LEXIVON LX-770 Butane Soldering Iron Multi-Purpose Kit EXPIRED

As someone who's done a lot of hand soldering (as opposed to SMT/wave/oven) over the last 25+ years, some of it professionally back in the 90s, I'll say all those choices are crap. It's just that some is less crappy.

For simplicity and portability, you can't beat a cheap butane soldering iron. They have plenty of heat even for relatively heavy gauge wire, heat up fast, they're inexpensive, and 'recharging' takes a few seconds from a butane container. Plus most double as a mini blowtorch for heat shrink etc. I always have one in my toolbox even if I almost never use it. There's limited temp control and a much greater fire/burn risk. The battery powered ones I haven't used but from what I know they're underpowered, slow to heat up, and burn through batteries fairly quickly.

With that said, a decent temp controlled hakko iron is leagues ahead as long as you have access to power and >$100. If you're doing any kind of semi-regular work (replacing dead TV caps is a favorite) then this is by far a better option.

For 25 bucks this'll get the job done but it's no special deal either and gets pretty regularly posted. Just make sure you buy some good rosin core solder and tip cleaner. Technique is 75% of the game, but the 25% in the right tools makes a huge difference.

I picked up the torch the last time it was on sale... pretty solid kit for 25 bucks. Haven't used it to solder, but it lites candles like no other

I'm no soldering whiz... but I've tried battery powered, and I've tried a butane powered one. Both failed miserably for me in regards to soldering. They just couldn't get my work hot enough to get the solder really bonded. Unless you can't possibly access a power outlet, just stick with electric.