded so they can prevent the gas from leaking.

It also protects the inside from exposure to UV light, hot and cold temperatures. It takes 10 seconds to refill the tank with butane gas. The torch is very user-friendly. It provides the user’s control over the temperature so they can adjust it as required.

Besides the torch has an advanced ignition system that requires only a click to ignite it. Moreover, it takes less than 30 seconds for the solder to melt after igniting the torch.

Pitfalls

  • Users have claimed some of the soldering tips to be useless.
  • The tool kit doesn’t work properly on lower gas settings so there is a high gas usage due to it.
  • Moreover, the hot blower nozzle is not useful for a lot of stuff.

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3. Ultratorch UT-100SiK

Aspects of Interest

The Ultratorch Ut-100SiK is definitely one of the best soldering torches in the market. This advanced designed cordless and butane powered soldering torch can work with a power range of 20-80 watts. It has a flameless combustion system with a runtime of 2 hours.

The tool kit has an excellent adjustable temperature control that can control the temperature up to 2500 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with an advanced ignition system that allows quick and convenient ignition with a slide switch. Also, it takes only 30 seconds to start working from the ignition.

It has a window on the fuel tank so the users can easily monitor the fuel level while working to ensure proper fuel ignition, undoubtedly it is a great feature for safety and precision.

Besides, the torch is lightweight and compact so the users can easily carry it around. Plus the lightweight and comfortable grip give the privilege to work with it for a long time without any hand fatigue.

The soldering tip is made of oxygen-free copper, iron and chrome plating that provides durability, longevity, and high thermal conductivity.

Pitfalls

  • Despite using high-grade butane gas, the torch might clog up very easily.
  • The igniter breaks down after a short while so they had to suffer for that as well.

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4. Wall Lenk LSP-60-1

Aspects of Interest

Among the many other products that are available in the market, Wall Lenk LSP-60-1 is definitely one the best. This pocket-sized butane powered multipurpose soldering iron is mainly designed for light works for your personal DIY projects.

The iron is mainly a soldering torch plus it has an additional blow torch feature. The torch can work with a power range of 30 watts to 70 watts. The temperature feature of the torch is approximate.

The product is mainly used for electronic works, mild welding, brazing, and another light soldering. The torch is made of high-quality plastic which provides great durability and longevity. So the torch can be used for a long time without any major wear and tear.

Besides, it’s very lightweight so the users can work with it for a long time without facing any strain or hand fatigue. And you can get it at an affordable price.

Pitfalls

  • The gas tank is hard to fill.
  • Sometimes the gas flows out a lot while filling it.
  • Also, some of the users have claimed that the torch is hard to ignite and it doesn’t get hot enough to work on moderately thicker plastics.

Check on Amazon

 

5. Butane 10 in 1 Professional

Aspects of Interest

This multipurpose advanced technology soldering torch comes with a number of distinct features and functions. It’s perfect for both professional and small personal projects. You can use it for different soldering options, jewelry repairing, circuit board soldering, and many other soldering works.

This package has some additional parts including 6 pieces of soldering tips, a solder tube, an iron stand, a cap to protect yourself and a sponge to clean the parts. And the best part is, the additional 6pieces solder tips are interchangeable.

Besides, there is also an additional base tip that the users can use to blow hot air over the solder. The advance ignition system of the tool kit allows the torch to heat up in a very short time and it can run for 30 to 100 minutes after filling the tank once.

The product is cordless and compact making it easy to carry it around. Besides, it also includes a plastic storage case allowing better portability and convenience to organize the small parts.

Pitfalls

  • The product just melted after some use and sometimes only after the first or second use.
  • The gas may leak from the tank at a decent rate making it almost empty just after some time which makes it very difficult to work with it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.

What torch Do plumbers use?

Propane torches
Propane torches are the most common type and are used by professionals and DIY homeowners alike. These torches are inexpensive and easy to use Professional plumbers often upgrade the torch assembly to a higher quality torch head with interchangeable tips, and a regulator to control the gas pressure.

