by 
iFixit
Not being able to solder puts a hard limit on the types of devices you can repair at home. As more modern devices add circuit boards and discrete electronics (necessary or not), soldering is often the only way to save an otherwise functional object from ending up in a junk drawer or landfill.
That’s the kind of hurdle iFixit’s FixHub is designed to tackle. The repair shop and proponent of repairability now offers battery-powered soldering tools and starter kits aimed at making soldering something you can do quickly almost anywhere, with a few features intended to help beginners and those feeling a little rusty.
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iFixit’s soldering tools are meant to be used together or separately. The battery can control the temperature of the soldering iron, but so can a browser.
iFixit
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The battery can also function as a standard backup battery, with two USB-C ports.
iFixit
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An overview photo of everything in the complete $300 soldering kit.
iFixit
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The complete set can be stored in a large, portable soldering burrito.
iFixit
iFixit, which says in a press release that it’s “going all-out on soldering,” is offering a number of interconnecting components as part of a FixHub system:
- A smart soldering iron ($80), powered by USB-C, comes with a 1.5mm beveled tip and supports six others, with more available over time
- A portable soldering station ($250), including the soldering iron and a dual-port battery pack specifically designed for the soldering iron.
- An all-in-one soldering tool kit ($300), containing the soldering iron, battery pack, and some handy soldering tools.
iFixit, which is certainly aware of the Pinecil, Miniware, and other USB-C pen-style soldering irons on the market, says that a few things set its iron apart. Its iron can be powered up to 100 watts, while it says most use 60W over USB or 88W on DC. The heat-resistant cap should get the job done faster. iFixit also touts “a warranty and a U.S. company to talk to” for its gear, compared to the competition.
iFixit says it worked on ergonomics, tip length, cable tension, and other aspects of a soldering setup that often frustrate beginners. And rather than requiring newbies to invest in a full-blown station with a heat-setting display, iFixit’s iron lets you set its temperature via a dial on the battery or, failing that, a local browser interface.
I borrowed a soldering tool kit from iFixit to test and review, but I have yet to put it through its paces enough to make a judgment. As someone who has some microsoldering training and experience, but doesn’t have the space or inclination to buy and stock a full rework station, I can see the niche that iFixit is targeting. Buying a full station is expensive, and piecing the pieces together is confusing, especially if you’re just starting out. If you dive into soldering and get to the point where the iFixit kit stops you in your tracks, well, they’ve done their job.
FixHub parts are available for pre-order today and are expected to ship in the US, Canada, Australia and Europe starting October 15.
Disclosure: Kevin Purdy previously worked for iFixit. He has no financial interest in the company.
