News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system. Parent comment

Re:Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering... by bangaladore on Thursday September 12, 2024 @04:05PM (#41524925)
I can guarantee it is leagues better. Frankly, I won't solder anymore unless it is with a direct-heat iron. They heat up instantly, cool down quickly, provide far better thermal transfer, and are much more comfortable to hold.

Don't brush off what I'm saying before you try a direct-heat iron (Hakko sells them, Pace does, and JBC is the gold standard). They are usually expensive from the big names, but even a Pinecil direct-heat iron for $30$ would be many times better than non-direct-heat irons.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering... by globular-toast on Thursday September 12, 2024 @04:26PM (#41525146)
Is the OP one a direct heat iron?
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering... by bangaladore on Thursday September 12, 2024 @04:32PM (#41525213)
Yes. The easiest way to tell is the soldering "tip" is much more than a tip. It's a cartridge. [1]

[1] https://hackaday.com/2024/09/12/review-ifixits-fixhub-may-be...

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering... by epiccoleman on Thursday September 12, 2024 @06:18PM (#41526225)
Oh man, I don't need to hear this. When I got my FX-888 I was blown away by the difference between it and the cheapo Radio Shack style one I had muddled through with as a teen. And now, for only $200 or so, I can get something that's another step change?

I don't even know when I last soldered and that's still tempting at a deep-seated nerd level.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering... by talldayo on Thursday September 12, 2024 @07:11PM (#41526619)
I can't recommend a Pinecil enough. It's cheap as chips and basically has all the best features of other irons I've used. No complaints, I've half a mind to stockpile them and hand them out as gifts to nerd-inclined friends.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering... by epiccoleman on Thursday September 12, 2024 @09:12PM (#41527244)
$30? $30?!

You got me. Pinecil is en route. Thanks for the recommendation!

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering... by talldayo on Friday September 13, 2024 @12:18AM (#41527992)
Enjoy! Best hidden feature is the Bluetooth connectivity that lets you dial in precise controls from your phone or browser. It's definitely a keeper, and doubles as "that one RISC-V thing I own" when your nerd friends drop by.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering... by javchz on Friday September 13, 2024 @10:07PM (#41536941)
Me too, I used to think I hated soldering, until I tried a proper solder station in a shop, but for the amount of repairs I do, I couldn't justify spend 200 in something like that, but this PINECIL sounds like a great middle ground.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering... by talldayo on Saturday September 14, 2024 @12:09AM (#41537408)
It's pretty nice. The key is to have a high enough wattage USB that you can feed it over 50w for a quick heatup, in my experience. I use a fast charger brick I bought for my phone and it works like a charm.
[ Parent | on HN ]