Hoto makes some of the more interesting compact tools out there with their Snapbloq line, whose offerings include battery-powered screwdrivers, drills, and rotary tools, all in very portable sizes. This time around, they’re turning their attention to another popular tool for makers and electronic tinkerers in the form of the Hoto Snapbloq Cordless Soldering Iron.
That’s right, the guys who make those Sharpie-sized cordless drills are making a cordless soldering iron now. Like their rotary tools, it’s designed to be used fully untethered, allowing you to fix electronics, build complex circuits, and repair small metal items without having to deal with dangling wires the way you would with a regular soldering setup.
The Hoto Snapbloq Cordless Soldering Iron takes on a similar form factor as other tools in the line, coming in a Sharpie-like shape that makes it easy to hold in hand just like a chunky marker. It also has the same removable tips as other tools in the Snapbloq line, allowing it to collapse into a more compact size for easier transport. The tip, by the way, is a C245-KU, which is traditionally used for drag-soldering multi-pin chips, working in narrow gaps, and general PCB repair. It has a small display on the body right between the power button and a paddle control that you can use to change the temperature in 10 degree Fahrenheit increments, making it easy to adjust temperature on the fly.
The soldering iron can reach temperatures of up to 840 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to get hot enough that it should melt any kind of materials you’re working with at any time. Do note, it can only run at up to 60W power output when running cordless, although that jumps up to 140W when you plug it in via a USB-C connection. According to the outfit, the tip can heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit in just three seconds, although we’re guessing it can only heat up at that rate when plugged in. Still, pretty impressive
The Hoto Snapbloq Cordless Soldering Iron comes with a built-in menu that lets you choose what unit to work with (Celsius or Fahrenheit), handedness (whether you’re using left or right hand), and idle time before triggering auto-sleep (five to 60 minutes). It also lets you save up to three temperature presets, which you can easily cycle through by pressing the paddle. When you power it up from sleep, by the way, it automatically resumes the last temperature it’s set at, which should be plenty convenient.
It’s equipped with a smart PID algorithm that, the outfit claims, keeps temperature stable within a two-degree range the whole time, ensuring all delicate components are duly protected. Inside, it houses a 2,000 mAh battery, which is the primary reason for its big, chunky profile, with the USB-C cable able to fully charge the battery in just 45 minutes. Other features include built-in safety features (high-temp warning and auto-shutoff), a protective cap that triggers immediate shutoff when fully screwed over the tip, a non-slip textured grip, and a built-in lamp to illuminate whatever you’re working on.
The Hoto Snapbloq Cordless Soldering Iron is available now, priced at $79.99.
