[Hank70SS]

I use to do mainframe computer repair years ago so I've used lot's of different irons. Bottom line is what do you want to use it for. Most of the soldering irons we used were for small integrated circuits on printed circuit boards. I still have a few around. They're great for that and small wires, like 22g to 30g. Not so good for 16g and larger. They don't generate enough heat so it takes a long time to heat up the connection enough. While you're waiting the heat is traveling up the wire and melting the insulation.

You need a iron sized for what you're working on. Needs to generate enough heat to quickly heat up the connection so the solder will flow completely through it. Bigger isn't always better though, too hot on a small wire and you'll still burn the insulation.

Honestly, for automotive wiring, 10g to 18g, I would buy one of these BernzOMatic's. No cord to drag around so you can get into tight places easily. Heats up quickly, right amount of heat.

Here is a picture of it sitting on a business size envelope which is a little over 8.5" long.