Soldering Iron Temp

[scottcald]

Maybe an odd question, but I have one of those Hakko soldering irons and you can vary the temperature.  

Is there a best/ideal temperature for doing soldering of guitar electronics?   I've seen some online give vastly different answers.  

Is there a temperature that's too high? 

Thanks!

[Cboss]

I set mine at 450C and it works very well, quicker than a colder temp.

[BoogieMKIIA]

It can vary with the solder used. Lead-free uses higher temperature than the old lead/tin stuff (maybe not available). I set my Hakko to 720F, 382C and it handles most guitar wiring OK

The size of what you are soldering should be considered. Soldering wire to the back of a pot needs a bigger tip and higher temp than soldering resistors to PCBs. 

[scottcald]

Thanks for the responses. 

[JGale]

I like 700F to get in and out fast. Still alligator clip diodes and transistors.

[joshoowah]

NM. Sorry.

Edited July 29, 2025 by joshoowah

[RobB]

On 7/20/2025 at 9:04 AM, JGale said:

I like 700F to get in and out fast. Still alligator clip diodes and transistors.

^^^^ this. Gator clips for capacitors and forceps on braided sleeves to ground. You should never have the iron linger more than a few seconds. Get in, get out.