Can a soldering iron "burn down"

**izaram** · 05-04-2002, 04:59 PM

Stupid idiot me just realized that I left my soldering iron plugged in all night. Amazingly enough it's not really hot as I tough it would be. (No, I did't touch it, my kitten did. J/K).

Is it possible that something inside the iron "burned out" causing it to stop from getting hotter? Or does it have a sort of limit when it stops warming up?

Thank you and please excuse my ignorance in this subject.

edit: Sorry, I forgot to mention it is a very common 30W soldering iron.

**wizardPC** · 05-05-2002, 06:47 PM

they will only get so hot. Its not really a limiting switch, its just that the heating element (especially on a 30W) can only reach a certain temperature.

Your Iron should be fine, but dont do that again!

**magnetik** · 05-05-2002, 07:16 PM

some of the higher quality soldering stations, with their own base unit, etc.... often take it o the next level with a temp control and a propper thermostat system.....

**CrazyLittle** · 05-06-2002, 04:21 AM

Actually I'm noticing the same thing with my cheap-*** Rat shack iron =(

It used to be able to solder just fine, but now it has to completely warm up inbetween each contact. Perhaps cheap ones -do- wear out?

**Aaron Cake** · 05-06-2002, 11:26 AM

I'd imagine that the cheap ones could easily burn out. The element will reach a certain temp and stay there, but over a long time it could melt itself, or cause some other weird harm...

**jboy** · 05-06-2002, 01:05 PM

Even $400 weller's die after alot of use. But you can just replace the heating element. even some cheapos are replacable

**THEMP3KID** · 05-07-2002, 03:44 AM

I bought a soldering iron a few months ago just because it was cheap... I have never had an expensive one, I don't see any real advantages between a 200buck iron and a 5buck iron..

**Aaron Cake** · 05-07-2002, 09:52 AM

There are major advantages between the two. The expensive one will last longer, heat up MUCH faster, have adjustable controls, and probably a wide tip selection. It will also have things like overheat protection. When you get into complicated soldering (ie. surface mount), the expensive one is a must have. Also, there are the less obvious things, such as a more comfortable grip, better cords, etc.

**Ivar** · 05-11-2002, 10:18 PM

Believe me -- soldering irons can easily burn down. Don't leave 'em on too long, at least not the cheap ones.

I managed to forget that my iron was plugged in.. it was on for 6 hours while not in use.. (may it rest in peace in soldering iron heaven)