Electronics Soldering Mobile Workshop

As occasional electronics enthusiasts, we like to solder kits, or try to repair things.

We do not have a dedicated place for soldering, and are each time chasing after our essential stuff:

• The soldering iron
• Small tools, multimeter
• Parts and supplies
• A good light
• An extension cord

The inspiration and solution came with a toolbox including three drawers. (One got sacrificed.)
This post shows how it got turned into a mobile electronics workshop.

Step 1: Needed Stuff

1. Cheap toolbox with drawers
2. Mini neon light
3. Power strip
4. Extension chord
5. Small hinges
6. Aluminum bar
7. Small bolts+washers+nuts (M3 is okay), or rivets

Step 2: Front Panel

Cut the plastic plate to size, to cover the front side (drawers). Install hinges, using small bolts+washers+nuts (M3 is okay), or rivets.

Bend and tighten an aluminum bar, that will serve as a bracket to maintain the front plate in open position, using the padlock holes.

Step 3: Neon Light

On the inner side of the front plate, install the brackets for the neon light.

When the front plate is folded down, the neon comes at the height of the middle (removed) drawer.

Step 4: Cables Compartment

In the top part, there is some room under the removable tools tray.

We'll use it for the power strip, and to store the extension cord.

The holes will allow the cable to go through the box. Another hole in the floor is for the soldering iron's cord.

Step 5: Parts Compartment

The top drawer is reserved for small parts.

One division is cut out, to allow the soldering iron's cord to pass.

Step 6: Tools Tray

The top removable tray is just used (unmodified) for tools.

Step 7: Bottom Drawer

The bottom drawer is used for the soldering iron.

Step 8: Finished Product

It's done. Enjoy !

Comments

[CMoz]

The light as part of this is genius! Love it so much. Thanks for sharing.

[Changqi Xu]

Dear Sir/Madam,

We are looking for a mini solder iron, tip size like, 1 mm x 3 mm. Do you have anything like? Or do you know anybody who can make such a solder iron. My email, chqixu at yahoo.com. Welcome any comments and suggestions. Thank you so much.

Best regards,

CX

[Ahmedfarag36]

You are awesome man,perfect design but it depends on components' size of course and matching them together.

[el_duderino]

Very cool. I wish I could find a suitable toolbox!

[makeosaurus]

Where can I buy the toolbox???

[eskoog1]

5 stars great use of common items at low cost!

[lorogan]

Where can I get the Tool box? Seems like a good one for my 2nd version

[jhawkins14]

This is exactly what i was looking for. I totally need something like this.

[lorogan]

K. Just got the reply email in USA, its 6:53 AM. Gettin ready for mid-term exams... I'll take pics later

[lorogan]

Made it. Sawed out a side, attached a hinge to it. Opens n closes easily.

[laxap]

Great! Please post a photo to get a patch :-)

[lorogan]

This. Is. Genius.


Thank you very much for this... Where did you get the toolbox? And how much did this all cost?

[SparkySolar]

Thank you for your Instructable

Nice job.

Rima

[SparkySolar]

Thank you for your Instructable

Nice job.

Rima

[electrik77]

Very good Idea!!!!

[judemo1964]

Genial amigo, me resuelve un dolor de cabeza.

graciassssssssssssss

[mtosmond]

Awesome project. It's a good idea, and your build quality is excellent. It looks clean and sturdy. Thanks for sharing!

[oakironworker]

very clever I like it and it looks very cool

[wkearney99]

Clever idea, but I'd never, ever use a plastic toolbox for this. The heat coming up from a decent soldering iron would likely deform the plastic drawer you have shown in that picture. If not right away, eventually. Plastic burns rather toxic too. Use a metal box and you're a lot safer.

That and make sure you've got enough clearance to properly stow the cables. You don't want to have to cram them in there too tightly and have them get frayed, again to avoid the fire or electrocution risks.

I second the recommendation to allow for a magifying glass and clips setup.

A long time ago I discovered it's VERY convenient having a separate toolbox for some tasks. While it's likely better, long term, to put your tools away, for short term work it's great having different toolboxes for different tasks. I've had an electronics one for ages with everything but the soldering iron in it. Same thing with one for plumbing.

[laxap]

Thanks for the remark. The plastic question was indeed in the back of my mind.

In practice, the plastic did not turn out to be an issue. Provided not in a closed space, the heat dissipates quite well, and, for the proof you can approach your hand from the tip by a few inches and barely sense the heat.

After usage, just let it cool down as you do usually on its holder.