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Microtorch recommendations

Discussion in 'Garage / Workshop' started by scocar, Mar 27, 2013.

  1. Mar 27, 2013 at 8:20 PM
    #1
    scocar

    scocar [OP] hypotenoper

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  2. Mar 28, 2013 at 7:54 AM
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    scocar

    scocar [OP] hypotenoper

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    No, really, I'd like to hear what you have to say.
     
  3. Mar 28, 2013 at 7:57 AM
    #3
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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  4. Mar 28, 2013 at 8:07 AM
    #4
    scocar

    scocar [OP] hypotenoper

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    Thanks, John. Hmmm, have you actually used it for electrical soldering?
    A couple of reviews say it wasn't so hot at that task (haha), but 90% of Amazon reviews are usually useless or posted by the inept.
     
  5. Mar 28, 2013 at 8:08 AM
    #5
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    I have used it a couple of time for soldering. Did just fine.
     
  6. Mar 28, 2013 at 8:10 AM
    #6
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Torch for electrical soldering?!?! Damn, I just use a soldering iron and a heat gun. I wouldn't want an open flame in some of the places I've had to solder.
     
  7. Mar 28, 2013 at 8:13 AM
    #7
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    Man up. Fire is our friend. :cool:


    The flame is behind a soldering tip. No flame hits the connection.
     
  8. Mar 28, 2013 at 8:14 AM
    #8
    Justus

    Justus fucks not given

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    Ive used "portasol" brand for years for soldering..........The small size makes life easier when soldering in tight places, and the heat element is small so theres less chance of melting wires on surrounding parts than if you use a torch style like pictured in ur post.


    I use a butane torch like u have pictured soley for heating/bending a fishtape, and I install the heat shrink attachment for heatshrinking.

    YMMV.............when in tight spaces the large cumbersome torches with soldering tips can be a PITA and lend themselves to being caught on other parts, and u cant hold them easily with 2 fingers if u gotta move other wires/parts with 1 hand.

    Those torches EVEN with the soldering tips just have too much of a hot surface area for my comfort around parts like the trucks ecu and such.
     
  9. Mar 28, 2013 at 8:15 AM
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    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Oh, I thought it was an open flame looking at the picture in the OP. :eek: I just use the electrical one, seems to work well then an electric heat gun for the heat shrink.
     
  10. Mar 28, 2013 at 8:16 AM
    #10
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    I have both. The butane is nice for cordless work.
     
  11. Mar 28, 2013 at 8:17 AM
    #11
    scocar

    scocar [OP] hypotenoper

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    This is for conveneince away from the work bench, under the truck and such where my iron would be a nuisance. And I don't want to use cheesy crimp connectors for trailer wiring. Making connections to the back of the 7-pin require in-place connection, can't be done on a bench.
     
  12. Mar 28, 2013 at 8:17 AM
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    Justus

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  13. Mar 28, 2013 at 8:20 AM
    #13
    scocar

    scocar [OP] hypotenoper

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    I'll look into the Portasol, thanks.

    This one actually has a couple flame adjustments, including a carb where you can really fine-tune the flame from a candle-lighter with yellow flame to a needlepoint blue blowtorch.
     
    Last edited: Mar 28, 2013
  14. Mar 28, 2013 at 8:24 AM
    #14
    scocar

    scocar [OP] hypotenoper

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  15. Mar 28, 2013 at 8:28 AM
    #15
    Pugga

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    I guess I didn't even think about that. I never solder at a bench, I use the sodlering gun for all the connections behind the dash for switches, under the hood, etc. I guess I should be looking at one of those microtorches for the type of work I typically do if they're easier to deal with in tight spaces.
     
  16. Mar 28, 2013 at 9:08 AM
    #16
    scocar

    scocar [OP] hypotenoper

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    Yeah, Brock, I think you convinced me that the Portasol is a more appropriate tool for my needs. Thanks!
     
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