iFixit’s FixHub Smart Soldering Iron: Expensive but powerful

If you’ve ever struggled with an old soldering iron, you’re in for a treat with iFixit’s FixHub. This new USB-C soldering iron promises to make soldering easier for both beginners and professionals alike.

A smart soldering iron for everyone

When I first came across iFixit’s FixHub Smart Soldering Iron, I was immediately intrigued. The idea of a portable, USB-C-powered soldering iron that could heat up in just seconds sounded perfect for all the tinkering I do. You might already be familiar with cheaper alternatives like the Pinecil, but iFixit’s offering comes with features that justify the higher price tag. For $80, you get a host of thoughtful design improvements.

Let’s talk about some of these features. First, there’s the heat-resistant magnetic cap. It lets you store the iron safely without worrying about burns, and there’s even an LED indicator to show if it’s still hot. The iron also comes equipped with motion sensors that automatically turn it off if you set it down for a while—perfect for those times when you get distracted mid-project.

One of my favorite features? A dedicated power switch on the handle. No more yanking the plug out to turn it off like my old TS80 soldering iron. iFixit’s solution feels far more reliable. Plus, the locking USB-C cable ensures it won’t accidentally disconnect when you’re in the middle of a project.

FixHub’s portability takes it further

For those who need a fully portable solution, iFixit’s $250 kit goes a step further. It includes a 55 watt-hour battery that turns the soldering iron into a portable soldering station. This battery can provide 100W of power—more than enough to melt lead-free solder in just four seconds. You can also use it to charge your phone, laptop, or other USB-C devices, making it incredibly versatile. iFixit even plans to release more USB-powered tools in the future, expanding the functionality of this power station.

What’s impressive is that the power station, like the soldering iron itself, is fully repairable. iFixit provides easy access to components, so you can swap out parts like the battery if they ever fail. This aligns perfectly with iFixit’s ethos of creating repairable products that last.

Minor nitpicks, but strong overall performance

Despite all the positives, there are a few minor inconveniences. The LED indicators could use a bit more distinction between colors. For example, the purple light that signals “cooling down” is a little too similar to the blue light that indicates “safe to touch.” Additionally, the magnetic cap is strong enough to sometimes pull the soldering tip towards it, making it a bit tricky to sheath the iron smoothly.

Another small drawback is that iFixit didn’t make the FixHub compatible with tips from popular models like the Pinecil or TS80. This means you’ll need to buy additional tips directly from iFixit, though they are reasonably priced at $20 each.

The competition: Pinecil vs. FixHub

Now, let’s talk about the competition. Pinecil has gained quite the reputation as an affordable and functional soldering iron. It’s open-source, inexpensive (around $26), and gets the job done for most casual users. So, why should someone spend $80 or more on the FixHub?

The FixHub isn’t just about price. It’s about convenience and refinement. iFixit has clearly designed this product to eliminate pain points that many people face with soldering. You can easily set the temperature, turn it off with a switch, and store it safely when you’re done. Pinecil might be great for some, but it doesn’t offer the same level of polish or ease of use, especially for beginners.

Plus, iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens has made it clear that his mission is to teach the world how to solder, calling it “the glue of the modern age.” By offering a product that’s easy to use, even for those who have never soldered before, iFixit hopes to introduce a whole new audience to the skill.

What’s inside the kit and upcoming plans

iFixit’s FixHub Smart Soldering Iron kit doesn’t just stop with the iron and power station. The company also offers a $300 Portable Soldering Toolkit, which includes a custom tool roll filled with essentials like a flush cutter, wire stripper, tip cleaner, and soldering splint. Everything you need for a full soldering setup in one convenient package.

Preorders for the FixHub Smart Soldering Iron are open now, and the product will ship to the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe starting October 15th. Additional soldering tips, including cone, bevel, wedge, point, and knife edge varieties, will also be available for purchase on that day.

In an exciting update, iFixit is working on a feature that will allow users to adjust the standalone soldering iron using their phones. The company is currently ironing out technical issues related to web-serial support in mobile browsers, but iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens is confident they’ll have a solution soon.

Conclusion: Is the FixHub worth it?

In my experience, the FixHub Smart Soldering Iron is an impressive tool that offers a balance between portability, power, and ease of use. Whether you’re a professional looking for a reliable tool or a beginner eager to learn, iFixit has thought of every detail to make soldering a smoother experience. Yes, it’s more expensive than some alternatives like the Pinecil, but with features like motion sensors, repairability, and a power station that can double as a USB-C charger, it offers great value.

So, is this the last soldering iron you’ll ever buy? It very well might be.