[TowerTalk] Slobering Irons

[Don W7WLL]

Well!!!

There seem to be as many opinions on soldering tools as there are about 
automobiles.

As I originally posted, my old old soldering iron bit the dust and my 
primary use for it was in soldering up the PL-259 or similar connector (onto 
RG-8 or 213 which is what most of my coax is). I recognize the benefits of 
the crimping method and don't have a problem with it, but at this stage of 
life have chosen to stay with a method I am familiar with, the old original 
solder method. It was most interesting to see who uses what and their 
experience with the tool though.

It appears there are a number of good soldering tool brands still available 
and I thank all of you for your input, suggestions, experiences and 
sometimes dark humor about them.

Appreciated the comments on the butane solder tools too. Like many of you 
the tower is a considerable distance. However, a year or so back a friend 
was over to assist with a soldering need on a rotator wire break at the 
tower and had a non-corded battery powered (rechargable) portable iron which 
he claimed had more than enough heat to deal with a connector problem up a 
tower. I believe came from Australia. Didn't see any mention of this 
non-corded type of solder tool. Interesting.

Thanks again folks for all the help,

Don W7WLL