Soldering irons for plastic pipes: best models 2021 - 2021

Every year, polypropylene pipes are becoming an increasingly popular material for installing internal plumbing and heating systems. They are widely replacing expensive, heavier and more corrosion-prone steel pipes with their threaded and welded connections. For the installation of polypropylene routes, special devices have been developed - soldering irons. With their help, you can install wiring at home without the help of qualified specialists. Such devices are in demand among home craftsmen and professionals. In order not to make a mistake when purchasing this tool, you need to get to know it better. The editors of the YaNashla website bring to your attention a review of the best soldering irons for polypropylene pipes in 2021 - a rating compiled based on reviews from customers and experts.

Pipeline material and types of connections

There are two methods of connecting utility networks: detachable and permanent. Removable include threaded

flanged

and socket connections.

One-piece – electric welded

and soldered. Soldering was indeed used when installing the copper internal cold and hot water systems. In some special-purpose buildings, this installation method is still used today.

Until recently, all this applied to metal water pipes: steel, non-ferrous metals, cast iron. Steel is susceptible to corrosion. This is a serious disadvantage for water supply networks. Stainless steel is expensive and is used only in industry. It is no coincidence that recently polypropylene and polyethylene water pipes have gained deserved popularity.

Their use significantly reduces the cost of installation work and increases the service life of water supply systems. Refusal of electric welding improves the environmental component of installation and the quality of drinking water. Installation of light, cheap, strong, durable and harmless plumbing systems is carried out by connecting into a socket, using special welding machines, popularly nicknamed “soldering iron”.

RESANTA ASPT-1000

A powerful soldering iron for plastic pipes stands out for its performance and quick start. The supplied nozzles in the amount of 12 pieces allow you to glue parts of standard diameters. Using the functional regulator, you can set the required temperature (within 50-300°C). Green and red indications show the current status of the device. The welding kit, including non-stick bits, screwdriver, protective gloves and wrench can be stored in the construction case. There is a special stand for convenient installation of the device on a surface.

The advantages of the machine are:

• Adequate cost;
• Good completeness;
• The case does not heat up;
• Small sizes;
• A light weight.

The negatives can be emphasized:

• Sticking of nozzles at temperatures of 300°C;
• Foundation instability;
• The regulator may become twisted.

It is prohibited to connect the machine to a network that does not have a grounding conductor!

What is a soldering iron for PP pipes

Cylinder or "iron"

A device for welding polypropylene pipes, more often called a soldering iron, sometimes called an iron. It really has a lot in common with a home iron:

• powerful electric heater;
• heating surface, similar, in some products, to the sole of an iron (sword-shaped);
• thermostat;
• handle.

Interesting! Some craftsmen make their own soldering irons from old irons.

The heating surface of devices can have a cylindrical (rod) shape. Such devices are more compact. They are more convenient to use in hard-to-reach places, since the nozzles can be placed on the heating element at any angle.

Nozzles

Soldering irons are equipped with nozzles that are attached to the heater and transfer heat to the workpiece and fittings (connecting parts). The cross-section of these devices corresponds to the cross-section of the pipes and is designated in the technical documentation by the letters DN (nominal diameter). To prevent the molten polymer from sticking to the metal and complicating the work of the master, the nozzles are made with Teflon coating.

Thermostat

The working surface of the soldering iron is usually heated to 260ºС. The duration of heating depends on the diameter of the product. If overheated, connections may lose capacity. Molten polypropylene melts part of the internal section, creating an obstacle to the flow of water.

As a result, water consumption is sharply reduced. For heating and hot water supply systems, this is accompanied by a decrease in water temperature, or complete freezing in winter.

Insufficiently heated elements do not ensure the tightness of a permanent connection. Simply put, the installed water supply will leak at the joints and will have to be redone.

To eliminate problems with heating temperature, devices are equipped with manual or microprocessor thermostats. In the first case, by turning a special knob on the scale, the set temperature is set, upon reaching which the thermostat or relay is activated.

In the second, the temperature is controlled by a microprocessor.

Pipe cutting shears

If it is necessary to prepare a workpiece of a certain size for soldering, it is marked and cut with special scissors. Of course, you can use a hacksaw or grinder. However, it is better to make a high-quality cut with special scissors.

