From My Cold Dead Hand

[@ThisTall]

Plastic welding is one of those things that is so incredibly useful, that It’s actually quite disappointing they didn’t teach it in school shop class.

[@TerkanTyr]

It's surprisingly good as a handcrafting material.

[@bigballstouchem1560]

A word of advice regarding the butane. Don't use the service station/supermarket junk. Use a triple rectified butane like Weller. Its a few bucks more but it wont gum up the internals for years as opposed to the other butane. I use a Weller WPA2 Pyro pen for my Gas iron and i wish it had some of those other features.

[@michaelfoxbrass]

great advice. Garbage in - garbage out (And garbage into the works)!

[@jensdavidsen4557]

I'm about to sign off on the sale of my little suburban home and close on the purchase of 4.6acres of farm property with a barn, garage, workshop, and machine sheds... really going into the major league of professional homeowner! I've been admiring your work for more than a decade - now I'll finally be able to apply much more of the work you showcase than ever before...I just don't have mountains here in No-Coast Wisconsin. Cheers Cody!

[@user-kv5lq9xm8c]

Congratulations on your purchase brother, I hope you and your family will love the property

[@chavoac9713]

Best of luck! And congratulations on pursuing your dream.

[@dannop2562]

Get some Nigerian Dwarf goats. They’re good for milking, entertainment, don’t eat a lot-and they clear brush better than a hired crew. From one Semi-Pro Homeowner to someone cutting their teeth…. Good luck, and God bless!

[@dannop2562]

Get some Nigerian Dwarf goats. They’re good for milking, entertainment, don’t eat a lot-and they clear brush better than a hired crew. From one Semi-Pro Homeowner to someone cutting their teeth…. Good luck, and God bless!

[@rhs5683]

Congrats man, good luck and may God bless you.

[@baragon023]

I appreciate most you showing the reality of the product and even your ability along the way. No cut or edit taking mistakes out. Found your channel via shorts. Love the long form.

[@cooders71]

Just an FYI, try to stay away from that "cleaning sponge" that built into the carrier, to clean you soldering tip. A wet sponge will do a few things you do want. 1: it will cool the tip (maybe not a big with that tool or if you have the time) 2: because of the rapid cooling, it will cause oxidation on the tip much faster. Get yourself a BRASS soldering sponge, not stainless or whatever other ones are out there, BRASS is the best.

[@Klesh]

Here for the Lighting and camera quality. Leaving learning something again!

[@xaviergosselin8464]

I am 17 years old and you got me into buying my first snap on tools i got a long handle 3/8 racthet 100th anniversary

[@luckymeziere3675]

That was my first snap on ratchet I got recently they are the best tools I have ever used they are the main brand of tools I buy know

[@robertb4969]

Can’t go wrong with a snap on.. took three broken ratchets to a snap on truck, two were replaced, and the oldest that was my grandfathers…easily 70 years old, was able to be fixed.. they are expensive, but an excellent product..

[@P_steez]

@@robertb4969 they make great but much overpriced HAND tools. Their power tools and some others are plain garbage. The basics from snap on are good though (ratcheting wrench, sockets, wrench set, screw drivers, pry bar, etc). I bought their standard ratcheting wrench set off the truck and it was 450$, in hindsight I wouldn’t have done it but I was young and naive

[@luckymeziere3675]

@@robertb4969 they are excellent for sure

[@Lowellian1]

You will have one your whole life, then!

[@stevegeiger9803]

I heat up a puddy knife with a propane torch to use as a hot knife. Wet leather gloves work well to smooth out a hot knife cut or plastic welding.

[@50StichesSteel]

Quick tip for refueling butane lighters and things like this...Before you try refueling it, flip it upside and grab a pen or small screwdriver and push down on the refueling tip of said item for about 5 seconds and It'll purge out the air and you'll hear a hiss sound. Now attempt to refuel the item and it'll fill up in about 2 seconds without spraying butane everywhere. It's really something that should be included in the instructions on every item and butane but for some reason its just one of those things that people are expected to know but nobody really knows. So you're left trying to refuel a Butane item, spraying Butane everywhere and feeling like it never fills up lol...Game changer!

