The Pinecil Smart Mini Portable Soldering Iron has garnered attention for its compact size, quick heating capabilities, and user-friendly design.
Let’s delve into the pros and cons, Amazon reviews, and company reputation, and provide a conclusion on whether it’s worth investing in:
Pros:
- Portable and Lightweight: The Pinecil is highly portable, making it convenient for soldering projects on-the-go or in tight spaces.
- Quick Heating: Users appreciate the Pinecil’s rapid heating time, allowing for efficient soldering without long wait times. It heats up in 6 seconds.
- User-Friendly Design: With its small form factor and easy-to-use interface, beginners and experienced users alike find the Pinecil intuitive to operate.
Cons:
- Limited Power Source: Some users note that the Pinecil’s power source (USB-C) may limit its overall power output compared to traditional soldering irons.
- Durability Concerns: There have been occasional reports of durability issues over prolonged use, raising questions about the long-term reliability of the device.
Difference Between Pinecil V1 and V2
As of the latest information available, Pinecil offers two main models of their portable soldering iron:
Pinecil V1:
- Compact Size: Portable and lightweight design for easy use on-the-go.
- Heating Time: Quick heating capabilities for efficient soldering and support 21V/60W.
- Power Source: USB-C for convenient power input.
- User-Friendly Design: Intuitive interface suitable for beginners and experienced users.
- Launch Date: Pinecil V1 was launched in October 2020, but has stopped production and selling since July 2022.
Pinecil V2:
- Improved Heating: Enhanced heating performance for faster soldering.
- Upgraded Power Output: Potentially increased power output for improved efficiency, and support 24V/88W
- Additional Features: New features or modifications for enhanced user experience, like allowing BLE Bluetooth control.
- Launch Date: Pinecil V2 was launched on Aug 2, 2022.
Pinecil vs TS Soldering Iron
When it comes to portable soldering irons, two popular brands that stand out are Pinecil and TS. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of owning either brand to help you make an informed decision:
Pinecil Portable Soldering Iron:
Pros:
- Compact Design: Pinecil offers a compact and light weight design, ideal for on-the-go soldering tasks.
- Quick Heating: Known for its rapid heating capabilities, allowing users to start soldering efficiently without long wait ties.
- User-Friendly Interface: Pinecil is praised for its intuitive interface, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
Cons:
- Limited Power Output: Some users may find Pinecil’s power output, typically through USB-C, limiting compared to traditional soldering irons.
- Durability Concerns: There have been occasional reports of durability issues over prolonged use, raising questions about long-term reliability.
TS Portable Soldering Iron:
Pros:
- Versatile Options: TS offers a range of portable soldering iron models with various features and capabilities to suit different soldering requirements.
- Customizable Temperature Settings: Some TS models come with adjustable temperature settings, allowing users to fine-tune the soldering temperature based on their needs.
- Durable Build: TS soldering irons are known for their durable construction, ensuring longevity and reliability even with frequent use.
Cons:
- Bulkier Design: TS soldering irons may be bulkier compared to some other portable options, which could affect portability.
- Heating Time: While efficient, some users may find that TS soldering irons have slightly longer heating times compared to other models.
Choosing between Pinecil and TS portable soldering irons depends on your specific soldering requirements, preferences, and priorities.
Pinecil excels in portability, quick heating, and user-friendliness, while TS offers versatility, customizable features, and durability.
Amazon Reviews on Pinecil Soldering Iron:
Customers on Amazon praise the Pinecil for its portability, ease of use, and value for money. Many highlight its quick heating capabilities and compact size as major selling points.
However, a few users have expressed concerns about durability and long-term performance.
Overall, it has a very high rating among its 1,343 global buyers, hitting 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Pinecil Company Reputation:
Pinecil, known for its innovative approach to soldering tools, has gained a positive reputation within the DIY electronics community.
Customers value the brand for its commitment to providing affordable and practical solutions for soldering needs.
Beware of fake Pinecil portable soldering irons in the market. Some makers have copied the design and used poor-quality materials to make the product.
Genuine Pinecil product only comes in a black handle color with a green silicone thumb grip.
Conclusion:
The Pinecil Smart Mini Portable Soldering Iron offers a compelling mix of portability, quick heating, and usability at an affordable price point.
While it may have some limitations in terms of power output and potential durability issues, its overall positive reviews and the company’s reputable standing make it a worthwhile consideration for hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and professionals seeking a portable soldering solution.
You may purchase the genuine Pinecil portable soldering iron from here:
Buy from AmazonFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to avoid fake counterfeit Pinecil soldering iron?
If you see red or blue packaging boxes, likely it is a counterfeit. The new version V2 comes in a white box and uses new BL706 RISC-V processor.
You can authenticate your Pinecil soldering iron at
V2 Authenticator Checker here.
How to clean the tip of the soldering iron?
I recommend cleaning with brass wool or a wet sponge. Dip it in the tip conditioner while it is till hot.
The tip tinner will remove the oxidation that stops the solder from sticking to the tip. You may get the tip tinner from the Amazon store here.
You may refer to this Pinecil Guides to Soldering on Wiki.
How to take good care of Pinecil soldering iron?
Do not use the wrong kind of power supply. It will damage the MOSFET inside the soldering iron.
Use the compatible power supply as recommended by Pinecil.
According to the manufacturer, you need a minimum of 3amps on the charger.
What else is needed with the Pinecil soldering iron?
You will require below items to work with the Pinecil soldering iron:
– a 20V 65W PD power supply
– the silicone USB-C cable from the Pinecil store
– leaded solder from Kester
– soldering mat
– alligator clip stand