A good hand shears should be equipped with a ratchet or ratchet mechanism, have a sharp and hard stainless steel blade and a wide base that allows for a smooth cut at a 90-degree angle. The quality of the connection depends on this. If the cut is uneven, the joint may not be airtight.

How to solder polypropylene pipes

The tips are attached to the sword-shaped heating surface of the soldering iron with screws. In devices with a cylindrical heating surface, they are put on the working element like clamps and are also tightened with screws. The workpiece is inserted and the fitting is put on the nozzle.

The device is connected to an electrical network with a voltage of 220 volts. The surface heats up, the polypropylene softens to a certain extent. Then the heated workpiece is inserted into the heated fitting until it stops and allowed to cool.

In this way, diffusion welding of parts occurs. The instructions supplied with the soldering iron indicate the heating time of the parts for each diameter in seconds.

Important! In order for the joint to be of high quality, you cannot apply significant force to the elements being connected and rotate them along the axis.

Sturm! TW7219

The welding machine is a real assistant for self-taught and professionals. Widely used in the field of plumbing work, it quickly and reliably joins pipe systems. Molten material does not stick to welding surfaces. There are 2 heating elements that can be turned on separately. The diameter of the nozzles varies between 20-63 mm. The device is equipped with a special heating panel, which is fixed into the groove of the casing. It is easy for a craftsman to work with a soldering iron thanks to the presence of a stand. The indicator indicates that the machine is heating up and turns off automatically when the maximum temperature is reached.

The advantages of the device are:

• Fast heating;
• Rich equipment;
• Low cost;
• High-quality coating of nozzles.

The disadvantages include:

• Heavy weight of the device;
• Weak scissors;
• Unsteadiness of the stand;
• Handle weakness.

When servicing the machine, use only original consumable parts and accessories. Otherwise, the device may break.

Soldering iron selection criteria

When choosing a device, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

Electric power

An important parameter that determines the heating rate of parts and their diameter. The maximum and minimum welding time depends on it. A soldering iron for home use is usually used for installing water pipes with an internal cross-section from 15 mm to 40 mm (or from 0.5 to 1.5 inches). Sometimes it becomes necessary to install sections with a cross-section of 2 inches (50 mm). A professional tool is used to connect sections with a cross-section from 50 mm and further (more than 100 mm).

To determine the required power of the device, experts advise multiplying the maximum diameter of the nozzle in millimeters by 10. Thus, for home use it is enough to purchase a welder with a power of 500 W. The best option would be to purchase a device with a parameter of 800 W. For professional use, you should purchase a device with a power of up to 2 kW.

Device contents

The soldering iron kit includes a set of several nozzles. In budget sets there will be no more than four of them: DN 15; 20; 25 and 32 mm. This is quite enough for installing the internal water supply of an apartment, cottage, or for their repair. The type of welding attachment depends on the shape of the heater. Included with the sword-shaped and round shape of the heater are the so-called. paired nozzles.

Models with a rod (cylindrical) heater are used with block nozzles resembling a clamp.

To maintain working condition, non-stick materials are applied to their surface, the best of which is metallized Teflon. Over time, the coating wears out and the polypropylene sticks to the metal. The quality of the joint may suffer as a result. Therefore, experienced craftsmen carefully monitor the condition of the nozzles and change them in a timely manner.

The presence of a thermostat and its design

Domestic and low-budget models use a bimetallic thermostat and thermostat as a temperature regulator. The operating temperature is set by turning the handle to the corresponding value on the scale. On the handle there is a power switch and indicators: green and red. The red indicator lights up when the toggle switch is turned on and signals that voltage is supplied to the soldering iron. The green indicator lights up when the heating surface temperature is below the set temperature.

Two switches mean the presence of two heating elements and the separate activation of each. This way the power of the soldering iron is regulated. One heating element with a power of 800 W works with workpieces up to DN 50mm. To heat up parts with a larger cross-section, a second heating element is turned on. The total power reaches 1600 W, and makes it possible to quickly heat large-diameter workpieces.

