Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

I've had several of these throughout the years, usually buying the next one when either the valve fails or the tip erodes to the point that I can no longer use it. The replacement tip is almost as much as the whole new unit, so it's more cost effective to just replace the entire thing.

I'd have to say that its really handy to have around, although it's a bit of a pain to light with the striker on the cap - I use a cigarette lighter instead - but in a pinch the striker will also work.

My major gripe about it is as the valve starts to go, one of three things (or a combination) starts to happen:

1 - Getting enough gas to keep the temperature up starts to get difficult, sometimes having to quickly close and reopen the valve to get more flow. Eventually however, there will not be enough flow for the iron to be useful anymore regardless of how you try to manipulate the valve.

2 - It will go into an 'all or nothing' mode, where the gas is either wide open or almost nothing at all, making temperature control very difficult. This usually happens before #1, above.

3 - On one or two of the units (I have several), the valves have developed leaks, and gas seeps out of the slot where the control is. This doesn't really pose too much issue when using it with the catalytic soldering tip, but when using the torch head on it, depending on how you hold it, the gas can creep down toward the tip and ignite, setting the side of the unit on fire. Putting it out is trivial, but something to keep an eye on.

Overall, though, I must say that I like the unit because it is so convenient, and for the most part, lasts long enough that even buying several of them to keep a working one around hasn't exceeded the cost of a high end bench iron. I have a professional bench unit as well, but as anyone who has one knows, try lugging it around or up on a ladder to repair something...

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

I love the soldering iron when it worked. I would use it only occasionally but it generated nearly as much heat as the $140 weller station I have at work.

Pros:
- Plenty of heat
- heats quickly
- extremely convenient
- point tip still hot enough to get solder/rosin to properly set.
- convient (if simple) wire 'stand' built in.
- The heat stays pretty localized for a butane soldering tool. I have another that barely worked and it'd burn or melt anything that got close to the screen.

Cons:
- valve to feed flame goes out.

My experience mirrors another reviewers..
I used this only occasionally over the the course of at least 5 years.. maybe 10.
I doubt I used it more than 2 dozen time.
I did notice the flame was not as intense after relatively few uses but it was still hot enough to be plenty useful.
I tried to use it today and I don't get any gas out, even when I disassembled it and opened the valve twice as far as the lever will allow.

It's old so I can't expect it to run forever. It hasn't been used much though.
Maybe It's unreasonable to expect more given it's age but I was expecting more life.

I'm torn about recommend or not. I'm hesitantly going to say recommend because it's brilliant while it works. I'm considering another one.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

my brother in law uses it to work on tv's and projectors, etc. Seems to really work well for him.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

I have had mine for over 10 years now and use it regularly. It is great for ceiling audio work and automotive work. This is not a bench iron, and I imagine it would do that job poorly. But... car restoration work. saved my bacon plenty and allowed me to do a good job not just crimp terminals that corrode.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

This this will last 100's and 100's of hours worth of burning.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

Excellent tool! Very very useful both as a torch and asa soldering iron. Very handy at the RC flying field. I had one for many years and it still lasted a few more after moving back to my country.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

I bought this tool primarily for automotive use. soldering stereo connections, I repaired a Throttle position switch that had corroded internal connections, and built a harness for a stand alone fuel controller. I wouldn't use it for building intricate circuit boards, as the heat does change toward the end of the gas, but if you keep it topped off you don't really notice.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

This thing works great. I carried one for a couple of years and it worked and worked, really lasted. Finally it died and I bought another. Very dependable. There is a problem with getting it lit (started). The flint built into the cap doesn't do the job for me. I finally started carrying a good lighter and that solved the problem. This torch won't take anything you throw at it, but it's certainly worth the price.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

It is a handy tool very portable

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

I use this product both as a torch and as a soldering iron for many hobby projects. It is made well, holds a fair amount of fuel, heats quickly, and is convienient to use. The only problem with this device is that the heat controller or the sliding lever that adjusts the flame always seems to give out after a few months of use leaving you with a torch that has a very very small flame regardless of how much you try to turn it up. If this part of the device was improved it would be a top notch winner.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

I really do love this little guy. It has long been my favorite of several torches I've owned over the years.

