A soldering iron is a hand tool used to heat solder, a metal alloy, to create secure electrical and mechanical connections between metal components. The soldering iron’s tip heats up and is applied to the solder, which then melts and flows between the components, forming a strong bond once it cools. Solder, typically composed of tin and lead or tin and silver, is used to ensure a durable and conductive connection, making it essential for electronics assembly and repair.

Soldering irons are widely used in electronics for creating connections on circuit boards, joining wires, and other small-scale metalworking tasks. Available in various wattages and tip shapes, soldering irons can be selected based on specific needs, whether precision work or general-purpose soldering. Soldering is a vital skill in electronics, enabling repairs and modifications that ensure device functionality.