The advantages of this option are its simplicity and low cost. Among the shortcomings, users note insufficiently precise temperature control (overheating is possible). In some models, the adjustment knob is not located very well. Sometimes, from an accidental touch, it can change its position towards a higher or lower temperature on the scale. As a result, the joint may turn out to be defective.

Semi-professional and professional popular models are equipped with microprocessor controllers that can control the set temperature with high precision. In addition to toggle switches and indicators for turning on and heating, such a device can be equipped with an LCD display that displays the temperature value. Its cost is significantly higher than simple soldering irons with thermostat control.

How to choose a soldering iron from the best manufacturers

When purchasing a device for welding polypropylene water pipes, it is important to understand that its quality and cost directly depend on the manufacturer. Considering their significant number on the domestic market, buyers always have a question: “Which company is the best product to buy?”

Models from the German company Rotenberger are always in demand; they are traditionally of high quality and have worked flawlessly for many years. Czech Dytron soldering irons are highly valued by professionals for their excellent quality and functionality.

The cost of European brands is not affordable for everyone. On the other hand, many years of operation without the cost of repairs or purchasing a new device pays for itself, especially when it comes to its professional use.

The characteristics of Russian models Eliteh and SPEC, Turkish models - Valtec, Candan, Cobra, are inferior to German and Czech ones. Their advantage can be considered reasonable prices. For household work that does not involve high-intensity device loads, this is a completely justified purchase.

Chinese products are most common on the Russian market. The quality of these products is low, but they are inexpensive. If you follow the operating instructions, these soldering irons can withstand use during the warranty period, and if you're lucky, a little longer. When choosing from the “Chinese”, you should give preference to Sturm and Fora soldering irons.

How to choose a tool

Having decided to purchase a machine for soldering polypropylene pipes, you immediately find yourself faced with two questions: “Which one is better to buy?” and “How to decide on the selection criteria?”

Below are the most important technical characteristics that you should rely on when purchasing a device.

1. Power. Based on this factor, soldering irons can be divided into two types. The first type is those devices whose power is up to 1000 W. They usually have one heating element and, accordingly, are inferior to the second type of device, whose power reaches 2000 W. Such instruments contain two heating elements. If a soldering iron is required for professional activities, then, of course, it is advisable not to save money and choose a model with high power. If the tool is purchased for home purposes, then a device with only one heating element will do just fine.
2. Solder diameter. This is a fairly important parameter, since based on it, it will be clear which pipe diameter is suitable for connection with a soldering iron, and which is not suitable. Generally, the soldering diameter depends on the pipe nozzles. It’s good when many matrices are included, thereby increasing the scope of application.
3. Heating temperature. The maximum temperature ranges from 260 to 300°C. When purchasing a soldering tool, you need to pay attention not only to this characteristic, but also to such an important point as the presence of temperature control. After all, sometimes it is necessary to adapt to the pipe material.
4. Control elements. Additional functionality in the form of various controls will not be superfluous. For example, a light indication is useful, with which you can control the heating. The built-in thermostat will also play a good role, thanks to which it is possible to maintain heating during operation without any problems, and, based on the temperature of the working part, turn the heating element on or off.

What to pay attention to when soldering PP pipes

Unreinforced pipes

When starting to install polypropylene water pipelines, it is necessary to study the features of their operation. Polypropylene has a very high coefficient of linear expansion when heated. Under the influence of hot water, polypropylene routes lengthen so that they lose straightness. The whip takes the form of a sinusoid.

In heating systems, this shape of the route will cause air to accumulate at its upper points, stopping circulation and reducing the water temperature. With further extension, the lashes break and tear out fasteners from the walls and break fittings at connections to radiators or control and shut-off valves (valves, taps, mixers).

Important! Unreinforced polypropylene pipes can only be used when installing cold water pipelines. Reinforced material is used for heating and hot water supply systems.

Reinforced pipes

To reduce the coefficient of linear expansion, polypropylene pipes are reinforced with aluminum foil or fiberglass. The coefficient of linear expansion is reduced by 6 times. Aluminum foil is glued to the polypropylene from the outside, or between layers of the base material. When soldering joints made of material with an outer coating of aluminum, it must be removed with a special device along the entire length of the joint.

For pipes with interlayer foil, this operation is not necessary. A fiberglass reinforcing layer is also located between layers of polypropylene. Such routes can be welded by ironing without pre-treatment.

