I have owned 2 or 3 of these over the years (I am a Mechanic) and always ended up disappointed with them. They work great for the first 7-8 uses and then wont light. The last 2 were both snap-on fwiw (though I am pretty sure they are just re-branded portasol's) So I had given up on them completely.

However of late I have run into two people with solderpro 120's and they are both having good luck with them. One of them is a co-worker who has had it 6 years and it still starts on the 1st try. Now I am not planning to build another MS with it or anything, but I could damn sure use it in the car. Anyone here have any experience with these? or any other model I should be aware of that seems to last?

 

I really like my Weller Portasol iron. I've had it for years and it's perfect for the car.

 

^ +1 - Just have to be careful with the vent direction so you don't fry any close by wiring insulation. That vent makes a good heatshrink tool.

 

I have one that has attachments for cutting and being used as a torch. It doesnt solder good at all.

 

+1

 

I have a Master UT-200A butane soldering iron. This iron is a beast, and works in windy out door conditions with ease. I have had mine for about 20 years now, and it still starts off its built in ignitor.

Ultratorch® Model UT-200

 

My older one I believe is a Master? And I just bought a new one from Matco on sale this week and it seems of inferior quality, what I really dont like about the new one is it doesnt have a window to see the butane, I will probably return it.

 

I've had the same luck, I've bought a few of them and they never work more than a few months. But I have friends who never have problems at all. Must be the operator?