[@ontil68]

Been filling these kinds of things up for years and never once has this dawned on me! 😹 Preciate it! 👍

[@dannop2562]

Well, thanks for this!!! I’ve always hated how refilling required wasting sooo much fuel. I’ll give it a try!

[@50StichesSteel]

@@dannop2562 np. Yeah you won't spill a single drop after purging all the air out first.

[@geoffreylohff3876]

Cody - I can't speak to the SnapOn version, but I had a similar version from Radio Shack/Micronta back in the 80s-90s. It was just a soldering iron & had a scratcher flint (like a lighter) instead of the peizeo igniter. I loved it! My only complaint was that the flame screen/catalyst eventually weakens & wears out. Let us know (a few years from now) how yours survives usage.

[@danielgoodman3578]

Regarding the tube o' solder that comes with it, the same thing (appearance/function wise regarding the container) came with a cheapo weller iron I once got (including the hole in the lid), and I found that the solder seemed not the best. Harder to avoid cold joints with. Didn't know what type of solder it was. If you find similar issues but you still really like the tube container, you can always pop the lid and replace the solder with one to your liking.

[@IllusiveChristie]

I bought mine off the snap-on truck over a decade ago, then a year later I bought another. One for the tool box and one for the house. Both have worked excellent the entire time, except needed to buy replacement tip for soldering (worn-out) I found them to be great for my (6)daughter due to the ease of use. Not to mention being able to solder when your 1000 feet away from the nearest outlet.

[@christopher9136]

Sir you’re without a doubt one of the most authentic ppl on KZbin. I wholeheartedly appreciate your videos. 👍✌️

[@CornishJohn]

My late father had one of these and we did a lot of sailing; for cutting ropes it was wonderful. When I went through his tools sorting things out after he passed, it was one item I was sad I couldn't find.

[@evanfurn920]

The tool was so good God requested he bring it up to heaven with him. Don't worry he will be there waiting for you when it's your time with the sailboat ready for the greatest journey yet.

[@chrisj2114]

The Milwaukie m12 soldering iron is my favorite. I used a butane one at work for years until I got the m12 iron it changed my life when it came to soldering potentiometers in hot uncomfortable places.

[@ppowerproductions2953]

Wrangler star I love how you show your mistakes because I got a pretty good chuckle out of you doing the plastic welding I just think back to so many projects that I've done and many projects so that I have screwed up completely and I just think that in the time that I've been watching your videos a lot of the things that I have done at home or like working in the mechanic shop I've used your calmness and just the way of thinking you know thinking things through looking at things it's really help me out

[@jasonwarren213]

as a tractor trailer mechanic I love it I use it to heat shrink terminals in small places where I have other wires near it that are susceptible to melting with a heat gun

[@mourneris]

Weller also makes one of these (PSI100K) with similar interchangeable tips and so forth. Obviously, Snap-On has name recognition and what not but it's not within everyone's price range. Solder dispensers (the cylindrical ones), all come with a little hole in the top unless you buy a plastic spool. Not necessarily a Snap-On thing (felt like you were crediting Snap-On for the nifty-ness of a hole for dispensing solder).

[@MrMadeinthe80s]

Been using the different weller pens for years and love them. Unfortunately eventually they all break and have to be replaced if you use them daily.

[@teemukalatie3033]

I have Weller, and its money well spend.

[@michaelfoxbrass]

Agreed. Only real benefit is Snap-On made a solder container that fits their kit holder.

[@HiFiTown]

Thanks for showcasing a quickly vanishing, but still relevant quality tool maker/seller! After all these years, snap on (not discount Bluepoint) as the finest quality USA manufacturer left standing. Especially their old hand tools; made for automotive and electronics! Nothing ever came close. Long Live Snap On!

[@brianmoreland7275]

I appreciate the honesty in your videos and showing when things don’t go perfect. Such is life for all of us. I get a lot of information and enjoyment from your videos. Thanks.