It's gotta sleek, modern design and an easily adjustable flame. I like the see-thru butane reservoir giving constant visual status on fuel level (and its kinda fun to watch during a butane "fill up").

I got this torch primarily for light electrical & small project soldering. But the tips don't last long, and replacement tips are costly. So once the tip(s) are shot, the tool evolves into other jobs such as barbeque / campfire starter, Dr. Graboe / cigar / candle lighter.

I have only 2 issues with this handy little tool.

First is the spark ignitor. IMHO the flintwheel spark is an out-dated method, which I find inconvenient and difficult, even painful to use. I'll reluctantly use the one in the cap, but ONLY if I can't find a cig lighter to use instead. A contemporary styled torch like this should have electronic ignition. Several similar, cheaper torches I've owned had electronic starters. Even if the convenience cost more it would probably put this baby on a LOT more customers "want" list.

Also, being extremely sensitive to fire safety issues, I don't like that there's no "auto shut off" on this unit. IMHO all such lighters and soldering tools need some sort of feature that kills fuel flow if dropped, or knocked off a table / workbench. This guy has a long powerful flame that could quickly do a LOT of damage, or cause great personal injury due to an accident, or unsafe or improper handling.

Yeah, adding convenience or safety features would make the tool more expensive. But that's money well spent. I'll be first in line if they start to sell models with such features. Until then I can only rate this item - "almost perfect".

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

I like this iron. But torch tip wore out and would like to purchase just the tip, like the solder tip(10.99) half the price of a new iron. So i may go get another but $5 ranger for these tip is acceptable.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

Where has this thing been all my life! I'm a college student and I used to use a P0S 30 watt soldering iron, then I discovered the mobility and usefullness of this tool. It solders anything and it lights your bar-be-que/cigarette/Hookah coals...Anything really. I love it

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

I am a sound/lighting tech and keep this in my tech box. It is great for quick repairs (cables, input jacks, etc.). The heat varies with how much butane is in the tank making it a bit hard to find the right tempature but it isn't much of a problem. I wouldn't use this for major repairs but the price, size and ease of use make this a good value.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

I occasionally need to solder projects at home and at work (I'm a lab technician). This iron is very convenient for all sorts of projects, from moderately intricate electronics work to larger-scale power connection soldering.

It has a LOT of power, so it's easy to cook components if you're not careful. It's also not always easy to start (using a lighter should help).

I haven't encountered the leaking-butane problem yet, and I'm not especially careful about taking care of it (it usually rides around in my backpack with several other tools etc). It's very durable, especially for the price. Unfortunately, I lost the blowtorch tip shortly after buying it, so I haven't been able to test that.

I'm not sure why the product photo shows it on Radio Shack's el-cheap-o iron stand, since it does have its own built-in wire stand.

If it were easier to start and came with a few extra tips and a holder, it would easily get five stars. As it is, I'll give it four-and-a-half, and round down. Definitely recommended, though.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

No blow torch tip replacement available. This is a very useful tool but each time this tip gets dirty you must purchase entire soldering iron.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

this is the best iron i have ever had. it works great in all applications and also has a torch tip. the only bad thing i have come across on it in 3 years is the tip can burn itself up if you run it too hot.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

I keep one of these in the truck all the time, I've gone through a few, but for the price I can live with it. Also I don't really take care of it, it gets bounced around. Works outdoors (once you get it fired up) good. I've used this outside in chicago winters to repair intercoms

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

Like one of the other reviewers, I'll be ordering my third one, but in 8 years. The price is [$]if it lasts 2 years, I got my money's worth; anything over that is great!I accidentally broke my first one, my current one leaks fuel (described below).The issues I've had are:Leaking fuel, the fuel will always leak out very slowly, because the fuel area isn't 100% air tight. This isn't a big deal and pretty much expected behavior. The BAD gas leak issue occurs where the black plastic starts to separate from the fuel area, this causes the gas to quickly leak out and may cause it to flare. If this happens, stop using it! My current torch has this issue, probably from improper storage and a bit of abuse.Worn out soldering tips, the area in the tip, which turns red is actually filled with fiberglass; after a year of moderate use, the fiberglass will wear out and you'll need to replace the tip... or replace the fiberglass. The tips are inexpensive and the fiberglass is actually easy to replace.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

