Hakko FX-888D Soldering Station

[Crawdad]

After Christmas I ended up with some Crapazon (sorry, I mean Amazon) bucks that I had to decide how to best use. After careful deliberation (gave me a headache) I settled on this one. And I'm very glad I did. I can't rightly call this a review, it wouldn't be fair to compare the Hakko to the cheap irons I had before and I'm not experienced enough, but it's a night and day difference for me.

Every component feels and operates like it was well thought out and well made.
Both components take up very little desk/table space.
As advertised the iron heats from room temp to solder-ready in about 15-20 seconds.
Temperature controls are simple to use, reaches new temps quickly.

The iron itself is sturdy but light weight, cord is flexible and light. Never pulls you off the work.
The iron holder is solid and well designed, convenient for tip cleaning and tinning. Stays where you put it.

Hakko offers a good range of reasonably priced tip styles/replacements. SMD stuff too. All in all I feel it's a great little unit and worth every bit of just over a C-note. It's helped me to do things I was uncomfortable or even unable to do before. Hopefully this helps anyone out there who struggles a bit with their soldering like I used to and is on the fence.
There are YouTube videos out there that show details of the unit to check to make sure you don't get stuck with a counterfeit full of Chinesium. It also may pay to make certain you're buying one from an authorized US distributor.

73 to all

 

[NightThumper]

Nice write up Rick. That’s a great purchase that will give years of outstanding service.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

I have been thinking about a decent solder station myself but I just cannot get over the idea that the new Hakko's look like they were made by Fisher Price.

 

[Crawdad]

I have been thinking about a decent solder station myself but I just cannot get over the idea that the new Hakko's look like they were made by Fisher Price.

Looks like you'd inflate the tires on your Playskool car with it. It's not hard to find where you left it.

You won't be disappointed with one if you can get past the colors and fall off the fence.

 

[Cabover Bob]

I have been thinking about a decent solder station myself but I just cannot get over the idea that the new Hakko's look like they were made by Fisher Price.

Hmmmmm.............

 

[Handy Andy]

I have been thinking about a decent solder station myself but I just cannot get over the idea that the new Hakko's look like they were made by Fisher Price.

It's for when the Magic Smoke gets let out, you can locate the source of the problem in the haze it leaves behind.

 

[Smokinone]

I've had the analog version for years and I am quite happy with it...Fisher Price or not.
I have also had great luck with the 880 de-soldering gun

 

[Eldorado828]

I've owned that unit for a about 3 years now and it works wonderfully. Not sure why they went with that color scheme but aside from that your write up is right on.

 

[928bolo]

I have one, but a very basic one. The temp control is very accurate. Great value. Mine is probably 15 years old. Looks awful but works great.

 

[Crawdad]

I have one, but a very basic one. The temp control is very accurate. Great value. Mine is probably 15 years old. Looks awful but works great.

This one also looks awful but works great. 15 years says quite a bit about the quality, eh? Be more than happy if I get that much.

 

[Jim AYU]

Hello - My first post on the forum.
I got a FX-888D last Dec. to replace my old soldering station that finally quit after 20-some years. I've been looking at the Hakko for a couple of years and now that I have it, I am very pleased.
I agree, the 888 looks unconventional, but once you use it, it's nothing but quality and performance. Great soldering station

 

[Keto]

This is what a buddy of mine bought a year or two ago and I've got one on the way now.