Iron pipes for water supply and heating, which were mounted by welding, are gradually becoming a thing of the past. In their place come more convenient and no less reliable polypropylene structures. In the process of installation, additional equipment and tools are used.
The most convenient and basic device is a soldering iron for welding plastic pipes. Today, this device is used by masters involved in the installation of the heating system and water supply. There are enough offers from various manufacturers on the market. Before buying, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics, functionality and understand what exactly is required in the process. If you have a small supply of knowledge, making a purchase is very simple.
Types of connections
Soldering plastic pipes with a soldering iron is carried out in several ways:
- Coupling method. It is considered one of the reliable ways, but has its drawbacks. One of the essential ones is the inability to perform all the necessary work on welding a heating or water system.
- Welding in a bell. Allows you to connect any component parts with a diameter within five centimeters.
- Butt technique. The easiest way that can work with pipes of larger diameter.
How it works?
The process itself is elementary. Using a mobile soldering iron, the polypropylene pipes or sleeve are heated to the desired temperature. The length of these pipes can be very different - from five centimeters to several meters. Then they connect, and there is a capture of the molten edges. To ensure the clutch is as reliable as possible, use the mechanical drives of the device.
How is the device?
The question often arises about how the soldering iron for plastic pipes is arranged. Most often, such an apparatus has the main components - a heating element and a thermostat, thanks to which the heating level is regulated. In addition, various nozzles are included. They are needed in the process of work, therefore, before starting, everyone selects the necessary components. Work begins when applying power through a conventional 220 volt network.
There are several types of these tools. When buying, you need to decide which type is best suited:
- Coupling soldering iron. Performs the process of connecting the two components when using fittings with a spiral. Today it has been improved - there are models with electronic filling on the market.
- The device for bells. In the kit there are various additional nozzles for working with pipes of any diameter. There is a hydraulic and mechanical drive.
How to use?
Each system is based on a heating element. But the question of how to use a soldering iron for plastic pipes is always relevant. The first thing to do is put on the nozzle you need in size. It installs easily into the appliance. After switching on, the working plate heats up. When the plastic pipe touches the stove, it melts. Next, the two sides are connected. But you need to try to do it exactly. Well, when the work is done together.
note
There is one important point: the seam made is no longer being dismantled. And you can’t redo it - just cut it off. Knowing how to solder plastic pipes with a soldering iron, you can go shopping.
How is the choice of a soldering iron built?
It is believed that all soldering irons are identical to each other. But with a detailed approach, it becomes clear that the difference is present. They all have a body with a handle. The latter should accurately enter the hand, stand on a horizontal surface and be made of reliable material. The metal sting is distinguished by its shape. Often in the kit there are additional nozzles for custom soldering work.
Criteria
How to make a choice if the market offers such a wide range? Here are the criteria that should be the basis:
- The very first is the inherent characteristics, namely power. This is an indicator of the time of melting the pipe and the maximum thickness of the product. Often, sales consultants recommend purchasing the most powerful, but this is not always a rational solution. In order not to overpay, you need to calculate the necessary indicator for specific pipes. There is a formula: the size of the pipeline section must be multiplied by ten. The result is a power that will be enough with a margin.
- The possibility of using nozzles. According to many, the more of them, the better. This will allow you to work with pipes of various diameters.
- The number of nozzles. How many should there be in a set? Before buying, you need to make sure that there are at least three nozzles in the configuration, without which the work of the soldering iron is impossible. If there are few of them, then it is better to choose a different model. Although, if possible, it is possible to purchase separately nozzles for soldering irons of plastic pipes. All components are best taken with Teflon coating. Otherwise, polypropylene will pester them and this will reduce the life of the product.