I've had mine for over 2 years now and I'm just needing to get a new tip. Works great for hobbies and little boards for RC vehicles and other electronics.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

i don't know what people are talking about when they say the butane leaks out. i have had this filled for a week and it is still as full as ever. just don't be stupid with it, it gets HOT.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

I'm an aircraft electrician and this by far the best portable soldering iron I have.It's cheap and reliable.I bought my first one and abused it in Afganistan and survived.If you solder a lot I suggest you buy an extra tip.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

Am buying my third in 5 years. For real work I prefer my desktop but when making repairs on the fly its great to not have to find be near an outlet and its small size makes it easy to schlep. On the otherr hand, I really wish the valves wouldn't leak after about the 10th refill. But... Its cheap!

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

Worse soldering tool, I have purchased in years. Leaks gas, doesn't heat up well, hard to star and top broke when staring up.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

Works great eccept for the fact that the soldering tip melted off after only 2 weeks of use! Can I get replacements ?

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

Best thing I've ever used for soldering on co-ax connectors. Sorry I didn't discover this years ago! It makes the job go so much more quickly.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

Works GREAT, up until earlier today. I accidentally dropped the (still hot) soldering tip into a bucket of water whilst trying to change tips. the bucket was right there because my friends and I were using some fireworks in the backyard earlier. Anybody else have this problem? I think I may just buy another one of these torches and keep it away from water. Now, the soldering tip does not ignite at all.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

Mine leaks butane too, leaving it empty when I need it, leading to the low "reliability" score. It's hard to light; I end up holding my Bic under it for a moment until it gets going. But once it's lit, it's incredibly easy to use, well-balanced and ergonomic, the handle doesn't even heat up. The heat control adjusts much faster than an electric iron, and while it's no replacement for a professional temperature-controlled station, it's also nowhere near the price. Supremely handy despite the quirks.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

Pretty cool iron! It works MUCH faster than the electric soldering iron. I feels cheap, but it still works very well. Very easy to use, without having a cord to pull you back. I hope to have this for a very long time.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

It solders fine, but is cheaply made. Mine leaks butane slowly and the tank empties on its own within a few days.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

works great

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

Replaced a $ 100.00 soldering iron with this and am very happy I did

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

The ignitor is simple, but fairly effective; uses a standard flint/steel that you can easily replace. The soldering iron tip can be a bit slow to heat up, but once it's hot, it's the most flexible iron I've ever owned (best out of 5). It can be as hot as you need it (hoter than any electric I've ever used), or you can lower the temp if you want it a little cooler (to work on something that's very close to plastic you want to avoid melting, for example). And the torch tip! That's just sweet. I got a second iron that I threw in with my camping gear, just for starting campfires. :-)

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

The torch works well but the striker breaks to easy it's cheap plastic it has a pocket holder like a pen would have but don't use it cause it will break. then there are 4 little tabs on the inside of the lid that break if you don't put it in straight then the lid won't stay on, so it is really easy to burn yourself or anything around you. the torch itself works great there are just alot of safety issues they could make better.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

I love this torch and use it all the time, i keep the soldering tip off as it does not work too well the torck tip does however and it can be used for just about anything.....i mainly use this for soldering and its lasted me 1 year so far and still goin strong......at $20 this is a great little torch

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

This is a very handy tool. No cord to worry about. Appears to be well built. Great for working on car audio, and small jobs. Butane is cheap and readily available.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

Very nice and reliable little tool. I use it at work and it is much better than lugging a standard soldering iron. Tips are a little more expensive than they should be, but for ease and convenience, this can't be beat.

Comments about RadioShack Mini Butane Gas-Powered Iron:

The iron works very well but replacement solder tips are expensive.