I have used Wahl (Editor’s note: Wahl = Iso-Tip) Cordless Soldering irons for many years. But the one issue I notice is the push button to press the contacts together to make a connection to the batteries. It seems that there is no positive contact for that connection. In taking the unit apart, there is a plastic button that pushes the contacts together. In making a connection to supply a large amount of current to heat up the tip, I think a knife blade type of connection would work better. I know space is limited, but it could be done. I am a long-time Solidworks user and thought I might be able to model the connection redesign. Even if the iron was a little higher in height as it lays on a flat surface there would be more room for the improved switch contact. I am presently using a Model 7700 which I have altered slightly. I’ve had it for two years and the batteries are still taking a charge. You do have a good product if only there was a better way of making a connection. I noticed that the contact points get corroded/pitted. I cleaned these with a small flat file. The issue you are dealing with is supplying probably more than two amps to heat up the tip and how to make the best connection in a positive way, but the push button is not the best way. Let me know your thoughts on this. Thank you. – Robert

We agree with Robert on his assessment of the current contact arrangement. But before making any significant redesigns we want to give ourselves a few years of really managing the product line and getting to know how we can best improve it. In the mean time, we’d love to learn of any and all improvements you’d make to the line.

Now, without further ado,  it’s time to find the contact points. Open up your rechargeable soldering iron by unscrewing the casing so that you’re looking at something like this:

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Locate the contact points and then file away any corrosion to keep the connection clean and your iron working like new.
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It’s always the little things that make a difference, isn’t it? Thanks so much for sharing your insight Robert! What do you guys think? Have improvement ideas for the Iso-Tip line? What do you do to maintain your soldering iron?

Good news! (Especially for those of you with older Iso-Tip soldering irons.) We’ve learned that Batteries Plus can rebuild old Iso-Tip batteries. So, if you happen to own a model we no longer manufacture, Batteries Plus may be able to help extend the tool’s life by rebuilding the battery. One of our fellow Wisconsinites passed on that little tid-bit of information after he had his 7500 series rebuilt in November. (Thank you, Steve!) And with more than 380 locations in 43 states, you sure to find a Batteries Plus near you. For location information, visit their website.

Do you have an older Iso-Tip soldering iron? After all these years, how do you keep it maintained and in working order? Inquiring minds want to know.

You think you know, but you don’t. Watching this talk by Mike Rowe, the host of the Discover Channel’s Dirty Jobs, will make you think twice about what you think you know. Ah…to be humbled by experience. Classic.

Where can I find replacement parts for Iso-Tip products?
Check out our Products Page for more info.

What products are in the Iso-Tip line?
Check out our Products Page for the full line-up.

How do I return something?
Check out our RMA Page to discover how it’s done.

Need More Help?

We are in the office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. CST. Contact us how you see fit:

Email: info@Iso-Tip.com

Phone: (715) 831-6353

Fax: (419) 818-0897

Mail: Iso-Tip, 704 Bartlett Avenue, Altoona, WI 54720

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The customer, John, was looking for a replacement lamp socket. This is our part #W00176-100.

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He found a really good version of it at Radio Shack.  The Radio Shack version has an isolated mounting tab so it can even be screwed to the housing to secure it better.

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We have not tested it here yet so standard legalease / common sense applies – use at your own risk.  That said we have one on order so we’ll find out soon enough.

Also we are making more and more parts available for folks to fix their own units or for making other stuff. We’ll be selling the W00176-100 at $0.45 each if anybody needs one.

So go on! Burn things. Torch stuff. Make your friends jealous. What else is there – that is (of course) aside from the plethora of feature-filled insightful details below?

Aforementioned plethora of feature-filled insightful details:

• Piezo wind-resistant and water-proof auto-ignition system
• Up to 30 minutes of continuous operation
• Instant 2400°F pinpoint flame
• Refillable .18 ounce (5 gram) transparent fuel tank
• Blue LED light glows while torch is ignited
• Operates using butane fuel only
• Packaged with full fuel tank
• Fuel tank fill-valve centered on the easy-to-use twist flame adjuster
• Protective flip-open cap
• 1″ key chain with 7/8″ hoop
• Pocket-sized: 1.4″ long, 2.8″ high, .8″ deep
• Weight (when filled): 1.6 ounces (46 grams)
• Handy amusing instructions and insightful smart aleck warnings included (see below)

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Ready to add the Smart Torch Titan to your line up? As a cross between a disposable lighter and professional torch, this high-style and high-performance tool is perfect as a gift, promotional give-away or addition to your tool box. Plus, by ordering now you’ll get to look forward to receiving a bubble-wrapped package in a few days – and you know that’s exciting.

Just imagine this:

in bubble wrap. Enough said. Except you may want to know that the model number for the Smart Torch Titan is 9004, list price is $9.95 and you can order by clicking here.

So, what do you think of the Smart Torch Titan? Any place in particular where you’d like to see it sold? How have you used the tool? Do tell!

1. Call (715) 831-6353 to receive an authorization code.
   (If your product is out of warranty, Iso-Tip will need to obtain repair or replacement payment at this time. No payment information is necessary for products under warranty.)
2. Write a note describing the defect.
3. Attach the original receipt or gift receipt to the note.
4. Write your authorization code on the note.
5. Mail tool, charger (if applicable) and note to: Iso-Tip, ATTN: Returns, 704 Bartlett Avenue, Altoona, WI 54720. (You are finacially responsible for shipping the defective product to Iso-Tip. If the product is under warranty, Iso-Tip will pay for shipping charges to return a working product to you. If the product is not under warranty, you will pay for all shipping charges.)

1. The tool is modified in any manner.
2. The tool is repaired by anyone other than Iso-Tip.
3. The tool has been subjected to unreasonable use.

Are there any more details available for Iso-Tip’s one-year limited warranty?
Why yes, yes there are more details. Thanks for asking. Here they are: This warranty gives you specific rights and you may also have more rights which may vary from state to state. No other written express warranty is given. Any implied warranty which may arise from purchase or use is limited to the one-year period provided in this express warranty. Some states may not allow such limitations. No responsiblity is assumed for incidental or consequential damages of any type or for the use of unauthorized attachments. Some states do not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the limitation or exclusion many not apply to you. Warranty valid only in the United States. This warranty does not cover worn out parts.

Looking for more insight?
Check out our FAQs Page.

Take a look at the Iso-Tip website we inherited from Wahl Clipper in December 2008.

Really.

And so four months later in April 2009, we came up with this:

It’s not bad, but we wanted more interaction with you. So we lauched this blog, which, as you may have noticed has taken over our old Iso-Tip website.

And here we are, 12 months into ownership of Iso-Tip and starting a blog. It’s exciting. We have lots of great things planned for it. You can comment on and share any of our posts, become our fan on facebook and follow us on Twitter. Once we get the Hack Advice page up and running, you’ll be able to add your two cents there. We’ll be uploading videos, adding a How To page, product pictures (clever, right?), a full online store (eventually…for now you can find most everything through our link on Amazon or from our wonderful distributors) and a whole lot more. The plan is to create an enthusiastic community where  you’ll be able to find and share insight on all things related to Iso-Tip.

Have ideas or some great blogging advice for this site? We’d love to hear it!