Hey everyone, I've seen a lot of chatter about the M12 soldering iron, with many folks saying it's not great. I heard that it might have been redesigned recently, and I'm curious if it's actually any better now? I'm looking for a cordless option for some light-duty work and the idea of being able to stand it up on a large battery sounds super handy. It's priced at $92, or $120 with a battery kit, so I'd love to hear your thoughts before I decide!
4 Answers
If you’re considering alternatives, I really like the Pinecil-style soldering irons (like the TS101). They’re USB-C powered, so I carry a power bank in my pocket. It heats up super fast, has temperature control, and costs around $25. It’s much more efficient than the M12!
Do you need a specific type of power bank for the Pinecil, or will any work?
I’ve got an older M12 model, and honestly, I reach for it over my corded ones any day! Just remember to use the right tips for your projects. I'm not a daily user, but on the days I do a lot of soldering, I’m usually happy with its performance.
I don’t solder often, but when I do, the cord is a pain. I like the M12 because I can put it down without worrying about burning my table or having the cord get in the way. It’s not the best iron out there, but for my occasional usage, it does the trick. Plus, there was a redesign with some improvements, so that’s a plus!
I have one of the newer M12s and it works pretty well! Heats up quickly, and it’s solidly built. I can't really compare it to the older model, but it meets my needs for a battery-powered iron. I also prefer it over using a butane soldering iron since it's just easier to avoid accidental burns with this one.
I've got both the M12 and Pinecil. They're both decent, but I definitely prefer the Pinecil for its performance.