THE HOT HOLDER
© 2025 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
(Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.)
THE HOT HOLDER is a multi-purpose device available in several configurations depending on your use. It was originally designed to aid technicians that repair various electronic equipment. However, it soon became a tool used for many different purposes. One such purpose is in the jewelry business. Applications here range from an easy way to mount items for cleaning and/or repair, or soldering. While not originally designed with this in mind it certainly demonstrates how versatile THE HOT HOLDER has become. Let’s look at the original purpose which was as a soldering tool to aid technicians in working with circuit boards. Such tasks involve the need to position a circuit board, or component, such as a plug, jack or other item so it can easily be soldered. In this application I loaned a couple of sample HOT HOLDERS to CRS COMPUTER REPAIR SYSTEMS in Clearwater Florida for their testing and results. So, the comments expressed below are a result of their use and experience in repairing computer circuit boards, etc.
CRS found THE HOT HOLDER to be a great little tool assistant for holding items in place for inspection, and/or solder repairs. This tool has a small, but solid gel like base that has numerous convenient cutouts allowing you to set components and tools like picks and tweezers in them for easy access while actively working on a printed circuit board and soldering, or troubleshooting a failure point. It allows you to keep a hand free from having to hold what you’re working on. The unit does not get hot while working on items which is a big plus preventing burnt fingers, etc. The base is hard and flexible with a slot that you can put a pc board into that gets held tightly in position to easily be worked on. It is great for troubleshooting printed circuit boards, or power supplies. However, large boards are generally too big for the models tested and CRS suggest that larger models be considered and offered. It works very well with miscellaneous household items too. Bottom line, it’s light weight, easy to work with, has plenty of spots to hold tools while working, heat resistant and has a gel surface that is anti-slip. In short, a great tool that helps keep one’s hands free easily making for a replacement of a third hand and therefor an awesome tool to use for many purposes including non electronic!
MSRP: Depends on model
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★
For more information go to: TheHotHolder.com
Graphic credits: THE GADGETEER
Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.
Check out Bob’s Social Media pages for up to the minute gadget news. Available at:
bob-the-gadgeteer.bsky.social & https://twitter.com/bskidmore
