Milwaukee M12 Soldering Iron

We take a look at the Milwaukee M12 Soldering Iron. I give it a 10 out of 10 for function and 3 out of 10 form. Over all I think it'll get the job done. I just wish it was a little smaller.
I cut out the part about the TS100 soldering iron for time but it basically stopped working the other day. This is what got me to buy the M12. When I plugged it in while making this video it started working again. I've used it for over a year and aside from that one time it's worked great.
Milwaukee M12 Soldering Iron
amzn.to/3GiGZEB
No Clean Soldering Pen and Solder Remover Wick
amzn.to/3WcMiuw
My Other Links And Contact
direct.me/funk_fpv

[@MikeDep]

I think an easier way to repair that strobe light would have been to just refill it with some headlight fluid. When you pulled off the cover it was really dry

[@obsnation8453]

No since it’s a strobe light it’ll need a-36 blinker fluid, not headlight fluid

[@TheCrepusculum]

@@obsnation8453 Oh, I didn't know this is a difference.

[@MikeDep]

@@obsnation8453 Headlight fluid can work in a pinch though if you don't have a-36 on hand

[@obsnation8453]

@@MikeDep it can yes but definitely not for extended use. Project farm ought to test this

[@FunkFPV]

Haha Good point

[@lightsout8713]

I’ve used it a few times so far for wiring harness repairs and what not and I find it’s best feature is the practicality of a cordless iron that supports m12 batteries, it does a decent job and honestly I feel better than others I’ve tried

[@Green_Expedition_Drgn]

I've been using the m12 solder iron for 2yrs now. I'm on my 3rd❗ 1st one was broken in the box. Ceramic insulation inside was cracked. 2nd I dropped at about 6ft and the ceramic inside cracked. My 3rd I treat like it's made out of glass. Great convenient solder iron. Just don't drop it‼️💯✌

[@LMO169]

My first one melted the metal tip socket out of the plastic but got it warrantied nqa

[@Jesus_Strong]

Would you highly recommend this one?

[@l_cash9254]

Wow. I'm a tech computer nerd guy. I sit in a chair all day long. I have been following your stuff for quite a while now because of how great your sense of humor is. I have such great admiration and respect for what you do. You don't even know. I'm a LITTLE younger than you, but my dad was in the Corps and worked on helicopters and shit. He is a mechanical kinda guy, just like you. You have no idea how much I respect you and what you do for a living. This country, and the world, would fall apart without a chance in hell of coming back if it weren't for awesome dudes like you. God bless, and Merry Christmas!

[@danielmaehren882]

I've been on the fence about buying this soldering iron but looks like it works pretty good. Better than fondling with a butane iron. Thanks for the video!

[@LeviBulger]

It's kinda awful, IMO. Just way too bulky and awkward. I would recommend the Weller rechargeable iron if you want something very portable yet powerful enough for most jobs. I have a pinecil, but it's really only good for small and quick jobs and isn't completely portable. Powering it can be a pain in the ass sometimes. But the Weller, even tho it's fairly pricey, is actually very good. It heats quickly, feels great in the hand, and I can get about 2.5 hours of work on a charge.

[@johnnyjoseph1389]

I've had one of these for a couple years now, using it in automotive repair. I actually like it. It uses the same hakko tips as my bench station so pretty much endless assortment available. On the surface it seems bulky but before I bought it I was using a weller 550 for under the hood repairs. So by comparison it's not too bad.

[@nathanwilkening]

I use one of these all the time as a traffic signal electrician. Works great with leaded solder and wire 8awg and smaller. Heats up pretty quick and detent battery life too.

[@justinrausch8819]

I work in traffic signals too. I use a torch. That’s all they gave me. Might get one now!

[@jproper]

I use Milwaukee everyday. I'm an HVAC guy and they have everything I need and I really don't have any complaints. I've never burned anything out in my 8 yr career. Only time I've had to replace a part is on the inspection scope (ended up fogging up with some moisture.) I'm a field peice, Testo and Milwaukee guy for life. Too much time and money invested to change it up now.

[@normajoeylol]

Been using mine for 3-4 years now for automotive electrical work. Even had the thermal fuse blow in it and replaced it because I’m so happy with it.

[@clutchkicking240s]

I got that soldering iron over a year ago and it made me not hate soldering anymore. Best one I've ever had and or used. The buetain ones are the only ones that came close to in my opinion. Good video

[@steve_beatty]

Love the t-100 for the field but probably never saw as much as you put yours through with forklift repairs ..For my bench I bought one of those $40 combo iron/reflow gun stations from cyclonefpv and it's great..👍🏼🖖🏼

[@FunkFPV]

I’ve got something similar for my bench.