[@visualkickz]

I thought my Dremel version was already expensive. This one has a compact package. That's nice. On the other hand it's much more plastic involved. The benefits of this one don't justify the price difference to competitors from what I've seen. Dremel comes in a nice metal box. Killer feature of the snap on is certainly the option to switch two tips when hot 🔥

[@timhurst1813]

I have a power probe brand butane soldering iron and it doesn't work near as well as my coworkers snap-on brand one. I do like how snapon has packaged this one with the different tips and stuff.

[@kevinmoore6954]

I have a power probe version without the plastic welding and it's super handy.

[@johnphillips770]

I'm a mechanic, and have butane soldering torch for a few years now, and they are very handy especially in tight spaces, mine is actually an older blue point

[@dangangell9709]

I like the fact that you can alternate between tools, especially the soldering iron and heat gun, but dealing with the gas isn’t much fun and I find that they don’t get hot enough. Milwaukee make an M12 soldering iron and I love it! Surprisingly it doesn’t take that long to heat up and it gets super hot

[@unspecified2472]

Had a version of that 18 years ago from the Snap On truck when I was a pro mechanic. Fantastic tool.

[@akashicvizion]

Don't worry 'bout the "ugly factor" -- most of us fit that description to begin with!! "Function before form" is the adage I was taught; a weld is not there to win a beauty contest, but a longevity battle against the soil (or whatever!) -- This tool is a 'niche' tool, but I believe it's a 'niche' that is becoming more and more prevalent in today's society-- Great review; Blessed Be, & Peace! 🙏☮

[@MikesGarage96]

What a coincidence that I pick this video to watch while I’m working on splicing and soldering wires. I was just looking for something to watch while I work and this one was my first on the list. Great video!

[@mexvantil7523]

I keep forgetting the angle strap cut. Thanks for the reminder 👍

[@justinparker2857]

I have had benzomatic almost identical for 3 years cost around 15 bucks.

[@thatonetechyguy]

I have a weller soldering torch I use all the time that’s basically the same thing but the magnet and extra tools on the snap on is so worth the upgrade.

[@andrewgranger1301]

That's a nice little tool. Very handy having a small torch/heatgun

[@aalitros]

Classic! "I don't know if we have the same plastic but they are the same color and that's enough for the professional home owner to get started on." So true brother. :)

[@Ericthered21]

You keep finding tools I didn’t know i needed

[@c.a.g.1977]

"But wait! There's more!" Looks like a great tool, Cody!

[@699hazard]

What a fantastic tool. You can see why snap on are best in the tool industry. The plastic welder works the same as a 3d printer.

[@autumn5592]

Lmfao not even close.

[@topsecret4x4]

First tool I bought of the snap on truck. Handy to have. Must say the Milwaukee m12 solder iron is awesome too.

[@backyardguru4604]

Cody, loved the early days of your channel, would love to see the channel get back to basics, modern homesteading at it's best, I miss those days

[@bsizzleton]

Why aren't more people saying this?!? It started out as a "poor mans do for yourself" channel. I don't even know who this is anymore. 😢

[@MicahFunk]

I would imagine that when he looks at the KZbin stats for his views that he probably gets a lot more views from doing tool reviews. Views translate into money earnings he gets paid. I don't see this as being greedy in any way, it is simply a business decision. Even so, I do like the earlier videos about homesteading and the helpful ways of doing things. If there's a big SHTF time I'm positive he'll be getting tons of views of his old content because of being very relevant.

[@michaelclark2458]

Agree. It used to be here’s a rusty axe I inherited here’s how I put it back to good use. It’s now hey check out my expensive new toy. It’s increasingly un-relatable - especially since the Covid lockdowns and recession killed most of our livelihoods.

[@darknessnightfall]

respect that you do not just show succes..but also the the learning steps

[@fosterdyche]

For wire soldering get some extra raisin flux. It will help the solder flow better.

[@BigPawTivald]

Fantastic, also would make a great cigar lighter. Love it Cody, great buy.

[@johne9341]

Great review of a cool little tool! Keep up the good work on testing for all of us.

