Not being able to solder significantly limits the types of devices you can repair at home.
As more modern gadgets incorporate circuit boards and discrete electronics—whether necessary or not—soldering often becomes the only way to prevent a functioning device from ending up in a junk drawer or a landfill.
iFixit’s FixHub is designed to eliminate that barrier. Known for its repair advocacy, iFixit is now offering battery-powered soldering tools and beginner kits, aimed at making soldering accessible almost anywhere.
These tools come with features that cater to novices or those who haven’t soldered in a while.
In a press release, iFixit announced it’s “going all-in on soldering” by introducing several components as part of the FixHub system:
- Smart Soldering Iron ($80): Powered by USB-C, it ships with a 1.5 mm beveled tip and supports six other tips, with more expected in the future.
- Portable Soldering Station ($250): Includes the iron and a two-port battery pack specifically designed for the iron.
- All-in-One Soldering Toolkit ($300): Contains the iron, battery pack, and an assortment of useful soldering tools.
iFixit, aware of similar USB-C soldering irons on the market like Pinecil and Miniware, claims its iron offers distinct advantages.
The iron can reach up to 100 watts of power, while iFixit states that most competitors max out at 60W over USB or 88W with direct current.
A heat-resistant cap is designed to help users complete jobs more quickly. Additionally, iFixit emphasizes its warranty and the availability of customer support from a US-based company as benefits compared to other options.
The company has focused on optimizing aspects that often frustrate beginners, such as ergonomics, tip length, and cable tension.
Unlike traditional full soldering stations that feature heat-setting displays, iFixit’s iron adjusts its temperature via a dial on the battery pack or through a browser interface, eliminating the need for a full station setup.
I received an iFixit Soldering Toolkit for testing and review, though I haven’t yet had the chance to use it extensively.
As someone with some training in microsoldering but without the space or desire for a full rework station, I understand the market iFixit is targeting.
Investing in a complete soldering station is costly, and piecing together individual components can be confusing, especially for beginners.
If a user reaches the point where the iFixit kit feels limiting, then the company has succeeded in its mission.
Pre-orders for FixHub products are available starting today, with units expected to ship on October 15 in the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