[@pdjohnson227]

One of the best battery powered skins in my kit. Saves me so many headaches not having to fill out hotworks swmms on sites like I used to with butane.

[@jimmaag4274]

I have a soldering iron for every occasion, for going out to a machine and repairing a wiring harness, I grab the milwaukee. I used butane for years but they suck for spot repairs as you many times can't orient the flame outflow away from the other wires in the harness. I also really like the way it sits on the large format battery. I sometimes use it on the bench for something quick just for that feature.

[@MidniteClimax]

I use this tool all the time for working on pinball machines. Its a little bulky but its so much better than dealing with the cord on my normal iron. Especially if I am away from home working on someone elses machine. I wouldn't use it for real intricate work but for standard soldering its great!

[@whatstdiggn]

My girlfriends parents had a few machines when she was growing up. The wiring on the underside of them is a lovecraftian nighmare of endless tentacles. You are a wizard. Have you tried a ts-80/100? Or one of the other 3rd party derivatives because it's an open source design. You can hook then up to a lipo instead of a wall outlet and then only weigh 30-35 grams depending on make and tip choice. I have one made by sequite that lets you use the ts80 style tips as well as the T12 tips. It is barrel jack powered or usb powered if you have a usbc power source with high enough amps /volts. A shortish battery cable is far more convenient than running 15 of cable from your soldering station(joking) or heating that beast of a hot metal warmer up in front of your face whilst upside down/looking up at the sky of terror under a pinball machine.

[@MidniteClimax]

@whatstdiggn i had considered a TS but i got a good deal on the Milwaukee so I went that route. Pins actually have a power outlet inside them so using a wired pen style iron or soldering gun is actually pretty easy to do inside them. I still keep one in my kit as a back up

[@rickracer78]

I have one of these myself. I use it with the 6ah battery as the bottom allows it to sit more stable on a benchtop. But you're definitely right about the form factor. The thing is the size of a damn bulldozer.

[@EnthusedCarrot]

Thank you for the safety razor recommendation. Little bit of a learning curve for me, but I love it now. Closer shave, cheaper yet more durable. Shaving was a chore but now I look forward to it.

[@Stevethelightingguy]

I had 1, used it twice before it shook itself to pieces in the work van. Never found all the pieces to the tip. The TS-100 with a 24v battery bank works much better for cordless soldering. It has temperature control while the Milwaukee as far as I can tell, is just on/off

[@7weld7]

Every tool I have that's M12 is good, reliable and durable. I love them for their compactness and solid precise feel when running them.

[@emmettturner9452]

Precisely why they should’ve cloned the cartridge tips used in the Hakko FX-951 instead of the obsolete FX-888D that they only sell for beginners.

[@FunkFPV]

The M18 stuff I’m neutral on for the most part but the M12 blows away DeWalt’s 12v lineup.

[@martpr2012]

used one every week for 7 month working on vehicles, there is less risk of damage with them as opposed to the gas ones with the exhaust on the side, and it just works great

[@Sam-in1sh]

Thank you for making this video. Now I have to go buy a tool I don't need but must have.

[@FunkFPV]

😂😂

[@roberthoffman4713]

I got one of the Milwaukee soldering irons and so far so good. It seem more convenient then the butane one I had been using. I think at one point they had a issue with them however I think they fixed the problem.

[@wimdejong5399]

No Questions, it's all clear as mud. enjoy watching your down to earth reviews, Thanks😁

[@haactgaming9687]

I would say I’ve needed reading glasses for the last few years too. I can’t squint hard enough anymore. A pair for at work and a pair for home. Best $2.99 I’ve ever spent!

[@lrgpanda9037]

I got one of these when they came out and i love this thing.

[@johnmoloney5296]

Fair play to you for warning people with photo sensitive epilepsy about the light, i have seen many KZbinrs not do that!! As a disabled person i like that about you 👍

[@rt66hdguyify]

Pretty handy for in car repair or somewhere without a plug! I have a variety of milwaukee framing and trim tools for work. They make ALOT of cool stuff!

[@artichoked9040]

I've been using one of these for over a year in commercial HVACR and is been great

[@dylanouellet296]

I usually have not much knowledge of your videos as I am not a mechanic. I am a machinist, but if you spell it a little different you get mechanic so that’s a start. Your video shorts are funny I enjoy them

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Nice review. I don’t solder often, but a cordless iron sure would be nice.

