iFixit - Answers With Device "Power Tool"

FixHub Portable Soldering Station: Is firmware 1.4.0 boot looping with error B02 & low 0% battery known?

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 20:01:38 -0700

Has anyone else experienced the following? Is this firmware issue known to those at iFixit working on FixHub?

I bought the FixHub soldering station kit sometime in February-March 2025, when the FixHub was still marked for pre-order (I think?), but was already on the shelves of Micro Center. I had only tried to turn it on for the first time after purchase yesterday (which in hindsight was an extreme misjudgement for quality checks of purchased tools that are relatively valuable). So, naturally I figured the battery probably drained out during that time.

I saw mentions of updating the FixHub's firmware via web searching, but I wasn't able to figure out how to do so until today. I was able to use the FixHub's web console page to update the FixHub to the latest version of 1.4.0. So, at least the FixHub wasn't dead on arrival.

However, 1.4.0 firmware version ends up in a very bad edge/corner case when the device is drained to 0%, has its firmware immediately updated to 1.4.0, and then attempts to charge its completely drained internal battery.

Generally FixHub will attempt to charge and the charging animation will come up, but eventually within 10-15 seconds encounter battery error B02/battery disconnected (though only once I saw it experience battery error B04/battery charging stopped for protection in the error logs part of the settings). (The FixHub error codes can be looked up here.) The FixHub will then turn itself off, and the empty battery icon will show when FixHub is turned off. If one attempts to turn of FixHub in this state, then the normal on menu will come up, but the battery icon will flash between completely empty (with just the battery outline) and the slightest line charge to show the 0% battery state. Due to this state, one can only get FixHub to navigate through the settings menu, but won't be able to heat up to solder. Not even using a non-PD cable of USB-A and USB-C could get the FixHub to begin charging past 0%.

I was able to resolve this issue by downgrading the firmware (or conducting a firmware downgrade attack, if the FixHub were to be used in a more stringent infosec scenario; but also not really because there was no firmware rollback protection in the first place) to the second latest firmware version 1.32, as I found the FixHub web console was still always able to work with the web serial interface. (Coincidentally, this reminds me of the web installer for Google Pixel/GrapheneOS, as these also seem to only work with Chromium-based browsers.) The process may have failed once at most, though I was able to simply refresh the FixHub web console page to start the process over again very quickly. Once I successfully flashed firmware version 1.3.2, then FixHub was able to charge with a "typical" GaN charger from 0% with no boot looping.

Although this is likely a rare edge case "in the field", if this issue can be reproduced, then I would recommend that this boot looping issue should be fixed in the next FixHub firmware release.

Update: I was able to upgrade the firmware from version 1.3.2 to 1.4.0 after the FixHub was fully charged. (I made sure to reset the battery health via the web console.) Before I upgraded the firmware and probably when the battery became fully charged (I wasn't home while it charged), the FixHub experienced a total of at least 4 consecutive B16 battery errors/battery warm (not hot). (The FixHub can only save a max of the latest 4 errors in the error log.) After about 2-3 failed attempts of upgrading the firmware from 1.3.2 to 1.4.0 (including when there was a false success result and the firmware stayed at 1.3.2), the FixHub was able to update to firmware 1.4.0. I will test to make sure the soldering functions work on the FixHub, to make sure the FixHub functions properly. If I don't make any further edits, then assume that the FixHub is working fine.

Final update: This issue seems to have been addressed in firmware version 1.4.2. According to the release notes for this version on August 8, 2025, the changelog on the console page states:

Fixed bootlooping errors that occurred when charging a dead battery
Improved accuracy of charge timer warnings
Minimized interruptions and clarified language regarding battery temperature errors

⟐ Edited by author 10月 22, 2025 at 20:01 GMT-7

FixHub Portable Soldering Station: FixHub won’t charge out of the box.

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 01:10:47 -0700

Just opened up my set I got as a gift. The iron works great but the hub won’t charge. I put it on a charger that reports draw and it just keeps cycling on an off at 0.1w. I also tried to connect it to my computer to see if the online tool worked but no luck. I have also tried 3 other usb c cables to no luck. I also took the unit apart and disconnected and reconnected the battery.

Guessing I may have a lemon but wanted to check here first…

⟐ Answer edited 7月 29, 2025 at 1:10 GMT-7

Dremel 4000: How can I keep my Dremel from overheating?

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 02:39:25 -0700

I've had my Dremel 4000 for over a year, and I've never had trouble with it. Recently though, I've noticed that the tool gets very hot after only a few minutes of use, and sometimes there is a faint burning smell. It functions well enough before it gets hot, and I don't hear any grinding when it is running. Any insight is appreciated.

