TOP 12 best soldering irons for pipes: review, photos, pros, cons, price

A pipe soldering iron is an indispensable tool for quickly installing predominantly polypropylene pipelines, which are now widely used in many residential and non-residential premises instead of metal structures. Working with such a tool is easy. A novice master can handle this part of the repair.

What to look for when choosing

Polypropylene pipes are widely used for hot and cold distribution water supply. These materials replaced metal ones. Due to its many advantages, polypropylene quickly gained popularity.

Advantages of the material:

1. Installation. Tools for cutting and welding metal pipes are more difficult to use than those designed for plastic.
2. Environmental friendliness. Polypropylene is an environmentally friendly material with a smooth surface. A minimum of various deposits and scale remain on the products.
3. Transportation. Plastic pipes weigh less than metal materials, so they are easier to transport.
4. Corrosion. Unlike metal, plastic is not subject to corrosion or rotting.
5. Price. Plastic pipes are comparatively cheaper than metal pipes.
6. Persistence. Polypropylene is resistant to high and low temperatures.

Like any materials, this type of pipe has disadvantages:

1. Fire resistance. For this material it is quite low. In case of severe overheating or contact with open fire (temperature must exceed 140˚C), the products are irrevocably deformed.
2. Low mechanical strength.You need to be careful when handling communications hidden in the walls, since installation can easily damage the structure.
3. Leaks. As a rule, this is due to poor-quality installation, so when performing repairs yourself, you need to pay attention to the choice of materials.

Angle fittings are used to connect pipes to each other and to plumbing products. These are special products, usually made of plastic, of which there are several types:

• corners;
• plugs;
• couplings;
• tees;
• adapters;
• crosses;
• filters;
• contours;
• flanges;
• water sockets;
• decorative rosettes.

To select a tool, you need to take into account the material to be soldered. Types polypropylene pipes by area of ​​use, depending on inertness to high temperatures, they are used for:

• air conditioning;
• ventilation;
• heating systems;
• wiring of cold water supply lines;
• hot water supply;
• sewer systems.

Brands of plastic pipes:

1. PN25 - the diameter of this type is 21.2-77.9 mm, and the wall thickness is 4-13.3 mm, made with special reinforcement. Permissible pressure - 2.5 MPa, operating temperature - +95˚С. This type is used for installing technical pipelines and hot water wiring.
2. PN20 - diameter is 16-110 mm, pipe wall thickness is 16-18.4 mm. Used primarily for supplying hot and cold water. Recommended temperature - no higher than +80˚С, operating pressure - 2.0 MPa.
3. PN16 - diameter 16-110 mm, wall thickness 2.3-15.1 mm. This type of polypropylene pipes is used for installation of heated floors and water supply systems. Use temperature - no higher than +60˚С, operating pressure - 1.6 MPa.
4. PN10 - diameter 20-110 mm, pipe wall thickness 1.9-10 mm. Pipes of this type are used for installing heated floors and ventilation systems, as well as transporting cold water. Use temperature - no more than +45˚С, pressure - 1.0 MPa.

Besides, polypropylene pipes are divided into 3 types according to the type of plastic from which they are made:

• PPRC (PPR) - random copolymer using ethylene;
• PPB—ethylene-polypropylene copolymer or block copolymer;
• PPH is a propylene homopolymer.

Principle of operation soldering iron — the outer part of the pipe is heated simultaneously with the inner part of the fitting using special nozzles. After this, the semi-molten elements are combined. Soldering products using a soldering iron guarantees a sealed joint between products.

There are both large models that are installed on the desktop and have a special stand, as well as more compact cylindrical ones, used for soldering in hard-to-reach places.

When choosing for polypropylene pipe welding machines you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

1. Heating - many models have a range of 260-300˚C. This type of device is suitable for all types of pipes. However, it is possible to purchase one with heating adjustment; choose such a soldering iron, since for polyethylene products 220˚C is sufficient, and for polypropylene products - 260˚C.
2. The power depends on the number of installed heating elements (heating elements). Welding machines can be divided into 2 large groups: up to 1000 W and up to 2000 W. The speed of warming up to the set temperature and the amount of energy consumed primarily depend on the power.To perform small jobs at home, choose the first type with 1 heating element according to the best rating. For large-scale soldering you will need a more powerful tool.
3. Additional attachments. For everyday use, a matrix of diameters will be sufficient: 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63 and 75 mm. In the professional field, nozzles of 90 and 110 mm are used. It is worth noting that these consumables are expensive, so when purchasing a tool it is better to pay attention to the package contents.
4. Ease of management. An important criterion that greatly simplifies soldering with a soldering iron. Most models have power and heating indicator lights.