[@nateholt4588]

Marketing Wank. Love to see the influence of our gentleman AvE on the Funk FPV. Love em both, thanks guys!

[@FvGa]

The moment you let it stand on the big battery you rocked my world up side down! Was in a tight spot, couldn't work. If I had this one it would have been a breeze.

[@Wicked_4355]

I need a new soldering iron and have been on the fence but kept looking at the Milwaukee, I have a bunch of the m12 and m18 line already. This one looks like it’ll be perfect for me, I rarely solder but when I do I’d like to have a good one. Appreciate the review video.

[@mattdegooyer5870]

I probably would have passed on that but now I’m going to try it. Also appreciate the tool tips and best practice tips. Thanks BRO!

[@Charlielizard]

Appreciate the review and despite comments condemning Milwaukee tools, I've found that if it does the job, it's for me. Hell, I used to be a straight Snap-On dummy paying my weekly bill until I learned that a high price does not always equate to a high quality or something that works the way you need it to. Still have some Harbor Freight tools that have done well over the years. Am ordering a new Milwaukee iron today and needed supplies using your links. Gotta help a brother out any way we can. Thanks again for the review and wishing you the best Christmas ever. Excellent video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@FunkFPV]

Thanks bud! I did my time on the tool truck too. Now I buy tools priced appropriately for how and how often I’ll be using them.

[@HDisNotSmart]

Love the weight, length, and runtime jokes. Well done.

[@FishFind3000]

If you want a butane powered one look at portasol there not bad. I’ve got one, only down side is that it has a exhaust the needs to vent and if your in tight spots you can start melting stuff with the exhaust.

[@MaxxxWellz]

I wish all reviews of a product was like this.

[@unclejacksyoutube6496]

Man I got one of these and I loooove it for automotive wiring

[@Bigpimpinit]

good honest review. collecting mine today to repair some lipos.Thanks for the cleaning tips.. good stuff man.

[@FLINTmitten810]

Looks like it works pretty good. I use a weller wes51 at work and it spoils me but I’m gonna have to pick up one of those milwaukees for field repair/car repair

[@jjb0894]

I bought one that I found from a local seller. They buy return pallets and resell the items from said pallets, so their stuff is hit and miss, but if what you buy doesn’t work, they will take it back. I bought the solder iron for half price since I already have M12 batteries, the biggest appeal to it is the fact that it’s cordless, adjusts to different angles and you can change the tips. I don’t know if other cordless ones have these features or not, but it only cost me $50 and I already have M12 batteries, so I figured, why not?

[@davidy3119]

Damn I just bought a corded soldering iron. If I had seen this a week ago I probably would have bought this. Nice review.

[@lilshitstain9670]

watched all of those hilarious shorts and im just now finding out you fly fpv. SICK!

[@FunkFPV]

😁👍🏻

[@tjboylan20]

I’ve owned the M12 soldering iron for 18 months now it’s amazing I’ll never use another soldering iron. Heats up in about 5 seconds and batteries last 15-20 minutes which is a long time to solder

[@chrislewis2262]

I used to have a 30 watt soldering iron from radio shack that thing lasted me 20 years until I had a house fire (fire not due to the soldering iron) I had about 15 spare tips for it I loved it.

[@richardmorton1310]

Had mine for about a year and I like it too.

[@A1Irl1]

It’s awesome, don’t drop it, the white filament heater bit snapped under the tip, I brought it back, told them I dropped it, a few weeks later they sent me a new one. Thank you Milwaukee

[@MarioHernandez-bn6pm]

Dude I love mine. Works great. Been going strong for like a year or two.

[@dirtyvinyl8817]

I bought that back a while ago, i still feel like i need a proper soldering station but i do like having that one around for quick fixes away from the workbench. I would put it under the "nice to have" rather then the "need to have" for people who are in the market for a soldering iron and dont already own one. I bought this first cause i was in a situation where i needed to fix some wires that werent near a power source and i didnt want to use butane. 2 years later, still no regrets.

[@juggernautxtr]

i bought one and was susceptible about it, saved my butt several times.

[@fedaykinnaib]

I really like this bloke. Seems like the kind of guy I would have a beer with.

[@onebabyguerilla]

Road tech here for caterpillar. All I gotta say is. When you're in a field where the nearest power supply is hundreds of yards away and its windy, cold, and butaine torch isn't working. Those electric soldering irons by milwaukee are a life saver. It's definitely the one red army tool that I swear by!!!

