Abstract: A low voltage heating element for portable tools includes a low voltage, low current light bulb wrapped with a thin layer of metal darkened on its bulb-facing surface. Apertures in the metal layer allow the light from the bulb to be utilized in addition to its heating characteristics. Rechargeable batteries are installed in the handle of the tool to power the light bulb. An electrical jack in the tool housing may be plugged into an external power source for providing power for a greater length of time. A cordless soldering iron includes a low voltage, low current light bulb affixed to the tip of a conventional soldering iron, the conventional heating element having been removed from the housing. The bulb is wrapped with a layer of metal darkened on the bulb-facing surface, and is electrically connected to rechargeable batteries mounted either in the housing of the soldering iron, or within an external pack.