Fixing a Broken Soldering Iron: Repairing vs. Battery-Powered Options

[akerkarprashant]

TL;DR Summary

Soldering iron repairing

1 Is it possible to repair a Soldering iron which is not working?

2 Can we design and construct a Soldering iron working on Batteries instead of AC mains supply?

 

[sysprog]

You could repair a soldering iron, but for reasons of safety and economy, it's usually better to just buy another $-$ as for battery power, a small soldering iron such those depicted in your post uses about 25 watts, which would rapidly drain a small battery.

 

[Tom.G]

Back when car radios used vacuum tubes, I made extra cash by going around to used car dealers repairing the radios. A necessary item in the tool kit was a soldering iron that plugged into the cigarette lighter socket, available at the local electronic parts distributor.

Conclusion:
Answer to question 2) is: Yes!

For question 1):

• For older irons: Occassionally, if it is the power cord that failed.
• For newer, temperature controlled irons: Often repair sub-assemblies are available from the manufacturer. (and sometimes it is just an internal blown fuse.)

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Rive]

1 Is it possible to repair a Soldering iron which is not working?

If you refer to the type on the picture you attached, I would say 'better not'. These ones are usually poorly made cheap ones, not designed for repairs.

 

[sysprog]

Adding to my previous response about battery-powered soldering irons $-$ a google search returns many of them in the 6w-12w range, e.g. this one from Weller Tools:

 

[Borek]

Also there are gas powered ones. Farnell displays me a Polish page, but you should get the idea:

https://pl.farnell.com/en-PL/weller/0051608499/kit-soldering-iron-1300-c-gas/dp/1229803

 

[Klystron]

My USAF mobile electronics lab circa mid 1970's included a low wattage soldering 'Weller wand' containing a rechargeable power pack. We used the wand for quick temporary repairs in the field when electrical power was not available or generators not running.

IMS we stored the soldering wand in its charging cradle on the bench, not in a tool bag like the high wattage soldering guns and irons. I later owned a battery powered wand with an assortment of soldering heads that operated in 12 or 25 watt range with a short duty cycle.

 

[DaveE]

I've yet to see a battery powered soldering iron that worked well compared to the higher powered "normal" irons that plug in. Still, they have their place, like if you have to solder just a few small things in the wilderness. If you want this because it's convenient in your lab, then you are way off the mark. I can pretty much guarantee that you are also skipping other important steps. Plus there are some things that you just can't do with low power heat.