[@ntmills1979]

This is the comment I was looking for… butane iron in the windy cold, 60ft up on a lift, is never a fun situation. Carrying a can of butane in a field service bag for onsite refills, is never convenient. since I’ve already started the m12 collection, guess the iron is goin in my cart lol. Tysm.

[@Krankie_V]

honestly that thing seems a lot better than the power probe butane soldering iron I have. it heats up faster and appears to be more powerful. I might want to pick one up, for when I have small jobs and don't want to bust out my corded soldering gun.

[@AFloridaSon]

Best tool review since Tool Time With Tim and Al. 😂

[@FunkFPV]

😁👍🏻

[@tome8373]

I appreciate your review. I want to see more FPV stuff too

[@TheScaleTech]

I really like it. The size takes some getting used to but it works well

[@MrWayneploof]

This looks good i am going to get one thanks for showing it

[@johnmoloney5296]

Happy Christmas to you and yours, industry standard for those in the electronics world who solder for a living is Weller

[@mattostrokol]

I use that Weller butane soldering iron and I've done so many repairs on appliance control boards in the field with it. It's definitely the best butane soldering iron I've ever had.

[@FunkFPV]

My only problem with that is the hot exhaust from the torch.

[@ronniepirtlejr2606]

I would have liked to have seen it where you could set the battery pack down and have a wire run up to a soldering stick. It really is impractical to try & solder with that big thing!👍

[@tcolondovich2996]

I like the Ryobi 18v soldering station. (Ryobi P3100). For around $50, you get a stand and it's adjustable. The iron itself connects to the base with a cord, so you don't have the battery sticking out of the iron itself, getting in the way.

[@AnonYmous-qg4ph]

I've had one for 3 years now. No issues

[@SegwayBossk]

I have so much Milwaukee stuff (M12 & M18), and their Packout system, and I'll probably have to pick this up

[@davidhess3320]

Wow! I literally been looking for another soldering iron.....what a coincidence.

[@peglegmasterwoodsman]

Had one for a couple years I love it. Also forklift mechanic

[@baldeaglegarage]

""Some 60/40 lead solder, not lead free....cuz I'm not a sadist" Had me cracking up! Haha great stuff man!

[@Stringmaster413]

There's a company in Australia that sells on eBay and make soldering irons for all major brands. I have the makita one. They 3D print the body of the battery adapter and mount the board on it. Uses a standard tip and has a regulator as well. Costs around $100 and price varies depending on the brand. Used it several times with no issues. Like it because the "wand" is pretty small so it fits where you need it.

[@OmarEwert]

What’s the company?

[@SLAYBACK5]

I bought the ryobi one that has your more traditional style iron and it works pretty good I think they make 2 different ones they had one that was non temperature control and was a little smaller and the one I got is the temperature control one it gets up to temperature fast the only thing I noticed is it gets really hot on high and it will destroy your tips it gets so hot but it's not bad for the price and you can use battery and plug it in both

[@geraldseely2203]

I’ve been very happy with my Milwaukee stuff

[@profosist]

Was so happy you noticed the Hakko tips would fit! I was going to mention in the comments. Just gives you so many more tip options. Battery wise my recommendation is the bigger batteries so it stands.

[@profosist]

@Funk FPV you know you're doing well when you get personalized spam!

[@jameslovitt994]

Solid review, thanks.

[@StephenBrewer89]

I love mine. Use it all the time. Heat up time is quick. Temp is good. I actually just used mine 30 mins ago and don’t know how this video got recommended 😂

[@niz76]

Love your tool vids. Assuming by the name and HQ Prop sticker, you fly FPV. My FPV gear been collecting dust lately but still rocking my old 5" FlosStyle, Pickle Big, and a whole fleet of micros from Tiny Whoop to 3.5". I imagine this all sounds like Chinese to non FPV folk ha. Happy New Year!

[@niz76]

Nvmd. Just found your FPV content. Here I thought I was friggin Sherlock Holmes. Cheers!

[@patkelley8293]

The Butane Iron I had was great but burned projects. Looks like a good alternative.

[@RogersTM87]

I've had a Weller soldering iron it's rechargeable and does really good it's smaller than the Milwaukee by quite a bit, but I recently got this same Milwaukee soldering iron and it's super nice I actually find myself picking up the Milwaukee when I'm soldering something. I definitely recommend it and the Weller is also nice.

[@m3chanist]

Looks decent. Happy fixing mate.

[@BlueCollarBachelor]

It's perfect for exactly what you used it for. If you're building an electronics kit or tiny stuff, there's better choices. Even in my shop I grab mine for quick jobs.

[@TheFrenchPug]

That's a bell beefer soldering iron. I need one!

