Abstract: A gas heated soldering iron comprises a soldering head having a chamber into which a gas/air mixture is fed by means of a bunsen tube to burn as a small, very hot flame. The chamber is surrounded by a flame suppression gauze which protects the flame and prevents any combustible gases outside the chamber being ignited. Gas is supplied to the bunsen tube from a fine jet to which the gas is fed at low pressure. The low pressure is regulated by a valve operating mechanism which cooperates with the depressible valve of a disposable gas canister to form a differential valve. The canister serves as a handle for the soldering iron, and is insulated from the soldering head.