⟐ Answer deleted 8月 04, 2020 at 2:39 GMT-7

FixHub Portable Power Station: Why cant my fixhub charge or connect to the web console?

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 08:31:34 -0700

My fixhub will not charge when plugged into the wall, doesn't charge by computer USB, and won't respond on the console website. I took it apart and when plugged in the mainboard's D4 LED blinks red, but otherwise the unit is unresponsive. Please advise!

⟐ Answer accepted 6月 13, 2025 at 8:31 GMT-7

FixHub Smart Soldering Iron: FixHub Web Console Connection Error on Ubuntu(Solved: user permission)

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:44:54 -0700

I was encountering a "Connection error" when trying to connect my FixHub Smart Soldering Iron to the web console at ifixit.com/fixhub/console. I am running Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS and using the latest Google Chrome browser.

The error message stated: "Make sure you do not already have another connection open and try again."

I tried the following troubleshooting steps without success:

Fresh boot with no other applications or browser tabs open.
Tried multiple USB ports.

The solution that worked for me was adding my user account to the dialout group. I used the command: sudo usermod -a -G dialout (replacing with my actual username). After running this command and then logging out and back in, I verified I was added to the group using groups and was then able to connect to the web console successfully after a reboot.

This seems to be a common permission issue on Linux systems for accessing serial ports.

⟐ Commented 1月 14, 2026 at 11:44 GMT-7

Black and Decker LDX172C: Why is my drill not charging?

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 10:25:17 -0700

I just bought my drill a few months ago, I went to use it today after it has set for a while and it wont drive my screw. I keep it plugged in over night before I know I am going to use it. Is it possible that I killed the battery? The drill has worked great up until now. Even with hours of charging the battery dies after three screws if I'm lucky.

⟐ Answer accepted 6月 19, 2024 at 10:25 GMT-7

FixHub Portable Power Station: FixHub Battery Error after updating firmware to 1.4.0

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:44:23 -0700

Recently unboxed a new ordered FixHub.

Outside the box, plugged into a USB-PD charger, the screen did not work.

Followed up with online tech documents, plugged in the device to my PC, and visited FixHub Console, which successfully detected the device. After being prompted to update to firmware 1.4.0, the screen finally turned on. The device shows a charging animation. After a while, to see if the battery would charge >0%, the device screen flashed "Battery Error, tool shutdown". When Attempted to plug into a USB-PD charger, a similar error popped up.

Replugged it into the PC, following the same instructions to update the firmware to 1.4.0 (again), and was notified of a successful update (again). However, the same Battery Error fault persisted.

I submitted a ticket to support under "other", but I'm unsure if that was the correct choice. I'm submitting a question here in case this is the correct method.

⟐ Commented 7月 22, 2025 at 11:44 GMT-7

FixHub Portable Soldering Station: What does "Tool Error Actuator Fault" mean?

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 18:29:31 -0700

This is the first day I have used the soldering station. It mostly worked well, but one time I got: "Tool Error: Actuator Fault"

What does this mean, and how can I prevent it from happening in the future?

The battery was fully charged when I started, and was about 75% when I finished for the day.

Also, probably related, several times when I turned the power station on with the soldering iron connected, I got this screen:

What can I do about this? It went away when I power cycled.

⟐ Commented 7月 23, 2025 at 18:29 GMT-7

Black and Decker Air Station: Pump needs a new valve.

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:16:47 -0700

I have a very old Black & Decker Air Station. It's an electric air pump great for pumping up car tires etc. So despite being probably 20 years old, it still works great, with one catch. Like most pump valves, when you flip the lever back, it squishes a piece of rubber that squeezes the valve of the tube/wheel, which creates the seal. Well after 20 years, the rubber in my valve is completely dry-rotted. If I could get a new valve, this old pump would be as good as new. But as it stands now, you can't use the pump because all the air the pump tries to put in the tube, just escapes out of the pump's poor seal around the tube's valve.

Some pictures:

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

⟐ Commented 9月 22, 2022 at 0:16 GMT-7

FixHub Portable Power Station: PowerStation bricked after firmware update

Thu, 22 May 2025 11:56:24 -0700

Hi,

I just purchased my FixHub Soldering Toolkit today and decided to upgrade to the latest firmware. It came with 1.0.3 and after upgrading to 1.0.7 it no longer detected the soldering iron. I decided to downgrade back to 1.0.3, but this errored during the 'resetting device' stage after it uploaded the firmware.

The display no longer shows anything at all and the device seems to not power on. I opened it and disconnected the battery for 10 minutes then reconnected it and tried to power it on with no luck.