[@darrelllarue5877]

thanks man keep them coming

[@paulw9732]

Very cool review!

[@bobrossaholic6615]

Thank you for teaching me about the nickel coating on the tips and showing me a MUCH BETTER technique to solder!! I really appreciate it!!! You never disappoint man!!!! 🇺🇸🫡

[@neil1266]

Used one of these to remove a connector from a motorbike regulator/rectifier and direct solder to the stator...this is the only portable/cordless soldering iron to be able to do that. Normally have to use the burner function or a huge 240v(UK) one. Highly rate it.

[@battsy2911]

Love your content. Keep it up. More tool videos.

[@martinscopes3914]

Nice video. I ordered one yesterday but ha to order batteries pack of two and the charger and the soldering iron and last thing a tip protector that a seller sales on eBay uk 3-d printed ten quid witch is a must really .cheers

[@RickyD1968]

Awesome video !!!

[@Githrog]

They also make the stick battery in a 3 Amp hr. It's nice when you need that little bit of extra grunt in a tight space

[@charleshenshaw9099]

Looks like it works as it should.

[@groovygannon]

I dig that thing. I have been using a butane soldering iron. But this 12v has much better control and way less chance of melting carpet in a customers car.

[@tnutz569]

I love that m12 soldering iron. It will overheat and stop working on you. Inside is a thermal fuse between the tip and circuit board that blows. Replace it and you'll be back in business. Think it was a 140°C or thats what i replaced it with can't remember.

[@twistedhillbilly6157]

EBay has a bunch of 12v soldering irons starting at 10 to 15 bucks but you need to come up with a power source.. I have a butane model that works great. I have used it dozens of times without a single problem. It doesn't leak and the refill can I bought is still almost full...

[@jmrrs0]

As an audio person who installs audio systems in auditoriums and the like, I use this as my primary soldering iron in the field. I'm not a huge fan of the butane ones just because they are inconsistent to get started.

[@obiggalo]

try a folded up wet paper towel or small sponge for tip clean up, just wipe the tip on it, it keeps it the tip just like new

[@c.russell4154]

Good shit as always, Funk! 👍

[@agenericaccount3935]

It's alright. Be wary, the ceramic is a little easy to break. Otherwise it does well enough for its footprint.

[@mumbles1justin]

Your TS100 paired with a Milwaukee 49-24-2310 for m12 or 49-24-2371 for m18 is a for superior setup than Milwaukee soldering iron in my opinion. The key is to make a cord that pugs into the 2.1mm 12v barrel Jack’s on the side of the Milwaukee charger adapters thats normally used for plugging into heated jackets. I have personally been using the TS80P with the Milwaukee chargers for years now. Without any problems, I use this setup two or three times a week for field repairs. I did pick up one of these Milwaukee soldering irons back when they first came out. They just seem too bulky and the battery didn’t seem to last as long.

[@Calliber50]

It's a great soldering iron for out in the field; however, for circuit boards and such you're going to want a decent one with temperature control. I didn't know how much controlling the temperature made a difference and what quality meant until I used a good workbench one. Good tools make jobs 10 times easier. But yeah this Milwaukee does a damn good job for tinning wires and the flexible head means you can clamp it at a perfect angle to see what you're doing. I also didn't know how to properly care for my soldering iron tips and as such I got a drawer full of butane irons that won't hold solder anymore. Leave the tip sufficiently coated before turning off, otherwise oxidation just ruins future jobs.

[@Ryan-qn1wr]

Pretty sure he already has a soldering station

[@promaterial]

I was watching you fumble around with that strobe light while it was powered up and it gave me flashbacks of getting Zeuced by one back in the day. Back when they used those capacitive discharge flash tubes I was replacing one during a PM. I thought I had the key off but the lie detector told us that was a lie. I grabbed that flash tube and that sumbitch buckled my knees and smashed them into the counter weight. Good times. LOL! Nice video. I considered getting that tool a while ago but I kept reading reviews about the plastic collar melting. Maybe they revised that.

[@FunkFPV]

Haha The old strobes were good for getting the new kid to pull the bulbs out 😜

[@MikeKow80]

I got one of those Ryobi battery soldering stations. I hate how much I like it.

[@hPdrumcrafts]

Love the channel

[@BitWalker]

I think my biggest issue with a iron of that form factor is that if you bump it or brush you hand agaist it by accident it's going to fall over or burn you. The nice thing about a solder station is that the tip is held down towards the desk, verry little risk of injury.

[@DJLEMS]

Great unit