SUGON T36 Soldering Iron

If your shop burns through tips because irons sit at full heat all day, look for a sleep function first. The SUGON T36 has one, along with 120 W of power and a 200 to 450°C range.

The listing describes digital temperature controls, interchangeable tips, an ergonomic grip and auto sleep that kicks in when the iron is idle and wakes when you pick it up. It doesn't give the voltage, plug, tip system or contents.

Typical uses

• Shorted capacitors on a ground plane.

• Loose connector pins after a drop.

• Broken leads on speakers and motors.

• Worn joints on charge ports.

Getting longer tip life

Run the lowest temperature that gives a clean flow, and let the iron sleep instead of idling hot. Tin the tip before it goes back in the stand, and clean on brass wool rather than a soaked sponge.

Its ceiling is lower than the T26's 500°C, which rarely matters for phone work. Check voltage and tips with the seller before ordering, and keep a spare of your most-used shape on hand.