How to make a powerful 12V soldering iron from a nail

To solder large parts, you need a soldering iron of appropriate power that can heat them well. You can literally make such a device from an ordinary nail and nichrome wire. This is a very simple device, powered by a 12V unit.

What you will need:

• wooden block;
  
• nail 100-150 mm;
  
  
  
  
• push-button switch;
  
• nichrome wire;
  
  
  
  
• connector for the power supply plug;
  
• power supply 12V 40A;
  
• electrical insulating tube;
  
  
  
  
• wires.

Soldering iron manufacturing process

The point of the nail is cut off and it is sharpened to the shape of the sting.

Then you need to drill a hole in the block at an angle and insert it there.

In the block from the nail head side, you need to select a recess for the switch. On the back side, the connector for the power supply is glued in the same way. Before this, wires are soldered to them.




An electrical insulating tube is placed on the nail. In front of it, a nichrome wire is screwed to the sting. Then it is wound onto the insulation.

Next, a straight wire from the connector is connected to the bare nail, and from the button to the spiral (or vice versa). Then the power supply is connected.You can warm up the tip by briefly pressing the switch. If you need to heat a large part, then the soldering iron turns on a little longer.

Watch the video