I can put the device into DFU mode by holding down the silver knob while connecting a USB cable to the back port. It will load up in the web console, but it still shows 1.0.7 on the device and no downgrades succeed nor will the device power on.

Please help!

⟐ Commented 5月 22, 2025 at 11:56 GMT-7

DeWalt DC970: Why won't my battery charge?

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:36:00 -0700

My battery will not charge even when it is hooked up to the charger.

⟐ Answer edited 6月 19, 2025 at 12:36 GMT-7

RIDGID R84015 X2: Chuck is stuck and will not turn

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 07:49:25 -0700

I went to use my drill the other day and when I went to put a bit in the teeth, the chuck would not move. I could not get the teeth to move at all, and the chuck would not turn. I thought maybe it was just stuck and thought about putting something in there to loosen things up, but my father-in-law was afraid it might get into the electrical parts. Any information on how to get this unstuck would be helpful. Thanks!

⟐ Answered 9月 17, 2023 at 7:49 GMT-7

Dremel 4000: Why is my Dremel is making loud squealing noises when in use?

Sat, 27 May 2023 19:53:34 -0700

When I use my Dremel it makes loud squealing noises, the faster it spins the louder it gets.

⟐ Commented 5月 27, 2023 at 19:53 GMT-7

FixHub Portable Power Station: My brand new power station will not power up or charge.

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:54:02 -0700

I received the power station two weeks ago but due to holidays been unable to check it out until today.

I am unable to turn on the power station. It does not seem to do anything after pressing the action button. Also tried the 10 second hard reset but nothing happens.

After hours of charging nothing happens. There is supposed to be a battery icon displayed while charging but the screen remains black.

I tested with different -verified working- USB-C chargers and cables but nothing work.

Any suggestions?

⟐ Commented 10月 28, 2025 at 7:54 GMT-7

FixHub Portable Soldering Station: Misaligned Firmware Error in Fix It Hub Console (v1.4.0)

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:59:46 -0700

Firmware version 1.4.0 is consistently triggering a "misaligned firmware" error in the Fix It Hub Console.

I’ve confirmed that both the Smart Station and the Iron are running firmware version 1.4.0. However, when I downgrade both devices to version 1.3.2, the error disappears.

I believe this may be a false error. When I check the firmware directly from the Smart Station’s menu, it correctly reports that both the Smart Station and the Iron are on version 1.4.0.

However, when I click on the error message in the Fix It Hub Console, it shows the Iron firmware as blank, while the Hub firmware still shows 1.4.0.

I’ve also tested this on a second computer to rule out a browser issue, and the behavior is the same.

Any thoughts on what might be causing this?

⟐ Commented 7月 29, 2025 at 0:59 GMT-7

TBK 958c Laser tool: TBK 958A missing iPhone 8 file. How to find...

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 03:52:41 -0700

I got my laser back glass removal machine to make a successful run the first time around on a test iPhone 8 cracked back glass and it worked fine.

But the second time around when I try to select the iPhone 8 file nothing appears. Is there any way I can recover this file somehow?

Does my TBK 958c have a software issue?

⟐ Commented 8月 26, 2023 at 3:52 GMT-7

Black and Decker BDEDMT: How can I switch the direction on the drill?

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 06:45:30 -0700

I need to unscrew a misplaced screw but I don't know how to switch it into a reverse position.

⟐ Commented 12月 06, 2022 at 6:45 GMT-7

Dremel MultiPro 395: Why is my Device not turning on?

Fri, 17 Oct 2014 09:50:00 -0700

I plugged My MultiPro in and no matter what I do it will not turn on. The bit will not rotate and the device seems to not be getting power at all. Can this be fixed?

⟐ Answered 10月 17, 2014 at 9:50 GMT-7

Dremel 8200: No Power coming from tool

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:55:23 -0700

I was cutting a sheet of paneling and the tool stopped and the 3 battery indicating light on the tool was flashing 1 at a time so i plugged in the battery and set to charge and after charged the same 3 lights on the tool were still blinking and still no power to the tool

⟐ Commented 10月 01, 2025 at 5:55 GMT-7

Dremel 4000: Stopped working, brushes look fine. What might be wrong?

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 01:20:21 -0700

I was cutting a ridge in a board, stopped inbetween to sand and check if it is wide enough to fit my board and the dremel just wouldn't turn back on. I opened it because I thought there might be dirt inside but not really. The brushes are still 1/2 inch+ so it can't be that and tested on different outlets.

⟐ Answered 8月 12, 2024 at 1:20 GMT-7