iFixit has always embodied the “screw it, I’ll do it myself” spirit that characterizes some tech geeks. as one Right to repair The company, a proponent of the movement, is now flexing its muscles with an electronics product of its own. The FixHub is a USB-C powered soldering iron designed to help you fix anything on your workbench (and it’s easy to fix). The iron comes with a 55Wh battery pack that doubles as a stand and temperature control, so you can get things done on the go.
Founder Kyle Wiens explained that FixHub was born out of frustration with soldering irons and their limitations. He was annoyed that he had to drag an extension cord down the street to fix his car stereo. So the iFixit team began looking for a way to improve what was traditionally an underdeveloped tool. This includes making it smarter, more flexible and easily repairable.
A 100-watt iron can reach the desired soldering temperature in just five seconds. Inside the body of the iron is an accelerometer that detects whether the iron is idle or in the holder. If it does, it will automatically set it to cool down – hopefully squeezing some extra life out of the tip of the iron. If the iron falls out of your hand, it will cut the power to prevent any nasty accidents. There’s also an LED ring on the body that lets you know when the iron is cool enough to touch, warmed up, or ready to go.
You can use the iron with any USB-C power source capable of outputting 20W, but it will be set at the factory default temperature of 660f/350c. For even more control (and portability), you should pick up the FixHub Power Station, the company’s new 55Wh battery pack. It will output up to 100W of power simultaneously with one iron while charging enough juice or another USB-C device to power two irons simultaneously. On the front, if you need to adjust the temperature of the iron, you will get a display and a rotary knob that will allow you to control it.
Since this is iFixit, both products are modular and repairable, with the usual commitment to easy serviceability. The packaging even includes an iFixit screwdriver, which allows you to disassemble both products if necessary. The hope is that you’ll be able to repair the electronics you’ve had for decades.
iFixit will begin shipping its FixHub products to the US, Canada, Australia and Europe on October 15. The Smart Soldering Iron will set you back $80, while the Soldering Station, which includes a soldering iron and battery pack, will set you back $250. You can also buy a Soldering Tool Kit for $300, which includes the above, plus lots of accessories and supplies.