Important! Manufacturers of reinforced pipes guarantee trouble-free operation of water pipelines at a water temperature not exceeding 95 degrees. WITH.

After familiarizing yourself with the equipment, configuration, characteristics and manufacturers, we move on to the rating of high-quality soldering irons for polypropylene pipes in 2021, compiled according to the opinions of buyers and experts.

Review of the best soldering irons for polypropylene pipes in 2021

Candan cm – 03

The device is made in Turkey. The heating surface is an “iron”, with the ability to attach two of the four attachments included in the kit. The power of 1500 W makes it almost professional. Welds workpieces with a diameter from 16 to 75 mm. Users leave the best reviews about this model. It is readily purchased by professionals. The average price fluctuates around 3,000 rubles. It ranks tenth in the ranking.

Candan cm – 03

Advantages:

• compact;
• powerful;
• The kit includes special scissors and a tape measure.

Flaws:

• high power consumption.

ENKOR ASP-1500/20-63

The Russian device is listed ninth in the ranking. The total power of two separately switched heaters is 1500 W. The set includes 6 nozzles with a diameter from 20 to 63 mm. Three of them can be simultaneously attached to the sword-shaped heating surface. The maximum temperature is 3000 C. The process is regulated by a thermostat. The original stand provides the ability to fix the soldering iron to the table surface with a clamp, which greatly facilitates the work of the master. The average price of the device is 2,700 rubles.

ENKOR ASP-1500/20-63

Advantages:

• powerful;
• compact;
• affordable is valuable;
• the stand is attached to the table.

Flaws:

• frequent thermostat failures;
• fragile box.

Elitech SPT 1000

The Russian Elitech SPT 1000 device is considered very popular among home craftsmen and professionals. The device is equipped with a rod heating element with a power of 1000 W, and four block nozzles with a diameter of 20; 25; 32 and 40 mm, which are heated to 3000 C. The process is controlled by a thermostat. The compact and lightweight (2.6 kg) device allows soldering in hard-to-reach places. It costs about 1800 rubles.

Elitech SPT 1000

Advantages:

• optimal power;
• compactness and light weight;
• possibility of use in hard-to-reach places;
• Excellent value for money and quality.

Flaws:

• soft stand;
• short-lived Teflon coating of nozzles.

In our ranking, Elitech SPT 1000 ranks eighth.

Wester DWM 1500

Seventh in the ranking is Wester DWM 1500 (developed in Germany, manufactured in China). The device is equipped with a sword-shaped working body with two separate heaters with a total power of 1500 W. The heating temperature is controlled by a thermostat. The kit includes nozzles with diameters of 20; 25; 32; 40; 50 and 63 mm. The stand is equipped with a clamp that allows you to firmly fix the device to the table. A convenient metal case makes it easy to carry and transport the kit, complete with gloves, scissors, tape measure, screwdriver and hex key. The average price is 3800 rubles.

Wester DWM 1500

Advantages:

• powerful;
• quick heating of parts;
• reliable thermostat;
• thoughtful package.

Flaws:

• According to customer reviews, there are no shortcomings

Elitech – SPT 800

Compact and lightweight (3 kg) device with a sword-shaped working surface. It is equipped with a heater with a power of 800 W, which indicates its non-professional purpose. Excellent for home craftsmen for small amounts of work. Heating is controlled using a thermostat. To regulate the temperature, there is a special handle and scale, conveniently located on the body of the device. Power and temperature indicators notify the technician about the presence of voltage on the device and the heating temperature. Equipped with all necessary nozzles, with a diameter from 20 to 63 mm, with Teflon coating. The average price reaches 1600 rubles. Confidently takes sixth place in the ranking.

