How to choose a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes?

Polypropylene products are in great demand in the modern market due to a number of advantages and strengths. Unique technical characteristics of the material and ease of installation make these pipes the best choice in any conditions.

As practice shows, a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes may be needed not only by a professional plumber, but also by a novice master or amateur. If necessary, to hold a water supply system in an apartment or house without such a tool is definitely not enough. In addition, it is extremely necessary in cases when it is necessary to replace the metal pipes of the heating circuit with plastic analogues.

In the process of using a soldering iron and its selection should be extremely careful. The most important thing is to choose the right device and additional attachments.

On the construction market there is a huge amount of soldering irons for PND pipes, characterized by almost identical design. They differ in their appearance, shape, speed of work or the principle of installation of nozzles, however, the design is always the same and includes the following parts:

• housing;
• temperature control sensor;
• heating element installed in a protected enclosure;
• nozzles fitted with a teflon surface.

To put it in simple terms, such a soldering iron for HDPE pipes resembles an ordinary iron. That is how some plumbers call it. The principle of operation of such a device is quite simple - the heater heats up the plate into which it is installed, it begins to heat the nozzles, and they already contribute to softening the polypropylene to the desired level of viscosity.

The temperature controller helps to control this process. Its main task is to maintain the optimum temperature of the device and not allow the polypropylene to melt more than necessary. In addition, the thermostat plays an important role in the process of ensuring the durability of the device, because without it, the heater would overheat and lead to the melting of the heating plate.

In the process of buying a soldering iron for propylene pipes, close attention should be paid to the thermostat. In most models, you can see cheap options that are unstable and can lead to overheating of the device during its operation. For an experienced master, there will be no problems, because he will be able to anticipate this behavior of the tool and take corrective measures in time. But beginners plumbers can spoil the polypropylene pipe.

A huge role during the processing of HDPE pipes is played by additional nozzles, the quality of which directly affects the reliability of the joint soldering. A huge number of welding machine designs are presented on the modern market, which greatly complicates the process of choosing the optimal device. The appearance of such equipment is almost always the same, but the shape of the heater may differ.

The most popular are flat and cylindrical rod heaters. The first option is also referred to as iron for HDPE pipes. A distinctive feature of this model is the presence of a thick cone.metal plate. The more massive the heater itself, the better it will be able to maintain the temperature when working with plastic. It should be noted that the quality of work is greatly affected by temperature stability. If it changes in the course of the work, then there is every chance of spoiling the polypropylene pipe. In this context, flat-head soldering irons are more reliable. Nozzles on such devices are attached with bolts that are threaded through special holes in the plate.

As for the soldering irons with a cylindrical heating element, they are more compact and comfortable to use. Due to the fact that the nozzles are attached with a special clamp, such a device can be used in the most difficult conditions.

Thus, this heating device is characterized by simplicity of design. There are no expensive items here, so the cost is quite democratic. The final price of the product is influenced by such indicators as power, equipment and manufacturing company.

The soldering iron has a rather simple principle of operation, which consists in sticking plastic elements heated to a certain temperature. When working with polypropylene pipes, it is not always necessary to completely change them.In most cases, it is possible to restrict repair work, which allows in a short period of time to return to work the plumbing or heating system. There are also cases when the soldering iron is used not on a permanent basis, but for processing several places of the HDPE pipe. To do this, you can use homemade options, the principle of operation of which is the same as that of the ordinary, but the device is slightly different.

It should be noted that only a person who has certain skills in working with electrical wiring and plumbing tools can cope with this task. To create an amateur soldering iron will take at least two hours.

Sewage pipes are usually hidden from prying eyes with the help of the installation, so you can not worry about the attractive appearance and focus on reliable soldering. When working with an improvised device, another circumstance is important - erroneous temperature control can cause material overheating, with the result that PVC pipe will become completely unusable. In the process of soldering any pipe, the quality of the connection of parts is important, so you need to be extremely careful and cautious here.

To assemble a homemade soldering iron for PP-pipe, we need the following elements:

• Heating parts. Here you can use the sole of an electric iron. The ideal option would be models that are equipped with a built-in temperature controller and have a proprietary cord.
• Nozzles whose dimensions will be optimal for processing pipes and other parts of it.
• Nickel-plated bolts and nuts for additional attachments.
• Multimeters with an external thermometer, made on the basis of a thermocouple.
• Fastening, which will allow as much as possible to secure the device.

Despite the fact that in the modern market there are a huge variety of models of soldering irons for HDPE pipes, they all look alike.These are standard electric heaters, inside of which there is an automatic controller for adjusting the temperature. A distinctive feature of such soldering irons is that they can keep the temperature at a certain level, which makes it possible to keep it at an optimal level.

Regardless of their variety (professional or amateur), the tool includes a body and a handle. Inside the product are various parts to ensure proper operation of the device. As for the heating element, it is located in front of the unit.

It should be noted that the quality of the work done depends not only on the instrument itself, but also on the professionalism of the master. Buying a particular variety is usually based on the preferences and wishes of a particular specialist.

