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Plug-in iron: basic, low-cost, fixed temperature based on the iron's wattage. Suitable for occasional general work — light electrical, hobby electronics, basic vehicle-electrical service. Temperature-controlled station: adjustable tip temperature (typical 200-450°C), faster heat-up, better tip life, better for fine electronics and lead-free solder work. The trade workshop standard for vehicle-electrical and panel-build work. Gas torch: portable, works without mains, useful for plumbing soldering and field-service work where mains power isn't available. Match the iron type to the work.

Higher wattage = more heat capacity, faster heat-up, better for larger work. Typical sizing: 15-25W for fine electronics (small components, surface-mount work, sensitive ICs); 30-40W for general electronics and through-hole component work (the workshop standard); 60-80W for vehicle-electrical and larger-component work; 100W+ for heavy applications (large bus-bars, large connectors, plumbing soldering). Temperature-controlled stations regulate the heat regardless of wattage; for plug-in irons, match the wattage to the work.

Lead-tin solder (typically 60/40 tin-lead or 63/37 eutectic mix) melts at lower temperature (~183°C), flows better, and is easier to work — preferred for hand-soldering electronics where regulations allow. Lead-free solder (typically tin-silver-copper SAC305 mix) melts at higher temperature (~217°C), requires higher iron temperature, but is required for RoHS-compliant electronics manufacturing. For repair and DIY work in the UK and EU, lead-tin solder is acceptable. For commercial electronics manufacturing supplying RoHS-compliant products, lead-free is required.

Yes. Replacement tips matched to the soldering iron model (tip styles include conical, chisel, bevel, and specific patterns for SMD work), solder spools in the standard diameters (0.5mm, 0.7mm, 1.0mm, 1.5mm) and the chosen alloy (lead-tin or lead-free), flux paste and flux-cored solder wire, desoldering pumps and desoldering braid, replacement heating elements, and replacement gas cartridges for gas-powered torches are available across the soldering accessory range. Match replacement tips to the specific iron model — vendor-specific.

Every product is backed by our Fit Guarantee. If a part is incompatible with your machine, you can return it hassle-free. For damaged-on-arrival items, report within 24 hours with photographs to [email protected] — we will arrange collection. For other returns, email us first to obtain a Return Merchandise Number before sending. Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase, in original packaging, on UK orders. A restocking fee may apply on returns where the buyer has changed their mind. Refunds are issued to the original payment method once the return is inspected.

Delivery time depends on the product, your destination, and availability — the estimated time for any item appears on the product page, and "Check where we deliver" confirms coverage for your postcode before you order. Next-day delivery is available on most products; the option appears at checkout when applicable. We deliver across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Use the country selector at checkout to confirm coverage and delivery options for your destination.

Soldering

Within Hand Tools, Soldering covers the soldering equipment, irons, stations, and consumables used in workshop electronics, vehicle-electrical, electrical-installation, and metalwork applications — covering electric soldering irons (basic plug-in irons for occasional work), temperature-controlled soldering stations (with adjustable tip temperature for fine electronics work), gas-powered soldering torches (for plumbing and field-service work where mains power is unavailable), and the matched consumables (solder wire, solder paste, flux, replacement tips, desoldering pumps and braids). Parts for Machines supplies soldering equipment across the trade and professional ranges, covering both general-workshop and electronics-grade equipment for vehicle-electrical service, panel-build work, and field-service applications. We are an authorised distributor and seller of Sealey and Draper across the soldering range. Sealey covers the broadest selection — basic mains soldering irons (typical 30W, 40W, 60W, 80W ratings), temperature-controlled soldering stations with digital tip-temperature control (for electronics and fine work), gas-powered soldering torches (for field and plumbing service), and the matched accessories including replacement tips, solder spools (lead-free and tin-lead), flux, and desoldering tools. Draper extends the range with workshop and trade variants. Product pages list the iron or station type (mains-electric, temperature-controlled station, gas-powered), the rated power (in watts — affects heat-up time and the size of work the iron can handle), the temperature range (for temperature-controlled stations — typical 200-450°C), the tip type and connector pattern (the tip-fitting style — vendor-specific in most cases, so replacement tips are matched to the iron), the consumable type (lead-tin solder for general work; lead-free solder for RoHS-compliant electronics), and any specific certifications. For workshop vehicle-electrical and panel-build work, a temperature-controlled soldering station gives the best work quality. For field service and occasional use, a basic mains iron or gas-powered torch is more practical. Trade pricing on bulk orders is available; contact the team via WhatsApp 07754288583.