[@9696scott]

If you can't afford this, a great option for a hot knife. Grab a box cutter ( all metal ) and get the tip red hot. Makes a cut through plastic easy! Wear gloves!

[@Hale642]

Looks like a handy little gadget. Anybody else miss the sweetloaf outro's?

[@_DlME]

Cody, for small broken plastic and such. Use super glue and pour baking soda on it. Hardens immediately and is super durable. Not sure about now, but at one point it was used to repair chips in helicopter blades.

[@nicholasholden8139]

I think he was trying to show how it works.

[@tommyjohn4067]

Owned the same iron for a couple years now and I love it. Best soldering iron ever and its nice having the extra tips for plastic.

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

Cool, thanks! For nearly 15 years I had a Weller cordless soldering iron, but the NiCad battery finally died and their new stuff isn't nearly the quality. So all my stuff is corded now. Love the hot knife tool, I don't have one of those. My whole shop is mostly old (quality, pre-Chinese) Craftsman, and for years I avoided Snap-On which I thought was overpriced, but this is definitely unique. Thanks for showing me yet another tool I have to have (I think thanks, but it's only $!) LOL! 👍

[@brimster-valorantaggressiv3419]

10:03 what a work of beauty

[@rmboffroading9104]

My boss has one of these at the body shop and they are definitely handy sometimes that’s for sure!

[@mcd5082]

“They are the same color line” was excellent

[@key4us2c]

Another great solution for fixing that, or similar objects, if one doesn't have the welding option, is to use the super glue, with the addition of baking soda. Simply hold the pieces together, spread super glue across the length of the break, having glue puddle beyond the break an 1\8" or so. Immediately follow by dumping a generous amount of baking soda on the area, leaving no wet spots. Tap, blow, or brush off any loose soda. Repeat process at least 1-2 times. Always best to have underneath a paper towel or similar sheet to catch then reuse soda. Continue using glue then soda process until desired thickness\strength is achieved. The material can be sanded as needed during (in-between) the layering, as well as after to smooth and blend the mend. I'll use a black felt tip marker to match color as a finishing touch, on black plastic. Surfaces must be clean of oil. Sometimes light pre sanding helps. The bond created is normally stronger than the rest of the object, and is permanent. Heat and small a amount of steam may occur. Don't inhale. It is safe to touch, when it's not wet.

[@Pugjamin]

Looks really good…..should be half the price though - as with all snap on gear.

[@TheBritishPatriot]

Not gonna lie that looks super useful, probably costs an arm and a leg as do all Snap-On tools but it looks great and probably worth it! Btw, the solder container with the hole in the top is nothing new or exclusive to Snap-On, they’re quite common and very handy.

[@frankwilson1776]

450$

[@gustavoxavier2380]

@@frankwilson1776 wtf

[@turtlemeat4901]

@@frankwilson1776 i was able to find it off snap-on's site for around the $200 mark

[@Riku_X43]

@@turtlemeat4901 Pretty cheap as far as snap-on prices go.

[@Sheridantank]

The fact he even thought that kinda shows he just buys expensive and thinks it’s good because it’s where the experience is. That’s such a common sense thing. Hardly anything they make is justified in cost.

[@TakeDeadAim]

A regular Charleton Heston! Good job! Has anyone in the history of time ever filled such a tool without freeze burning their hand??? I think not.

[@nerfinator03]

You just need to use the correct nozzle and you'll get minimal leaks

[@dojifly]

Thanks!

[@jsclion]

I like your videos, usefull homeowner tips, without editing the small mistakes keeps it real. Also the other videos where you talk to people about responsibility and protecting the community and actually show how you do it. I am sure it is getting harder these days, but we need people like you. Awesome content 👍.

[@ColonelK0rn1]

I bought a cordess soldering iron off of the tool truck many years ago. I think it still sits in my tool box and I take it out every now and again. Now what I find useful is that 3rd hand tool that you were using to hold the wires as you soldered them together. That sure looked a lot more useful than the alligator clip contraption that I currently have. What's the part number for that bad boy?

