Tool review: Iso-Tip 7700 Quick Charge Replaceable Soldering Iron

March 1, 2012

Quick charging times, easy tip replacement and ample illumination are at the top of this reviewer's list.

The Iso-Tip 7700 Quick Charge Rechargeable Soldering Iron offers convenient cordless operation complete with charging base. Reaching a high temperature of 900 degrees F in 10 seconds, this soldering iron works on up to 125 solder joints per charge. An isolated ceramic tip protects against component damage from electrical leakage, and a lighted tip illuminates work area. Twenty tips available to meet all soldering needs.

The review

Lou Fort, owner of K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg, IN, tested these rechargeable soldering irons.

"I have never had a soldering iron go from stone cold to soldering a connection in under a minute ever, until now."

Lou found the standard tips suited him fine, but he was even more impressed by the high-efficiency tips, and how quickly they heated.

"When I tried out the high-efficiency tip it felt like I was soldering at close to light speed," says Lou. "I can’t help but say ‘Man this thing gets hot, fast!"

Other features Lou really appreciated: the ease with which he could switch the soldering tips without any additional tools, and having a built-in lamp that was bright enough to provide ample illumination while he was soldering.

As far as improvements for the tool, Lou found the 'lock' switch moved a bit too easily, concerning him about accidently rotating the switch out of the 'lock' position. He also thought a safety cover to protect the soldering tip might help better protect users.

Lou mentioned last year, he was afraid to purchase a soldering iron to replace his benchtop soldering station. Now if he was faced with the same decision after using this soldering iron, he says he’d purchase the Iso-Tip Soldering Iron immediately.

"If anything ever happened to my 7700 I would drop everything and get a replacement headed my way pronto."

About the Author

Erica Schueller | Media Relations Manager | Navistar

Erica Schueller is the Media Relations Manager for Navistar.

Before joining Navistar, Schueller served as Editorial Director of the Endeavor Commercial Vehicle Group. The commercial vehicle group includes the following brands: American Trucker, Bulk Transporter, Fleet Maintenance, FleetOwner, Refrigerated Transporter, and Trailer/Body Builders brands.

An award-winning journalist, Schueller has reported and written about the vehicle maintenance and repair industry her entire career. She has received accolades for her reporting and editing in the commercial and automotive vehicle fields by the Truck Writers of North America (TWNA), the International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC), the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards and the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) Azbee Awards.

Schueller has received recognition among her publishing industry peers as a recipient of the 2014 Folio Top Women in Media Rising Stars award, acknowledging her accomplishments of digital content management and assistance with improving the print and digital products in the Vehicle Repair Group. She was also named one Women in Trucking’s 2018 Top Women in Transportation to Watch.

She is an active member of a number of industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), the Auto Care Association's Young Auto Care Networking Group, GenNext, and Women in Trucking.

In December 2018, Schueller graduated at the top of her class from the Waukesha County Technical College's 10-week professional truck driving program, earning her Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).

She has worked in the vehicle repair and maintenance industry since 2008.