Review pros and cons of iFixit FixHub Smart Soldering Iron

The FixHub Smart Soldering Iron from iFixit promises to redefine the way you solder. With features designed for both pros and beginners, it aims to offer portability without compromising performance.

Design and build quality: Compact and portable

The FixHub Smart Soldering Iron is a 100W USB-C powered device, designed to be both compact and durable. It heats up in under five seconds, making it ready to work whenever you are. The iron’s triangular grip keeps it from rolling on surfaces, while its ergonomic shape ensures comfortable handling during extended soldering sessions.

One of the most convenient features is the heat-resistant magnetic storage cap, allowing you to safely store the iron even when it’s hot. The locking USB-C cable ensures you won’t accidentally yank the plug during use, a feature that solves a common frustration with other irons.

The magnetic cap, however, can be a bit too strong at times, making the soldering tip difficult to insert or remove. This can sometimes lead to dragging the entire battery pack across your workspace, a minor inconvenience but worth noting.

Performance: Heats up fast, but not without minor issues

The FixHub delivers 100W of power, heating up to its preset temperature of 350°C in just seconds. You can adjust the temperature between 100°C and 420°C using the optional FixHub Power Station or a web interface. This flexibility makes it ideal for precision soldering tasks, whether you’re working on small electronics or more demanding jobs.

For portability, the iron excels. Pairing it with the iFixit-designed 55 watt-hour battery turns it into a fully portable soldering station, letting you work anywhere. This battery allows the iron to hit the melting point of lead-free solder in just four seconds and can power two devices at once, including your phone or laptop.

However, the iron lacks a built-in display, which makes it harder to monitor the exact temperature. You’ll need to plug it into a computer for temperature adjustments, and while a mobile phone solution is in development, it’s not available yet. This can be less convenient compared to competing products that feature built-in screens.

Safety features: Keeping you secure while you work

Safety is clearly a priority with the FixHub Smart Soldering Iron. It comes equipped with motion sensors that shut the iron off if it’s set down for too long or if it falls. Additionally, the auto-standby feature kicks in when not in use, helping conserve energy and reduce accidents.

A dedicated power switch on the handle makes turning it off quick and easy, without having to unplug the cable. This small but significant improvement over older models like the Miniware TS80 can make a big difference in user experience.

The ring light indicator is another great safety feature, clearly showing whether the iron is heating, cooling, or ready to be touched. However, the blue and purple colors used for these indicators can be hard to distinguish, which could be confusing during use.

Durability and repairability: Built to last, easy to fix

True to iFixit’s ethos, the FixHub Smart Soldering Iron is built with repairability in mind. All components are designed to be easily replaced, including the $80 battery. The entire power station is modular, and iFixit provides schematics and guides for repairs, ensuring that the iron will serve you for years.

This is a major plus for users who value longevity and sustainability in their tools. Unlike many soldering irons that are discarded after a few years, the FixHub is made to be repaired, not replaced.

Pros and cons: What you’ll love and what you might not

Pros:

• Portable and powerful: The 100W output and under-five-second heat-up time make it efficient for both small and large soldering jobs.
• Versatile design: Works with any USB-C power source and offers adjustable temperatures, perfect for on-the-go repairs.
• Safety first: Motion sensors, a dedicated power switch, and an LED indicator keep you safe during use.
• Repairable: True to iFixit’s brand, the iron is built to last, with replaceable parts and repair guides.
• Magnetic storage cap: The cap allows for quick, safe storage even while hot.

Cons:

• No built-in display: You need to plug it into a computer to adjust the temperature, which is less convenient than models with built-in screens.
• Strong magnets on cap: The magnets can sometimes interfere with removing or sheathing the tip, pulling the battery pack unintentionally.
• Tip compatibility: The iron doesn’t support interchangeable tips from other popular models like the Pinecil or Miniware TS80, although iFixit’s own tips are priced reasonably.

Conclusion: Should you buy the FixHub Smart Soldering Iron?

If you’re looking for a high-performance, portable soldering iron that’s designed to last, the FixHub Smart Soldering Iron is an excellent choice. Its quick heat-up time, flexible power options, and safety features make it suitable for both beginners and professionals alike. The lack of a built-in screen and strong magnets on the cap are minor drawbacks, but these are overshadowed by the iron’s overall versatility and repairability.