ColdHeat Soldering Pens. Do they work?

[jsinger]

I've owned a lot of soldering irons/guns in my time. I guess we've all seen the TV ads for the new Cold Heat devices that reach 800 degrees almost instantly and become cool in three seconds. I understand they can't be used in electronic circuits because the gun itself is electrified and can fry solid state components.

Anyone ever used one of these gizmos?

[jmccormac]

Sounds like some kind of miniature arc welder than a soldering iron.

Regards...jmcc

[jecasc]

Oh, soldering PENS... I just read pe... uh something else.

[grelmar]

My rule of thumb for the "Gizmo Tool" of the year:

Wait to see if it's still in the stores next Christmas. If it can't make it into a second season, then it was junk. If it can, then it's probably usefull.

[The_Hat]

The gun you are referring to is similar to a stun gun. The gun actually heats up the solder by passing an electric current through it. The tip itself doesn't get hot.

They do work but like it was said they could cause problems. I centainly wound't go into something as delicate as a mother board with it.

[jsinger]

The physics of these devices is fascinating. According to all reviews, they do heat and cool almost instantly. Whether they are good at soldering is another, and far more important question. If they fry solid state devices they're pretty worthless, even dangerous to have around the workshop.

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"Gizmo of the year"

Yep, my wife was just commenting on how cool a screwdriver on TV was that had extra bits hidden in the handle.(yawn!) I firmly told her I didn't want that for Christmas (I must have 50 GOOD screwdrivers already)

Those Christmas TV ads make almost anything look essential.

[GaryK]

I have one. It's hardly new. The old, The Screensavers Show, on the now defunct TechTV cable channel reviewed the kit at least two years ago and generally liked it. Kevin Rose and Yoshi did the review.

It has never ruined any of my electronic components. It does work exactly as advertised. The only problem I've had with it is the fact it's not long and sleek like a traditional soldering iron and hence it can't into tight spots.

[grandpa]

into tight spots

I believe I may have seen a sleeker model in an ad. So the question is, are you getting a newer model from a reputable manufacturer, or are you getting a slimmed down knock off that will fry any component it gets near to. It would be worth researching. Obviously the idea has its appeal... I would have enjoyed one in my soldering days.

[kaled]

I've never seen one of these devices, however, if it operates by passing a current through the solder (a bit like a welder) then it shouldn't damage electronic components.

"He's barking mad", I hear you say. Actually, no I'm not. High voltages kill chips - this device must be able to produce a high current, probably at about 5V.

Kaled.

[Frank_Rizzo]

In order to zap regular non sensitive components the current would have to flow accross the component. If the current is just flowing accross the blob of solder then it would be fine. But I certainly wouldn't risk it on sensitive equipment.

Second point. The gun may cool down instantly but solder DOES NOT. Don't assume that you can go soldering / desoldering stuff and then whip them in the air and catch it in your teeth. Solder takes a while to cool down.

I have a scar on my right thigh from 20 years ago. I desoldered a large connection; a blob of solder dropped off; ate through my jeans and has left a pea-sized scar there ever since. Man that hurt for days. Shudder to think if it was closer to the old crown jewels there.

Anyway. Just remember that even though the gun will cool quickly the solder will not.

[jsinger]

Few of you young'uns remember when soldering was done with 200 watt irons. Looked like something used to brand a Longhorn.

I inhaled a lot of lead vapor back in those days.

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They were a distant relative of the most dangerous toy ever: the wood burning set. Got one from a relative when I was 6 years old, believe it or not.

Weren't as many lawyers back when I was young.

[Stefan]

They were a distant relative of the most dangerous toy ever: the wood burning set.

I had one of those when I was a kid, and it was one of my most favourite Christmas presents ever :-)

Wrt those soldering pens: copy on the low voltage/high current, but all the same - what if there's a wonky ground somewhere that suddenly sucks back the amps through components? I'd be very nervous using it on anything other than jacks and speaker-wire splices.

[Dpeper]

Ive seen an infomercial for those things they look kind of cool.