[@havox612]

If you're looking for a straight portable soldering iron look at PINECIL, TS80, or TS100. Those are well known in the tinkering community.

[@moun7ainc0w]

I know you've been taking a bit of a laxed break. You are well deserved for it. I just want to say your videos help me get through life. I look forward to them more than anyone else's. I inspire to be as great of a man as you.

[@rockzalt]

@20 21 Well there is the "follow me as I follow Christ" angle and seeing a man working with the hands trained by a certain carpenter.

[@JesusFreak1924]

@20 21 I get your point but at the same time I think we need other men to look up to and aspire to emulate, especially when so many of us don’t have fathers to fill that role.

[@TheWestlandgirl]

The World thanks you as well as Cpdy.👍👍

[@coastalgaming1594]

I've had this exact same tool for about 15 years with all the same attachments minus the plastic welder but it's not a snap on tool. The issue with mine was the fuel. When it starts running low, especially when doing wire soldering the flame gets to small to properly solder. It's difficult to tell when the fuel gets to that point and the refueling.... not ideal as you can see at the start of the video when you see him refueling. In my opinion the refueling bottle itself should be the fuel source not that tiny little container on the tool.

[@cjwbii9495]

Wildland firefighter here, wondering what your take is on the best tents for wildland. I personally go for the lightest two man tent available but on the Calf Canyon / Hermits Peak fire in NM I watched dozens of tents collapse and poles snap including my own. Fortunately after a quick pole repair mine withstood the rest of the roll, but just barely. I've been trying to stick to tents under $100 due to the beating they receive on rolls. I'm affraid to go on the expensive side because I don't know enough about their durability to bet on it.

[@mtnbikerfred]

I have had this this tool for a couple of years. It replaced another butane soldering iron. You're right. It does much much more and the hot-swappable bayonets the best feature IMHO. IO swap between the soldering and heat gun frequently. The plastic welding tip (and their suggested filler material) are "adequate" for emergency repairs, but no comparison to a large dedicated unit.

[@Tomrryaniv]

Thanks Cody! Great recommendation. I just got my Hi-Viz version and I’m already using it for many things on our new farm in Missouri.

[@robertdinicola9225]

I have had one from a company that most likely makes the snap on. Best soldering iron i have ever had! Massive btu's quick! Working on boats its not always feasible to have an electric iron.

[@dlwtransport]

I have this same kit and I use it all the time

[@odcaveman6360]

Nice work on the western union and soldering technique. Just keep that tip clean and tinned with solder and every joint now on will be just that easy.

[@MrMadeinthe80s]

I want the plastic welder part just for my 3d printing lol Been using Weller solder pens like that for years as well. They are great in everything but the wind.

[@bryanhoppet5130]

Rich west coast guys need stuff like this to do simple jobs.

[@xKOBAYASHIMARUx]

Might I suggest anyone with this tool uses a good high quality butane! I'm sure snap-on would say something similar in the manual or maybe even suggest a specific brand. There's a huge difference in different brands and picking the wrong one just gums up a lighter system and makes it hard to clean. Xicar Purofine is like an industry standard for lighters. The fancy pants fancy Dupont lighters dictate the user uses exclusively Dupont butane (which apparently really is crucial to its operation and lifespan)

[@icemarkable]

It's one of those tools that makes your life much easier. Looks great.

[@Its_Esoteric]

Snap on making their tools magnetic is such an awesome touch

[@CornishJohn]

This or an equivalent has to be on the 2022 wranglerstar Xmas gift list, it's practical and a wonderful gift

[@steveseattle6791]

I have a Dremel brand equivalent of this and have loved it for years. But the magnet alone makes me want to upgrade to this! Very well thought-out

[@jstep100]

Very cool tool!

[@ChadGPT-1.0]

I appreciate that you leave your struggles in the video. Thank you for your humility and vulnerability.

[@matthewf1979]

That thing packs one heck of a punch! I have the Bernzomatic butane iron that I keep in my car with shrink tube and solder.

