Soldering Guns

About Soldering Guns

Soldering guns are fast-heating electrical tools designed for making quick, reliable connections in wiring and component work. Featuring a distinctive pistol-grip design with trigger operation, these tools heat up in just 5-10 seconds—significantly faster than traditional soldering irons—making them ideal for intermittent soldering tasks where instant heat is essential. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks soldering guns ranging from 100W models for light electrical work to 300W professional kits for heavy-duty automotive and industrial applications, with trusted brands including Sealey and Draper.

Available as both standalone guns and comprehensive kits, many sets include replacement tips, solder wire, flux, and complementary soldering irons for finer work. These 240v UK mains-powered tools deliver concentrated heat precisely where needed, allowing electricians, auto engineers, and DIY enthusiasts to create professional-quality soldered joints with excellent control. Whether repairing vehicle wiring harnesses, joining cables in junction boxes, or fixing household electronics, the right soldering gun provides the power and speed required for efficient, reliable results.

Applications

Soldering guns are valuable across numerous trades and projects:

• Auto Electricians: Repairing vehicle wiring, connecting terminals, and fixing electrical faults in cars and commercial vehicles
• Electricians: Making cable connections, joining wires in junction boxes, and general repair work requiring quick heat application
• Heating Engineers: Connecting thermostat wiring, control systems, and low-voltage components in heating installations
• Electronics Repair: Fixing appliances, audio equipment, and devices requiring stronger heat than fine-tip irons provide
• Maintenance Engineers: General industrial and commercial repair work, from machinery wiring to control panel connections
• Model Makers and Hobbyists: Building model railways, radio-controlled vehicles, and electronics projects
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home electrical repairs, audio installations, and workshop projects requiring soldered connections

Choosing The Right Soldering Guns

Power Requirements: Match wattage to your applications. A 100W gun handles light electrical work and speaker wire effectively, whilst 200-250W models suit automotive wiring and thicker cables. Professional 300W kits at MyToolShed.co.uk provide maximum versatility for heavy-duty industrial work.

Kit versus Standalone: Starter kits like the Sealey SD300K or Draper Soldering Gun Kit offer excellent value, including replacement tips, solder wire, flux, and often additional tools. Complete kits ensure you have everything needed from the outset, particularly valuable for those new to soldering.

Heat-Up Speed: Quality soldering guns reach working temperature within seconds—verify specifications confirm rapid heating for efficiency when performing multiple repairs throughout the day.

Tip Availability: Ensure replacement tips are readily available. Kits with multiple tip profiles (chisel, pointed, flat) offer greater versatility for different joint types. Copper tips wear with use, so factor replacement costs into your decision.

Build Quality: Established brands like Sealey and Draper offer reliable performance with robust construction, comfortable grips for extended use, and consistent temperature control—essential factors for professional tradespeople.

Safety Information

Soldering gun tips exceed 400°C and remain hot for several minutes after use. Always use the provided stand or heat-resistant surface, and keep fingers and combustible materials clear of heated tips. Work in well-ventilated areas or use fume extraction equipment, as soldering produces fumes from flux and heated metals that shouldn't be inhaled directly—particularly important for extended sessions.

Ensure your soldering gun is suitable for UK 240v mains supply with a standard 13A plug. Inspect cables regularly for damage and never use equipment with frayed wiring. Wear safety glasses as molten solder can splatter, especially when working overhead. Keep flammable materials away from your work area and allow guns to cool completely before storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a soldering gun and a soldering iron?

Soldering guns feature pistol-grip design with trigger operation and heat up within seconds, making them ideal for intermittent work and heavier electrical connections. Soldering irons have pencil-style design, maintain constant temperature, and are better suited for delicate electronics work. Guns typically offer higher wattage (100-300W) compared to standard irons (15-60W).

What wattage do I need for automotive wiring?

For automotive electrical work, a 200-250W soldering gun provides sufficient heat for typical vehicle wiring, terminal connections, and harness repairs. This wattage handles thicker gauge wires found in automotive applications whilst heating quickly for efficient work. Lower wattage (100W) may struggle with larger joints, whilst 300W offers additional capacity for heavy-duty commercial vehicle work.

Can I use a soldering gun for circuit board work?

Soldering guns are generally too powerful for delicate circuit board work and fine electronics, with high wattage risking damage to sensitive components. For PCB soldering, a traditional temperature-controlled soldering iron (15-40W) is more appropriate. However, many soldering gun kits include a complementary soldering iron specifically for finer work, offering versatility for both heavy and delicate applications.