Elitech – SPT 800

Advantages:

• economical (only 800 W);
• fast heating (4 min);
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• short-lived Teflon coating of nozzles;
• the stand is not fixed to the table;

SPEC PTP-1000

The fifth place in the rating is occupied by the Russian soldering iron SPEC PTP-1000. Simple, inexpensive, reliable, it meets all the requirements for non-professional equipment. A sword-shaped heater with a power of 980 W will heat the nozzles up to 300 degrees. The thermostat protects it from overheating. To adjust the temperature, a knob and scale are mounted on the body. Voltage and heating temperature indicators constantly inform the technician about the condition of the soldering iron. The kit contains all the necessary nozzles, with a diameter from 20 to 63 mm, coated with Teflon. For ease of transportation, a metal case is provided, which provides rigid fixation of all parts of the kit. This ensures complete immobility of the parts in the box when transporting. The average price is 1800 rubles

SPEC PTP-1000

Dignity:

• simplicity and reliability;
• efficiency (980 W);
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• uncomfortable stand.

Brima TG – 171

Fourth place in the ranking is given to the Chinese-made device Brima TG-171, developed by German specialists. This is a compact, lightweight, reliable and inexpensive tool with a sword-shaped working surface and two heaters with a total power of 1500 W. On the case there are two toggle switches for separate activation of heating elements, a temperature regulator with a scale, voltage and heating indicators. In addition to the soldering iron, the kit includes:

• metal case;
• six paired nozzles for all pipe diameters, from 20 to 63 mm;
• stand;
• gloves;
• roulette;
• special scissors for cutting pipes;
• building level;
• screwdriver and hex wrench.

The manufacturer made sure that, having bought the set, the master would no longer run to the shops, buying more things and tools necessary for the work. Everything is included in the kit. Purchasing this device will cost 4055 rubles. This is its average price.

Brima TG – 171

Advantages:

• decent functionality;
• affordable price;
• The kit includes everything you need for work.

Flaws:

• uncomfortable stand;
• Thermostat failure is possible.

Candan CM – 05

The top three in the ranking is opened by the Turkish welder Candan CM - 05. This device is more suitable for professionals. The round-shaped working surface is heated by two heaters, 1200 W each. Therefore, the parameter already shows that it is intended for welding large cross-section pipes, from 50 to 160 mm. However, this model can be used for soldering workpieces up to DN 50 mm if you purchase the appropriate attachments and turn on one of the two heaters. The power is too high for small pipes, but it will take less time to heat up the parts. True, excess energy consumption in this case is guaranteed, so it is better to use the soldering iron for its intended purpose. The price is affordable, on average about 6,000 rubles.

Candan CM – 05

Advantages:

• powerful;
• reliable thermostat;
• high-quality assembly and components;
• high performance.

Flaws:

• not equipped with attachments.

Dytron Polys P – 4a 1200 W

In second place in the ranking is the Czech Dytron Polys P - 4a 1200 W. Users appreciate it for its high-quality assembly and materials. Microprocessor heating control ensures precise maintenance of the set temperature, with fluctuations within 1.5 degrees. The power of the sword-shaped heater is 850 W. The device is equipped with 8 pairs of nozzles for soldering pipes with a diameter of 16 to 75 mm. The average price of a complete model is 15,775 rubles.

Dytron Polys P – 4a 1200 W

Advantages:

• high quality workmanship;
• reliability and durability;
• microprocessor temperature control.

Flaws:

• soft stand;
• high price.

Types of pipe welding machines and their features

There are 2 main types of devices that are most often used in repair and construction work:

• Manual. This working tool has a modest size, which allows you to work with it even without special professional skills. A similar welding iron for polypropylene is capable of producing excellent sealed seams if the diameter of the existing pipeline does not exceed 50 mm. Therefore, such a tool is not suitable for working with large pipes, which must be taken into account when purchasing. Among the positive aspects of manual devices, it is worth noting their durability and ease of maintenance.
• Mechanical. Higher level devices. Mechanical models, unlike manual devices, allow you to work with polypropylene pipes of large diameters, making high-quality and durable sealed seams. Some professional models allow installation of pipes with a diameter of up to 2 m. This type of tool is distinguished by its versatility, since it can work not only with polypropylene, but also with other plastics and even metal. Its main drawback is the need to have professional work skills, since the instrument is quite complicated to operate.

mechanical soldering iron for polypropylene

Before choosing a machine for welding plastic pipes, you need to decide for what needs you will use it. So, if you need a tool for home use, then you do not need to place high demands and characteristics on the device. It will be enough to settle on a middle-class product that will satisfy the price and will not be too bulky.