Soldering irons have additional functions:

1. Power adjustment. Soldering irons are available with power from 600 W to 2000 W. The value affects how quickly it heats up, so adjusting it will be a big advantage.
2. Heating adjustment. Different types of pipes require appropriate heating. For some, a minimum of 260˚C is required, for others 220˚C is sufficient.
3. Pipe cutter A convenient addition that allows you to save on the purchase of a separate cutter required for full soldering.
4. Thermostat. The shut-off function when the soldering iron reaches the required heating saves the energy used, and there is no need to constantly turn off the device after heating the parts.
5. Case. A special convenient storage box will allow you to carefully store the soldering iron during transportation.

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Rating of the best soldering irons

When installing hot and cold water supply systems in residential and non-residential premises, polypropylene rather than metal pipes have been widely used for several years.The range of necessary soldering irons for this is large. Since the cost of even budget modifications from the top of the best is high, it is worth paying enough attention to the choice and studying the nuances.

The best professional welding machines

Based on real reviews from users, both beginners and experienced, and reviews from professionals, we can make 2 lists of the best welding machines for polypropylene pipes: professional tools and budget ones.

Rothenberger Roweld P63T

The undisputed leader among soldering irons. The Rothenberger company has been producing high-quality equipment for over 70 years. This professional welding machine is easy to operate and well suited for industrial work. Equipped with one heating element and has a power of 800 W, maximum heating is up to 280˚C. The soldering iron also has a thermostat that allows you to maintain the required temperature at the same level. The average cost of this soldering iron is 28 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• compactness and ease of transportation;
• quality;
• ease of use.

Flaws:

• high price;
• low power.

CANDAN SM-04

Welding machine from a Turkish company. One visible drawback is its rough appearance. However, this is compensated by quality. Power of 2000 W and the ability to operate at 1000 W allow you to work quickly and efficiently. The soldering iron maintains the set temperature well without overheating or underheating. The cost is about 9 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• 2 power modes;
• non-stick coating for easy removal of pipes;
• complete set (3 additional attachments, case for soldering iron);
• low price;
• universal stand.

Flaws:

• rough appearance;
• inconvenience of transportation.

Messer 1510-B

The soldering iron from Messer is designed for soldering polypropylene pipes and also has fairly simple controls. This makes it easy for beginners to use. The power of the device is 1500 W, and the adjustable heating temperature is 0-300˚C. The complete set of the soldering iron will allow you to start working right away. The set contains everything you need:

• case for transportation and storage;
• 6 nozzles;
• 2 hex keys;
• screwdriver;
• special installation bolts;
• roulette;
• scissors;
• protective gloves.

The average cost of this set is 4 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• equipment;
• quality;
• non-stick coating.

Flaws:

• poor quality of additional components.

Dytron Polys P-4a 1200W TraceWeld Solo blue

The Czech welding machine is made of good quality, practically not inferior to soldering irons from the German company Rothenberger. However, it is sold in a “solo” configuration, that is, just a tool without accessories. Power - 1200 W, heating is adjustable 180-280˚C. A large number of attachments are sold separately, which will allow you to work even with fairly thick pipes. The cost of a soldering iron is about 17 thousand rubles. There are also sets on sale with attachments and a case, but their price starts from 25 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• high power;
• precise heating level support.

Flaws:

• high price;
• inconvenient stand for the soldering iron;
• "solo" equipment.

The best budget welding machines

When the budget is limited, but minor repairs are planned, they make do with budget soldering irons. It is more difficult to solder on such equipment, but it will cope with the assigned tasks.

DIOLD ASPT-4

A fairly powerful soldering iron (1500 W), suitable for welding work in limited space, hard-to-reach places.Quick heating to the required temperature. However, the adjustment is periodically calibrated. The soldering iron is sold in a convenient case complete with nozzles, a pipe cutter, a tape measure and protective gloves. The cost of the tool is from 3500 to 5000 rubles.

Advantages:

• equipment;
• low price;
• fast heating;
• high-quality attachments included;
• work in confined spaces.

