# How does this thing work? (cordless soldering iron)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-this-thing-work-cordless-soldering-iron/249113>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [June 7, 2004, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-this-thing-work-cordless-soldering-iron/249113 "2004-06-07T16:09:14Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2004, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-this-thing-work-cordless-soldering-iron/249113/1 "2004-06-07T16:09:14Z")

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OK, so I was perusing [thinkgeek.com](http://thinkgeek.com), and I came across [this](http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/giftsunder20/69d3/) neat little thing. It can get to 500 degrees in less than a second, than cool down in three seconds. How on earth does this little do-dad work? Does it use some really cool thermoelectric material? Regardless, what I do know is that I want it. 😃

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**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2004, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-this-thing-work-cordless-soldering-iron/249113/2 "2004-06-07T16:26:38Z")

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This:

> [@](#):
>
> The soldering tool must make contact with metallic (conductive) materials to generate heat.

Makes me think it’s an **induction heater**.

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**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2004, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-this-thing-work-cordless-soldering-iron/249113/3 "2004-06-07T17:04:06Z")

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After reading through the FAQ and manuals at the bottom of the page, I’m wondering if it functions like a miniature arc welder, i.e. charges up a capacitor then discharges it across the leads to melt the solder?