Today on the market you can see models that do not maintain the temperature at the same level all the time. When the maximum degree is reached, the device stops heating, and the built-in thermostat monitors cooling. As soon as the temperature drops by 5 or more degrees, the device will turn on again until the maximum heating is reached.Consumers can choose soldering irons for polypropylene pipes, which differ in the heating element used.

Of course, the ideal choice would be a professional model that can be used for a long time. It boasts not only durability, but also unique soldering parameters, which qualitatively distinguish such devices against the background of amateur and even semi-professional.

The unique performance characteristics of such an apparatus make it possible to use materials for nozzles that are resistant to prolonged heating. In addition, it can be products with impressive thermal conductivity that do not stick to the surface of polypropylene pipes. Most experts advise to give preference to brass or copper nozzles, which are coated with Teflon or carbon.

In addition, professional soldering irons for polypropylene pipes boast the following advantages:

• Comfortable and quick change of nozzles on the heater flange. A huge range of sizes allows you to choose the best option for each case.
• The surface is made of metal, which guarantees a high heating rate of polypropylene parts.
• The devices have a built-in electric power stabilizer and automatic temperature control, which not only simplifies the work process, but also helps to prevent damage to the processed material.

Almost all professional models on the market are equipped with a special stand and a case for storing the device, as well as carrying it. It is very convenient, especially in cases when the device is needed for work and is used on a regular basis.

In the process of buying should be extremely careful, since the market has a lot of fakes of the original models. Professional versions in the original version are marked and data about the model, which are printed by typographical method, but on the copies you can often see the usual label, which can be easily torn off the case.

Experts agree that professional soldering irons for polypropylene pipes are distinguished by reliability and ease of operation, as well as undemanding care. The strength of the structure is also not in doubt.During the implementation of the soldering, every second is important, so you need to quickly install or remove the device. Here, amateur models are clearly losing, since their use is not so comfortable and safe.

Use a soldering iron for HDPE pipes without special nozzles will not work. Each of them allows you to carry out soldering work with a specific pipe. In addition, thanks to the nozzles, you can reach inaccessible places. Their use makes it possible to significantly increase the functionality of the device and expand the range of its use.

Nozzles are usually sold together with the soldering iron itself and are necessary in order to work with polypropylene pipes of standard or non-standard diameter.

Among the most popular attachments for such devices are the following:

• nozzle No. 20, which is great for pipes with a diameter of not more than 0.5 inches;
• nozzle No. 25, suitable for pipes with a diameter of 0.8 inches.

The process of selecting nozzles should be approached with all responsibility, since the type of coating of the nozzle itself directly affects the quality of soldering. To date, the most durable and reliable are Teflon nozzles. In the process of their selection should also pay attention to the diameter. The larger it is, the better the performance of the soldering iron. In addition, user needs are taken into account.

Professional craftsmen prefer to work with pipes whose diameter is 10-100 mm. For amateur devices are usually used several types of pipes. Of great importance in soldering irons for polypropylene pipes is the equipment.It is best to buy sets that have all the necessary nozzles needed for work at home.

Of great importance is also the circumstance from which a construction material the nozzles were made. The most optimal and professional are those that are characterized by high thermal conductivity and the presence of Teflon coating. Typically, a home craftsman is able to cope with the installation of pipes, using no more than 3 different nozzles, provided that they are of high quality and reliability.

In the process of choosing a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes, close attention should be paid to the manufacturer, since this affects not only the cost of the product, but also its quality. If you pay attention to the unofficial rating of the countries of manufacturers that specialize in the production of this type of soldering iron, then the first place in it is occupied by European companies. First of all, we are talking about Germany and the Czech Republic, which for many decades have been producing reliable, durable and high-quality appliances. In addition, the top five includes manufacturers from Turkey, Russia and China.

The best quality, durable and productive are German products.who were able to establish themselves as flawless assistants, capable of working for many years. In addition, professionals often prefer the Czech options, which boast unique functionality and high-quality housing. In the production process of such products, only high-quality materials are used, so they sit comfortably in your hand, do not lose their attractive appearance and do not lose their performance properties even after many years.

Of course, the price of European models is quite high, so not everyone can afford such a device. This is especially noticeable in cases where a soldering iron is needed for one-time work and will not be used on a regular basis. In this case, it makes no sense to spend huge amounts of money on European devices and it is best to give preference to Russian and Turkish models. In terms of performance, they are almost as good as Czech and German, however, they have a better price.That is why most experts recommend buying such products for household work.

Both in the domestic and global markets, soldering irons manufactured by Chinese companies have gained immense popularity and prevalence. Their main advantage is low cost, however, the quality in some cases leaves much to be desired. But if the terms of use are strictly observed, then such tools can last for a long time, but rarely more than the warranty period. It is best to choose such a soldering iron in cases where the tool is needed to perform a one-time or rarely repetitive work. If you plan to work with a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes on a regular basis, it is best to give preference to European, Turkish or domestic models.