- Manufacturer. Many countries are creating such soldering irons for plastic pipes, but everyone has their own quality. This includes Germany - the price of such a unit will be high, but the quality is better. Czech Republic - they are taken for professional use, the quality is good, but the price is also high. Russia and Turkey are on the same level, because many indicators of quality and functionality are similar. In industry, such devices will not work for a long time, but for personal use this is a completely normal option. China is an affordable tool. If you handle it carefully, it can last a long time. There is one feature - some plants are located in China. Therefore, finding a mark of this country, do not think about fake.
- Thermostat. There are soldering irons on sale without this element. In its absence, it is difficult to understand when it is already possible to connect pipes. This will affect the quality of the seam. You should not refuse the regulator. Savings are not justified - say the reviews.
- Additional components. They also need to pay attention, but last but not least. When the choice arises between several identical models of a soldering iron for plastic pipes, you can focus on what is available from the additional tool. Assembled may be useful building components. These are tape measure, gloves (you cannot work without them), scissors for cutting plastic, a screwdriver for nozzles and a good suitcase for all tools.
Knowledge of this level will be required for each buyer. Therefore, before you go to the store, you need to decide for what purpose you need a soldering iron. After all, the seller is not always an objective hint.
What do shops offer?
Now the range of soldering plants is off the charts. Here are some options:
- Model Wester DWM1000b. Country of origin - Russia. The power level is 800 watts. There is no temperature controller, the weight is slightly more than 3 kg. The composition has good additions - a diverse number of nozzles with different diameters, plastic scissors, a screwdriver and tape measure, gloves for work and a storage place for everything. Cost - 2000 rubles.
- Model Candan CM-06. This tool came from Turkey, it has a high power of 1500 watts. It works from the outlet, there is a thermostat with a level of adjustment. By weight - up to 5 kilograms. The set of nozzles is slightly smaller than in the first model, and the additional components are almost the same. And you need to pay more than 3000 rubles for such a device.
- Wester DWM1500. Created in Russia, power - 1500 watts. It is worth noting the presence of a temperature regulator and degree of protection. Weight over 5 kilograms, additional components are the same as in the Wester DWM1000b. You can buy this model for 3500 rubles.
- Model Candan CM-05, appeared on the market from Turkey. Power - 2400 W, powered by a simple outlet. There is a temperature regulator and degree of protection. The device weighs more than 3 kilograms. But at the price of this option will cost 6500 rubles.
- SPK ER-03. Manufacturer - Czech Republic. The highest power (2000 W), power - from a simple power supply. A good temperature controller and a sufficient degree of protection. The kit includes: nozzles, spirit level, plastic scissors, a screwdriver, tape measure and gloves, a hexagon. For such a model will have to pay more than 7000 rubles. But it will last a long time, because it can withstand serious loads - so say the reviews.
It is clear that the assortment is diverse, so for a start you need to decide for what purpose the tool is purchased.
Soldering Iron Reviews
There are different soldering irons for plastic pipes, and reviews differ. Each user has their own opinion, and it depends on the work process. After all, soldering a heating or plumbing system requires attention and a competent approach. For this reason, requests become high for each model of electric tool. And some want to save money and eventually get holes and mistakes.
The manufacturer has the task to increase functionality and equipment. All this leads to the entry into the market of new and improved models. From the reviews you can find out about the quality of welding, speed of work and other features of any manufacturer and its model of a soldering iron.
Reviews say that cheap soldering irons for plastic pipes “Bau-Master” and “Proton” have errors in operation, and the absence of a temperature regulator negatively affects the quality of the joint. Also, reviews note a small number of nozzles in the kit. This leads to inefficient or even impossible soldering at a certain pipe diameter. But the professional models "Intertul" and SPK practically have no complaints. Reviews say that these devices work for a long time, and without fail.
Summary
A soldering iron is a very necessary equipment for the home. With its help, any owner will be able to weld a heating system or plumbing. It remains only to choose the right model based on the needs of the work. You need to pay attention to everything. This is the manufacturer, power, nozzles, etc. The only way you can not make a mistake in the process of buying the right device.