Is Mapp gas hotter than propane?

MAP-Pro gas burns at a temperature of 3,730 degrees Fahrenheit, while propane burns at 3,600 F. Because it heats copper faster and to a higher temperature, MAP-Pro gas is a superior alternative to propane for soldering. If you opt to use it, the manufacturer recommends using a specially designed torch.

Can you solder with a butane torch?

Butane torches are the go-to tool for soldering, especially when it comes to fine detail. Soldering silver and copper is elementary with a butane torch once you learn how to do it.

What solder do plumbers use?

Electrical solder is commonly a 60/40 blend of lead and tin. Because of the dangers of toxic lead in drinking water, local building codes now legally require the use of lead-free plumbing solder on all potable water plumbing connections that require soldering.

Can you use too much flux when soldering?

If you are Louis Rossmann , then the answer is no, there is no such thing as too much flux. … If you are using normal solder wire, it contains all the flux you need. If you are soldering copper pipe for example, excess flux will simply probably not compromise the joint, but will simply drip away.

Is a butane torch hotter than propane?

Heat Difference

Butane can reach maximum temperatures of around 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit. … The maximum temperature that propane torches can jump to is around 3,600 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do I choose a torch?

When buying a torch, you should consider what you need most, weighing up options such as size, weight, battery consumption and brightness. As with most things, there is often a trade-off with larger, brighter torches guzzling battery power faster than their smaller counterparts.

Can you use a butane torch to solder copper pipe?

The small butane torches, such as the one sold at Radio Shack work well for small jobs, like soldering landing gear and, with the tip, some electrical work. It certainly will not solder a 1 inch copper pipe. A simple Benzomatic or similar propane torch will do the 1 inch pipe.

Why was MAPP Gas discontinued?

The original MAPP gas production came to an end in 2008 as the sole plant making it discontinued the production. It is found that the oxygen flame of MAPP gas cylinders is not entirely appropriate for welding steel, due to the high concentration of hydrogen in the flame.

What replaced Mapp gas?

Mapp-Pro
The replacement for regular Mapp gas is called Mapp-Pro.

Can a propane torch use MAPP gas?

You are supposed to use what is called a “Turbo-Torch” for MAPP gas, you cannot use a propane torch head. … Propane only torch head will not work for MAPP gas. Remember that you are holding a fire in your hand.

Can butane torch melt metal?

Can butane torch melt metal? No, a butane torch does not create enough energy or heat to melt metal, such as steel. The heat produced by a butane torch is much lower than other welding torches and can not heat metals to a melting point.

Q: Are the tips of the torches interchangeable?

Ans: Not all of them. Some of them can be interchanged while others aren’t.

Q: Can a soldering torch catch on fire?

Ans: Yes, but it’s highly unlikely. If the temperature rises uncontrollably then it can sometimes catch on fire.

Q: Is the flame from the soldering torches safe?

Ans: Sometimes the flame of soldering torches emits toxic fumes which is pretty dangerous to breathe in. Besides, sometimes the flame can ignite the paint on the material it’s working on which can lead to hazardous situations.

Q. How tig torch is different from the soldering torch?

Ans: We talked in details on tig torch on another post. Please read more.

Final Words

Joining your electrical wires or making DIY projects, soldering torch will be a must needed tool in your working table.

While there exist tons of different products available in the market, it’s a difficult job for the customers to choose one that will meet their requirements. Yet one of these top-notch products can be the one needed for your work.

Dremel and Portasol are two of the most commonly used soldering torches out there. They both can be used professionally and personally with their distinct features. If you are planning to do some regular and heavy soldering work then these will be great options for you.

Again if you are looking for a torch to do your personal light soldering projects then the Wall Lenk can be the one for you. This pocket-sized advanced technology tool kit can satisfy DIY enthusiasts in the best way. Finally, whatever products you decide to buy I suggest you never comprise the qualities for money.

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.