Customer Reviews
ColdHeat Soldering Tool... it leaves me cold 
2008-08-10
A few years ago, MAKE Magazine had an interesting write up on the original ColdHeat Soldering Tool (which was sold under the Radio Shack name), along with a discount coupon. I picked one up for light soldering tasks, and found it to be quite handy, though it went through sets of 4 AA alkaline batteries like a big V8 engine in a large car sucks down hi-test gasoline. More on batteries later.
Had bought extra tips with the original unit, and after a period, the original tip cracked, so I replaced it. Was fascinated with the "cold-heat" concept, so I looked it up and found that the tips were made of a patented, resistive, composite material that had the ability to reach temperatures of 800 degrees Fahrenheit in seconds, then then cool back down to room temperature in seconds. These tips are fragile, and can break with minimal pressure if you're not careful.
I had loaned my original ColdHeat Soldering Tool to someone, and it became "lost somewhere" so I just used my conventional and very basic Weller 25 Watt Soldering Iron Kit for most tasks, meaning to replace it at some point.
Then I found this great deal on the ColdHeat 20115 Cordless Soldering Tool with Bonus Wire Stripper, and figured that the bonus wire stripper clinched what I thought was a good deal. Also noticed that there were some pretty bad reviews, but decided to ignore them. Most of the complaints were about the tips breaking easily and frequently, and at about $[...] each, this could get costly. But I threw caution to the wind and ordered it, relying on past experience with the product.
It came in within days, and I was pleased to see it, as it was needed for a particular simple wire repair job that had cropped up. The clear plastic "security" packaging was almost ridiculous to get into, then I took out the so-called "Bonus Wire Stripper." This was a cheaply-made product, and one could see that it probably might work for very light tasks. Then I carefully opened the rest of the heavily-sealed package and took out the new ColdHeat 20115 Cordless Soldering Tool...
I never got a chance to even put the batteries into it, because the standard bevel tip was broken... one side of it was obviously missing, broken off before it was even packaged.
This indication of poor quality control is a bit disturbing in what should be a good product. In 2004 this very same ColdHeat product was a Red Dot Award winner in the Industry and Crafts/Tools category. It's clear that after such an auspicious beginning, somebody dropped the ball here. It's said that there's supposed to be a "New Bevel II Tip" that is said to be "15x stronger" but I can't find any valid information available on that.
Furthermore, if you visit their site (www.coldheat.com) as of this date, you'll find the following:
- ColdHeat Soldering Tool: Unavailable
- ColdHeat Pro Soldering Tool: Unavailable
- Soldering Tools Tip Accessories: Unavailable
So is this product any good at all? Sort of, if it's used for small- to medium-sized connections that are mechanically solid and well supported.
Pros:
- Relatively inexpensive, around $[...]
- Uses standard AA alkaline batteries (but see note below)
- Has a decent carrying case
Cons:
- Tips are very fragile and expensive - about $[...] each
- White LED light is hidden under the unit - hard to see
- Solder joints are not clean and smooth
- It's potentially dangerous to ICs because it arcs and sparks
- It's not ESD safe, and should not be used on circuit boards
If you do decide to buy this product, it's advisable that you consider getting the ColdHeat 60004 Soldering Tool Replacement Tips - 3 Pack, as they will be needed, and hopefully later than sooner.
Note regarding the batteries: the specs claim that it "solders up to 700 joints per battery set." I would argue that figure face to face with one of their engineers, even with new, premium AA alkaline cells. Was never able to get anywhere near 1/3 any 700 solder joints. And don't think of using rechargeable NiCad or Ni-MH cells with this unit, as there seems to be the potential for fire and/or explosion if you do.
As much as I would have liked to give this product a four or five star rating, I can't, for there are too many things going against it.
mmm..not so great, but ok 
2008-04-15
In a nutshell:
I broke the tip too. The tool is pretty handy and works well for light duty and goofing around stuff. I would recommend IF it came with stronger or assorted tips - alas, it was not meant to be...
More info if your still interested:
The soldering iron comes with the tip that looks like a split hoof (II) so those two tiny prongs are especially fragile. The tool actually works really nice once you get the hang of it; the concept is a little different as it uses a concentrated electrical charge to heat the metals so you only need to press hard enough to make that connection - any harder is wasted energy and WILL damage the tip. The other tips are somewhat stronger because they have single points instead of the 2 prong hoof. (um, fyi: $10/tip + S&H)
If you are mindful not to put pressure on the tip, it will be fine. I dropped mine. Interestingly enough, it still works but I have to hold it at a funny angle to make the connection.
Random tips not related to tips:
-Use the smallest solder you have available. Remember, it works with the electrical charge, not heat. I use .032 60/40 Rosin Core Solder.
-Fresh brand name batteries are always the way to go. This tool likes lots of power and will loose effectiveness well before the batteries are spent. Change them out with fresh and put the half used batteries in a remote.
Don't do it!! 
2008-03-25
Total junk. Tip broke in first 5 seconds.
Bought new tips. Second tip lasted about a minute but broke as I was trying to maneuver it to a better angle. 3rd tip lasted long enough for me to get a semi-soldered joints that snapped with mild pressure on the wire.
Threw it in the trash.
Believe the reviews
Had to write a review for this 2008-03-09
This product is useless. I have used both electric and butane soldering irons with great success. I was intrigued with the idea of an iron that is not constantly hot while not in use and instantly available when needed. Unfortunately if it is unable the successfully solder and only produces cold joints then it is of no use.
ColdHeat Designed to Soldier NOTHING ! 2008-02-20
I'm an electronics technician with 35 years experience at constantly soldiering.
This is the sorriest product I've ever wasted my money on!
I wouldn't buy 10 of them for a nickel !
If you want to get really pissed off, then this is the product for you !
Junk 2008-01-01
Product is junk. I bought this for mobility but it simply doesnt deliver. Very difficult to get a good solder. The tip cools off too quick and your left with cold joints. It wont even solder at times due to wire thickness or metal type. Total waste of money.
Difficult 2007-12-18
Wirestripper is great but the soldering tool is very difficult to get a correct soldering joint. Maybe try a better model.