The soldering iron for polypropylene pipes to some extent is a universal device, which by design is practically no different from analogs.However, despite this, it is necessary to pay close attention to the process of choosing tools, because only in this case he will be able to fully fulfill his obligations and functions.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the basic characteristics of the soldering iron, among which are the following:

• Power. This parameter is of great importance in any electrical socket device. It depends on him with what the maximum diameter of pipes can handle a soldering iron. In addition, this indicator has a direct impact on the melting rate. You should be extremely careful here, since most novice users prefer to buy the most powerful devices, considering that they will be of the highest quality and suitable for working with polypropylene pipes. To some extent this is true, but overpayment in such a case can be significant. In order to choose the most optimal power, it is necessary to multiply the size of the cross section of the pipeline by 10. The obtained indicators will be suitable power.
• The number of places allocated for the installation of nozzles.Everything is quite simple here: the more these places, the more convenient it will be to work with the device and connect the parts. In addition, due to the large number of seats, it will be possible to simultaneously melt products with different diameters, which allows us to make the soldering iron universal and increase the range of its use.

• The number of nozzles. Even Chinese models come standard with a few nozzles, while European ones can boast a huge selection. Each model of a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes is completed in different ways, so you must first make sure that the device will have all the necessary nozzles for work. Otherwise, you will have to buy them separately, and this is already a waste. The most popular and popular in domestic use are nozzles for pipes of 16, 25 and 32 mm. If you are a professional welder, it is best to take the appropriate models, which include a lot of nozzles.
• Producing country. It should be noted that for most buyers of professional models, this indicator is the main one, because it affects both the quality of the work and the durability of the device.
• The presence of a temperature controller.Oddly enough, some Chinese models lack a similar element. If an experienced specialist is able to determine by eye when the device is overheated and can damage the pipe, then the beginner’s locksmith can cope with this task quite difficult, which carries the risk of damage to both the tool and the pipe being processed. That is why it is recommended to buy models that are equipped with a built-in temperature controller. They cost a little more than usual, but allow you to control the temperature level and ensure the safety of melting.

In the process of choosing a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes, close attention should also be paid to additional equipment. It should be noted that this criterion is not always important, especially for amateurs. However, sometimes the additional equipment contains many interesting tools that greatly simplify the work.

Among the most common and popular elements of an additional configuration are the following:

• Roulette with a pencil, thanks to which it will be possible to apply the markup and make marks.
• Work gloves, which represent one of the most important gear in the process of working with a soldering iron. Most craftsmen forget about using such accessories, even though they are important in the process of ensuring the safety of melting.
• Scissors for cutting pipes. This is one of the most convenient tools, thanks to which you can refuse the use of extremely uncomfortable hacksaws and carry out cutting with the help of convenient scissors.
• Screwdrivers, hex keys and other similar tools.

In the process of using a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes, it is necessary to be careful and careful, since this device is quite fragile and dangerous. One of the most common problems that confuses users is the problem of heating. The device stops reaching a certain temperature, and inside the device there may be a sound of sparkling contacts. It should be noted that such a breakdown usually occurs in cases where the tool is used on a regular basis.

In order to understand this situation, it is necessary to disassemble the unit. Only after that it will be possible to establish the cause of the fault. First of all, we check the control board, which allows us to understand whether the device turns on correctly or there are problems already at this stage of its operation. If it turns out that there is no problem with the board, then we can proceed to the diagnosis of the ten.

Sometimes it happens that the soldering unit turns on, the heating indicators light up, but you still cannot reach a certain temperature. In such cases, for accurate identification, you will have to disassemble the protective grid of the heating element. Most likely, the problem lies in it or in the temperature controller.

This last element is considered to be one of the most important and critical in the work of a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes. If it fails, the device cannot correctly regulate the temperature and turn off when the maximum power is reached. This can not only harm the treated pipe, but also cause a complete tool failure. That is why, when such problems arise, it is necessary to immediately eliminate them in order to ensure the longevity of the soldering iron itself and to guarantee the safety of its use.

Some craftsmen decide to save and use home-made options, elements for which can be found in a regular iron or other heating devices. Such a solution seems to be quite correct in the case when a soldering iron is needed for one-off work and you do not want to spend money on the purchase of such a device. If you plan to use the tool on an ongoing basis, it is best to invest once and purchase a quality product.

The problem is that home-made options are not equipped with temperature controllers, therefore, determine the level of power and other indicators account for the eye. An experienced master may be able to cope with this task, but for the amateur there is always the risk of damaging the polypropylene pipe. If you melt it, then it will become unusable and you will have to replace the corresponding segment.

It should be remembered that the warranty period depends not only on the time allocated by the manufacturer, but also on the number of hours when the device worked. In other words, if the warranty has not yet come out, and the cause of the breakdown is too frequent use of the soldering iron or its incorrect operation, then warranty service will be denied.

And while choosing a particular model, popularity in the local market should be taken into account. A soldering iron is a fairly demanding device that can often fail. That is why for filing need parts for a particular model. If it is not popular and in demand in the local market, then it will be rather difficult to find the necessary elements, and it is not recommended to use other similar ones.

Thus, a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes substitutes a universal device that allows melting and welding when arranging a sewer or heating system. In the process of choosing such a tool should pay attention to its power, the presence of a temperature controller and additional nozzles, which greatly simplify the process and accelerate it.

For how to choose a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes, see the following video.