Flaws:

• poor quality soldering iron stand;
• Complete pipe cutter of poor quality.

Kronwerk KW 800

This tool is used to work with pipes with a diameter of 20 to 63 mm. At the same time, the set includes 6 attachments for all popular sizes. Power - 800 W and heating - up to 300˚C. Suitable for household work. Convenient and intuitive controls and temperature adjustment. The price for the tool is about 2000 rubles.

Advantages:

• low price;
• non-stick coating;
• nozzles included;
• a box for storing a sleeping bag.

Flaws:

• weak stand;
• not suitable for long, industrial rations.

Denzel DWP-2000

An inexpensive soldering iron, suitable for small jobs, including in hard-to-reach places. Due to its light weight and rubberized handle, it is convenient to work with weight. High power of 2000 W ensures fast heating up to 300 ˚C. The tool is sold in a metal case with 6 attachments, a screwdriver, and a wrench for changing components. The price per set is on average 2900 rubles.

Advantages:

• light weight;
• comfortable handle;
• fast heating;
• low price;
• nozzles included with the soldering iron.

Flaws:

• inconvenient factory stand.

Wert WPT 1600

Convenient, compact tool with a power of 1600 W, heating up to 300˚C. Suitable for working in confined spaces. 4 nozzles included with non-stick coating quickly solder small household pipes.The device is sold in a metal case with 4 attachments, a key for installation, and a screwdriver. Price per set - from 1900 to 2900 rubles.

Advantages:

• fast heating;
• reliability;
• ease of use;
• equipment.

Flaws:

• power differs from that declared by the manufacturer.

ELITECH SPT 1500

An easy-to-use device with a power of 1500 W, heating temperature up to 300 ˚C. Available in 2 configurations with 6 and 4 nozzles. The manufacturer indicates that the soldering iron is used as a manual soldering iron. However, due to the heavy weight, it is better to carry out work on the floor and workbench. Quite high power. The attachments allow you to quickly and comfortably work with pipes with a diameter of up to 63 mm. The cost of a welding machine is on average 4,500 rubles.

Advantages:

• good quality nozzle components;
• mounting on a workbench.

Flaws:

• uncomfortable to work with weight;
• The included case is of low quality.

PATRIOT PW 100

A small, high-quality soldering iron, chosen for small or one-time household work. The device has one heating element with a power of 675 W. The maximum heating temperature is 300 °C, however, due to the power, heating does not occur quickly. The set includes 3 nozzles with non-stick coating and diameters of 20, 25 and 32 mm. The device also has a thermostat that allows you to regulate the heating temperature. The price for this tool is on average 1500 rubles.

Advantages:

• non-stick coating;
• high-quality assembly;
• compactness;
• convenient case for storage and transportation.

Flaws:

• short cord;
• low power;
• long heating to high temperature.

BISON AST-2000

Powerful welding machine (2000 W) in a durable and high-quality metal housing, with a maximum heating temperature of up to 300 ˚C.Although the manufacturer specifies the type of work to be “manual,” in reality, due to the heavy weight, it is better to solder on the floor or a workbench. The tool also includes 6 attachments for pipe diameters from 20 to 63 mm. However, there are minor flaws in the build quality, for example, in the unevenness of the case. The price of such a welding machine is on average 4 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• fast warm-up;
• non-stick coating of nozzles;
• reliable stand.

Flaws:

• poor build quality.

RESANTA ASPT-1000

A welding machine with a power of 1000 W and a heating temperature of up to 300 °C is suitable for performing household work with polypropylene pipes with a diameter of 20 to 63 mm. The tool is quite easy to operate, the thermostat is large and convenient. There are also 2 light indicators installed on the case: connection to the network and heating temperature. The soldering iron is sold in a convenient case and with attachments. The price of the tool is on average 2500 rubles.

Advantages:

• good quality nozzles;
• stable work;
• quick heating to maximum temperature;
• ease of operation.

Flaws:

• There are no objective disadvantages for such a price.

Choosing a welding machine for plastic pipes comes down to cost. Among budget instruments in the range of 2000-5000 rubles. There are decent models suitable not only for one-time jobs, but also for larger ones.

What welding machine did you choose to work with polypropylene pipes and what quality nozzles did you prefer? Share the link on social networks and bookmark the article.