Soldering Guns

Soldering guns are heavy-duty soldering tools used to create strong mechanical bonds in high-temperature applications. These pistol-shaped devices offer a range of practical benefits, including high power, fast heating, and multiple heat settings.

We stock a range of related products you can rely on from trusted manufacturers, such as Apex Tool Group Mfr. Choose from different power, operating temperature and tip options, as well as convenient soldering gun kits comprising solder, tips, brushes, carrying cases, and more.

Browse our products online and apply search filters to narrow down your options. With extensive shipping capabilities across North America, we can help you find the ideal soldering gun price and product for your needs.

What are soldering guns?

As the name suggests, soldering guns are soldering tools with similar body shapes to pistols. They're operated by pressing a trigger and are used to form strong mechanical and electrically conductive connections by melting solder.

Soldering guns provide high levels of power and many come with customizable heat settings for greater control. Electric soldering guns can also be corded or cordless, with cordless soldering guns offering greater mobility.

Soldering guns vs. soldering irons

You may see soldering guns interchangeably referred to as soldering irons or even soldering iron guns. In truth, soldering guns are a larger type of soldering iron used in applications where higher levels of heat are needed. While soldering guns and standard wand-shaped soldering irons are both used to join materials, there are a few key differences to be aware of.

• Power: Soldering guns provide more power and therefore more heat than soldering irons. Their power ratings range from 100 to 240 watts, making them ideal for bonding materials that require intense heat.
• Heating and cooling speed: Soldering guns are energy efficient and heat up far quicker than soldering irons, with the tips of most being hot enough to use within a few seconds. They also cool down quicker, making them better suited to intermittent use as they can be set down safely.
• Visibility: Many soldering guns feature a small light at the tip, which provides better visibility for more accurate results in challenging conditions.
• Weight: Soldering guns are generally larger and heavier than soldering irons, which can increase physical strain over time and make them less suited to small and precise soldering tasks.

How do electric soldering guns work?

These devices aid the process of soldering by heating the materials that need joining together. You pull the trigger to heat the area in question and, once hot, apply solder to the joint from the opposite side. This task is made easier by using flux, which cleans up oxidation from metal, improves electrical contact, and enhances the flow of solder. If a soldering gun has multiple heat settings, this is typically controlled by half or full presses of the trigger.

Internally, soldering guns contain a transformer with a primary winding that's connected to mains electricity and, when energized, sends a current through a secondary winding of thick copper. This quickly heats a soldering tip of thinner copper wire that's connected to the secondary winding.

Where are soldering guns commonly used?

Soldering guns are typically called upon for high-temperature soldering jobs due to their high power. Typical applications include joining stained glass, light sheet metal work, and forming heavy electrical connections.

Order your soldering gun kit online with RS

Whether you're looking for a complete soldering gun kit or an individual tool, we can help you get the quality equipment you need quickly and at a good price. Browse our products online and filter your search by power rating, tip type, and more.

Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions about cordless soldering guns or other related products. You can also read the latest industry news and product advice on our expert hub.