Most Useful Tool Ever—But Which?

Pop rivet gun by far. Battery operated drill and the riveter, you can attach anything to anything. Haven't had a need for corded, heavy duty soldering tools for a very long time.

The soldering gun, of course! While the pop-rivet gun is fun to use it lacks the versatility of Weller's little invention. You can't write your name on a piece of wood in pop-rivets. You can't pop-rivet a bug to see if it will explode. You can't pop-rivet off that slut's girl's name from your forearm. And, let's not even waste time on what can be done with the weird neighbor lady's cat! :zip:

Do they even sell pop-rivets on Mariahilfer Straße?

Expat, last time I was there, I must allow I didn't notice any pop rivets. Now, around the Brandenburger Tor is a different matter.

Funny Expat, your first line is exactly what I was thinking but for a different reason altogether. My dad had one of those soldering guns and a couple of pencil ones he used a lot in his TV shop. If daddy used it it must be very useful.

I use both, but neither is best. I always carry a pocket knife. Second would be my multi-tool in it's kevlar holster. This is the tool that flips open to be pliers or a knife etc.

Those Weller soldering guns were/are junk, the tip always splits apart and renders the whole unit useless. A soldering iron is the way to go. The pop riveter on the other hand uses no electricity and will last for decades.

They're both right.

The Pop-Rivet gun is the most useful "tool," but it makes a lousy gift because the kit is cheap and refill packs cost a small fortune (or they did, I haven't bought any in decades).

The soldering iron is the most useful "gift" because most people don't need one often enough to justify buying one themselves, but they'll remember you gave it to them every time they use it.

It depends on your audience. Personally, I think "Kit, in gay Christmas package" sells itself. 😊

How about a gun that shoots hot pop rivets? Terrorize all the little miscreants and animals in the neighborhood.

I grew up using my dad's Weller soldering gun and that thing was great. Used it way more than the pop rivets. My vote is for the soldering iron.

Every time I use my crappy little wand style soldering iron I think fondly of that Weller.

I still have my Weller from about 1967. I soon found that you can use ordinary copper wire for a tip. For fast and delicate heating I grind the tip of a piece of 14 gauge down.

I wish I still had dad's. It went with the rest of the equipment, oscilloscope, tube tester, ect when mom sold the business after he died. There was so much I could have learned from him, 10 more years and I'd have been able to run the business when he passed. He'd have taught me everything and I'd have joyfully learned, I was by his side constantly anyway. Ah, lost opportunities...sigh. :down:

Yea, I can't even count the number of times I've said to myself, "Damn but I wish I had a pop rivetter right now."

Weller gun, by a mile.