Modern soldering iron for pipes: a review of parameters and

16-07-2018
Instruments

Not so long ago, in the housing stock, metal pipes were used as the basis for the sewage system, which are currently almost completely replaced by lighter and more convenient polypropylene pipes in operation. To install these plastic parts, you must use special tools and equipment, including a soldering iron for PVC pipes.

This device has gained special popularity among those masters who are independently engaged in the installation of water systems in residential apartments and other buildings.

Pipe soldering kit

Soldering device and the basic principle of its operation

The design of the most different models of this device is almost the same, the main difference is in the method of attaching nozzles to the heating surface.

The composition of the soldering iron includes these components:

  • robust housing with handle;
  • modern welding heater in a molded metal casing;
  • thermal regulator;
  • special nozzles for different types of work.
Thermostat - the main element of the device

If we talk about the principle of operation, then the soldering iron is similar to a regular iron.

The main difference lies in its purpose and form of the device itself.

  • In this heating apparatus for welding plastic pipes, the most important element is a powerful heating element that works in conjunction with a thermostat.
  • The heating element itself can be embedded in a flat or round shape. It is on the shape of the design and depends on the variety of fasteners for working nozzles.

How to use a soldering iron for pipes at home, if there are no special skills?

Everything is quite simple:

  • A heating element is connected to the electrical network, which heats the cooker to the required temperature.. It is the stove that is responsible for heating the nozzles.
  • The heating temperature corresponds to 260 degrees Celsius, it is at this temperature that polypropylene becomes viscous, which makes it possible to collect completely tight connection of pipes.

Note! In order not to constantly heat the soldering iron, the optimum temperature is simply maintained by a thermal regulator.

In addition, this device does not allow the heating element to exceed the temperature in order not to damage the pipes. As you can see, the instruction is not very complicated, so even a person without certain skills can cope with it.

Tip! Constantly monitor the heating temperature, otherwise if the working nozzle becomes overheated, the joint will overheat, which will cause the material of the nozzles to “flow”, therefore the diameter of the pipeline will noticeably decrease.

If the nozzles are not heated to the optimum temperature, this can lead to a violation of the tightness of the future connection. The thermostat is also designed to protect the heating element, completely preventing the possibility of melting the working metal head.

If we talk about cheap samples of this tool, then their main drawback is the lack of a high-quality thermal regulator, so the quality of work does not always meet the high requirements.

In the photo - homemade soldering iron, which does not guarantee the quality of the joints.

We should also note the nozzles.

The quality of work performed primarily depends on their condition, so they are given far from the last role in this unit.

  1. The reliability of the nozzles also determines the reliability of the resulting joint, which must withstand the water pressure.
  2. Today nozzles are made with a different covering. When choosing a soldering iron, special attention should be paid to the thickness of the non-stick layer.

The most durable can be considered nozzles:

  • with special teflon coating;
  • with metallized teflon, which is considered to be even more durable.

The choice of high-quality modern soldering iron

The tool must be selected, while relying on several basic parameters:

  • power;
  • set of nozzles;
  • brand and manufacturer.
Kit nozzles

Machine power

The power of this unit is one of the most important technical characteristics. The diameter of pipes that are suitable for welding on this soldering iron directly depends on this indicator. In addition, power determines the soldering speed, which is especially important when performing large volumes of work.

Note! Do not think that the device is better, which has more power. Once again, the diameter of the welded polypropylene pipes directly depends on the power.

To correctly determine the power of the apparatus for welding, you can use a simple formula: the diameter of the pipes for welding is multiplied by a factor of 10. As a result of the calculations, the minimum power of the soldering iron will be obtained.

Soldering iron assembly

Parameter number two - a set of nozzles

The most optimal is the device that provides for the installation of several nozzles at once. This type of heating apparatus significantly expands the range of its use.

As a rule, a set of nozzles is sold with a soldering iron, but you have the opportunity to purchase additional kits. Remember that when using a handheld soldering iron, it is possible to connect pipes with a maximum diameter of 63 millimeters, that is 2 inches.

Smaller machine capacity corresponds to a smaller diameter of the working nozzles. Important is the choice of the structural component of the nozzles. It will be preferable to choose materials with good thermal conductivity and Teflon coating, as was written above.

Manufacturer selection

Before purchasing a soldering iron for pipes made of polypropylene, it is necessary to find out the country of manufacture.

There is a certain unofficial rating of manufacturers of these devices, it looks like this:

  • Germany;
  • Czech;
  • Turkey;
  • Russia;
  • China.

In this sequence, the price of the soldering iron goes from more to less.

  1. The most durable and durable rightly are those devices that are manufactured in Germany. The German soldering iron of PVC pipes is a real helper that will serve you for several decades.
  2. Due to the excellent functionality and excellent quality characteristics, many professionals prefer Czech heating appliances.
  3. Turkish and domestic soldering irons are much cheaper, but it is worth understanding that they have lower performance characteristics. They are best suited for use in the home, when you do your own hands repairing a part of the sewer or heating system.
  4. Naturally, the most common product in our market are Chinese samples, the main advantage of which is reasonable cost. For the money you buy the device is not the highest quality.

Soldering technology

The soldering technology consists of several main stages:

  • Trimming a pipe perpendicular to the central axis;
  • Chamfering from the end of the pipe;
  • Preparation of the soldering iron to work, namely the installation of nozzles on it and the inclusion of the device to the electrical network with grounding When the device is working, the red indicator is on, as it goes off, you can begin to solder the pipes;
  • Heating of the connected parts. Both fittings are put on the tips; they must be kept for up to 6 seconds. Sections of pipes are removed and securely fixed.
Soldering technology

Conclusion

A modern soldering iron for plastic pipes will become an indispensable tool for creating a durable and easy-to-maintain sewage system or heating system. Such a system has a number of indisputable advantages over metal pipes.

Ready sewage system

In the presented video in this article you will find additional information on this topic.