[@djscotty06]

Warning not for sale in California. “May cause cancer” haha. Great vid, nice bit of kit. Cody you need you leds to be red for this snap on tool vid.

[@guyb5113]

They also sell a blue point one about half the price. Love mine had it for 15 years works great didn't have a magnet back then.

[@watret94]

I own this . Snap on has many good tools .. but this one is my most used and favorite tool . This tool gives you the ability to fix so many items like your plastic lid on your sprayer tank.

[@rlegato364]

There was a version of that tool sans the magnet that was part of GM's dealership required tool list. At least 20 years ago if my memory serves me correctly.

[@markknister6272]

Very nice tool! Messy and professional homeowner approved.

[@HypocriticYT]

You reminded me mentioning SnapOn that I need open/closed ratcheting and pivoting metric wrench set. You need the best so your knuckles don’t go under force into a metal component.

[@pole322]

I do auto body and have a good bit of experience plastic welding. It's helpful to back the piece with aluminum tape to hold it and contain the heat. You can also pre-heat the piece with the torch/ heat gun so it will more easily bond with the new material.

[@TylerSnyder305]

Maybe it's not exactly the same, but Home depot got me last Ryobi days. All I wanted was the 18v brushless drill and driver combo, but then I saw the angle grinder, from there I wanted the larger capacity battery combo to sufficiently run it and I chose the mini shop leef blower thing for my free bonus tool with the battery combo. Then I wanted another charger for my batteries but could only get the charger with a battery, and since I had the extra batteries I figured I'd get another tool and bought their hybrid power fan that can run off an extension cord or tool battery. I wasn't sure I'd ever use the blower and figured the fan might just get used occasionally. That fan and the little blower are my 2 most used cordless power tools and I would not trade them for anything, if they ever fail I will absolutely replace them ASAP.

[@Zarealy]

I'm glad you're a professional homeowner and can afford Snap-on. After owning a home for 19 years, unfortunately I'm still an ametur homeowner and have a box full of craftsman.

[@michaelclark2458]

He used to be about that making due with what you have. Now it’s mostly hey check out my new $500 gadget of the week.

[@drawfark]

Cool share. It seems a very useful tool!

[@matthewbratz7868]

That is a great buy. I have older version of that soldering iron that I bought 20 years ago when I worked in aviation avionics. Super handy, I used it almost everyday. Snap on makes a great tool! Mine still works great today 20 years later and now I know what the wedge tip is for lol!! Take care Cody and God bless.

[@shaunroberts9361]

Outstanding Wranglerstar.

[@user-cp4wn9dp9p]

Indeed sir!

[@joshbrown3572]

Great tool I have had one for years from Bernz-o-matic that only cost 30 bucks. It didn't come with the plastic welding tip. But does everything else.

[@CarnivoreRonin]

That is super nifty! I definitely want one too. It would be worth it just for soldering and the heat gun.

[@bjdenil]

What a great tool!

[@kayakking2543]

Note to self. Run a couple test beads on a piece of cardboard before welding plastic.

[@StevenSimard]

I have one of these, they're really handy.

[@saftigesfruchtchen456]

This looks perfect for sailing. Just the hot knife alone, plus a heat gun and a soldering iron without power.

[@drak0v]

Great video. I love Snap-on. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@terryhatton3622]

What a great tool, I love it. Thanks 😊

[@Mikesmeyer88]

Oh wow. I don't normally fall in love with snap on tools but this is going to be my second snap on tool.

[@M6706-u5y]

Great video! Pretty cool tool.

[@goodideabadexecution8864]

Cody, On plastic it's not a big deal, but you should use the highest percentage rubbing alcohol you can find. The alcohol evaporates, but the leftover water can cause rust when using it to clean metal. I worked in radio for a couple years and cleaning reel to reel tape heads taught me that lesson. And I sympathize. I understand the trials and tribulations of plastic welding. It's an art form that I've yet to master.

[@Gideon_Judges6]

I think that kind of strap and buckle is called a cam lock. Cool tool! Looks handy for when a cord is not convenient.