iFixit is known for providing the tools and knowledge to repair electronic devices yourself, saving you money and eliminating DIY headaches. We are currently developing a portable soldering iron to end all soldering irons. Here are our thoughts.
Why is it special?
iFixit says it’s time to free your soldering iron from the shackles of an electrical outlet, and we agree. As an FPV drone enthusiast, I have a dedicated soldering station within reach, complete with a tabletop iron and all the necessary tools. Some might say that this is an ideal condition. I also bring a field repair kit with a portable soldering iron in case I need to replace a component after a crash.
A small iron can be powered by one of the drone’s batteries, but even that is incomplete. My biggest complaint is that it’s always slow to warm up. That’s why iFixit caught my eye because they claim to have designed and manufactured a portable iron with benchtop performance. See below for additional claims regarding FixHub.
rapid heating
According to iFixit, the 100W of power allows the FixHub to reach its maximum temperature (788 degrees Fahrenheit) within 5 seconds.
portable design
iFixit claims that its FixHub rivals the performance of wall-mounted soldering irons while remaining portable.
55 watt hour high capacity battery
iFixit promises up to 8 hours of soldering time at full capacity.
USB-C power delivery
The base station has two USB-C ports, delivering a total of 100 watts.
protective cap
Marker-style caps are perfect for storing hot soldering iron tips to avoid burns. Ask me how I know.
Repairable and long-lasting
It wouldn’t be an iFixit product if it couldn’t be repaired, right? iFixit already has repair guides for both soldering irons and power plants, and plans to sell replacement parts as well.
Beginner-friendly safety features
FixHub comes with a number of innovative safety features, including sleep mode, easy-to-read LED status indicators, and fall protection.
Ergonomic design
The soldering iron has a triangular shape that fits easily in your hand.
What is it?
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iFixit soldering irons come in three configurations. The iron alone can be purchased for $80 and can be powered via USB-C. Any high wattage power supply will work fine. Out of the box, it’s set to heat up to 662 degrees Fahrenheit when you plug it in. Unlike comparable portable soldering irons, you cannot adjust the target temperature from the iron itself. With your iron connected to your computer, adjust the temperature via iFixit’s FixHub web app. The iron remembers your temperature settings even after you unplug it.
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iFixit’s portable soldering station will retail for $250 with the addition of the FixHub Power Station, a 55 watt-hour (Wh) USB-C battery bank. Capable of delivering up to 100 watts of power, this feature allows the soldering iron to reach a maximum temperature of 788 degrees Fahrenheit in just 5 seconds. Once up to temperature, iFixit promises up to 8 hours of run time. In addition to its powerful features, this block comes with a screen that allows you to monitor and change temperature settings.
Last but not least is the $300 Power Series Soldering Toolkit. This includes a soldering iron and power station, as well as useful tools such as solder, flux, wire strippers, flash cutters, tweezers, and wire holders.
breakdown
popular mechanisms
Removable soldering tip/cap
The marker style cap is lovely. I can’t count how many times I’ve been burned by other soldering irons when I didn’t have a soldering iron handy and didn’t have a base to hold it. In addition to the safety benefits, it’s a great solution to protect your chips from damage if you toss them in your bag, as I often do. Like other soldering irons, the tip is also replaceable.
I was intrigued to see what appeared to be a 3.5mm headphone jack used for the connection between the iron and the soldering iron tip. In case you’re curious, it fits perfectly into my laptop’s headphone jack. Entertainment aside, the iron obviously works well enough as it quickly reaches its maximum temperature.
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Of course, this compatibility is great, but it’s not completely perfect. USB powered solder tips are more expensive as they include both the temperature sensor and heater core. iFixit offers replacement chips for $20 on its website, which is a reasonable price compared to its competitors.
LED status indicator
FixHub’s LED status indicators are also a popular feature, maintaining a clean aesthetic and ergonomics. It will be blue when the iron is cold, purple when the iron is heating up, and orange when the iron is at the target temperature. Other popular cordless irons, such as the Pinecil and TS101, have screens and buttons to monitor and control the temperature. These are useful at first glance, but I think they are generally completely pointless. I know to always use 63/37 rosin core solder. This provides the best performance with the maximum amount of heat that can be put into it. There’s really no need to tweak it at all.
detachable usb cable
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iFixit adheres to the philosophy of the right to repair and has made nearly every part of FixHub repairable or replaceable. Somehow, the detachable USB-C cable caught my eye. In addition to being removable, one end of the cord has a locking mechanism that prevents it from being pulled out of the soldering iron. It’s a very simple idea that many people will appreciate. If you are using just the iron (no power station) and need more range, you can use a USB-C cable rated for 100W. Otherwise, the iron was perfectly usable with the power station and included cable.
ergonomics
iFixit sought to emphasize the ergonomic design of its first soldering iron. I didn’t think much of it at first. This is a soldering iron. It doesn’t have to feel like a Montblanc pen. right?
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My first few jobs with the iFixit iron went well. I had never really thought about ergonomics. It worked. Little did I realize that this is a testament to great design, which is brilliantly simple yet doesn’t draw attention to itself. After returning to the benchtop daily driver (Schneider 80 Watt Soldering Station), it didn’t take long to realize that it felt more like a Bic than a Montblanc.
Repairability
FixHub wouldn’t be a true iFixit product if it wasn’t fixable. right? We are happy to report that the soldering iron and power station can be easily disassembled with only a few screws holding them in place. iFixit has already published repair manuals and schematics for both products, and plans to sell replacement parts in conjunction with the launch of FixHub on October 15th.
$80 may seem like a lot for your first soldering iron, but the repairability makes the purchase a lot easier.
verdict
For those just starting out as a hobby, soldering can seem like a mountain to climb. Which soldering iron should you buy? What kind of solder do you use? What is the proper technique? The list goes on. I started using a very cheap Harbor Freight soldering iron, one of a kind for screens, switches, LEDs, etc. I plugged it in, waited for it to warm up, and got to work. This is the same thing my brother learned when he was little, and it still works. It’s actually working pretty well.
But I’m starting to think there’s no shame in spending a little extra on your first iron.
iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens has always been on a mission to help consumers understand the act of repair. This portable soldering station is no exception, expanding possibilities and simplifying the process of repairing electronic devices. The iFixit website has a complete landing page to guide you as you learn to solder. I think this says it all.
Matt Crisara is an Orchina native with an irresistible passion for domestic and international cars and motorsport. He previously served as a contributing writer for Motor1 after interning at Circuit of the Americas F1 Track and Speed City, an Austin radio station focused on the world of auto racing. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona School of Journalism and competed in mountain bike races on the university’s club team. When I’m not working, I enjoy sim racing, FPV drones, and being outdoors.
