iStick TC40W fire button starting to miss…repair?

[Scott Eldo]

Hi guys,
My istick TC40W, which I really like, has developed a problem: occasionally I'll hit the button and nothing will happen. Take the finger off and press again, it works. I'd say this is happening one out of every 5-10 presses. Button seems to be failing somehow. I'm out of warranty. Should I disassemble it and try to clean out or otherwise fix the button? Looks like the chrome top and bottom caps can be removed with alan keys. Or is that a waste of time and I should just buy a new one? Thanks!
Scott

 

[Scott Eldo]

p.s. Sorry if I'm posting in the wrong forum/subforum. Please move the thread if that'd be better. And if there's a thread on this issue that I couldn't find in my search before posting, please direct me to it.

 

[KineticMind]

I had an Innokin VTR that had the same issues and I never bothered taking it apart. Besides that small issue, it worked fine for the nearly two years I used it. Still works now, I just have other I prefer using.

If you are mechanically inclined, you could pull the board and button apart to see if you could find the problem in the contact points, but it's easy to irreparably damage components on those small boards, so you could end up doing more damage than good if you're not careful.

 

[Scott Eldo]

Thanks KM. I figured it was tricky. Curious if anyone has ever actually tried something similar and if they failed or succeeded. Because I get the feeling this battery will be a paperweight eventually.

 

[Chuck64]

There was mention of this in the istick 50w owners group complete with pictures and fixes. I can't imagine there is much difference in the build. Only problem is that thread is over 100 pages long. It's in the second half I think. OK here it is. Second half of page.

 

[Chuck64]

Also here.

 

[Scott Eldo]

That is precisely the kind of info I was hoping for, Chuck. Thanks a lot. The TC40w is slightly different, of course, but I've found some disassembly videos for the iStick 30w too. Hopefully by combining the info available for the 50 and 30, I can figure it out. I'll take notes and pictures when I get around to this. Need a new Torx screwdriver.
And, does anyone know where I can buy replacement torx screws for my TC40w? I assume newer iSticks use the same ones. Because the screws on my TC40w look corroded. Thanks again.

 

[Scott Eldo]

p.s. Also of note about the TC40w: the fire button is circular and spins freely. In fact, both the fire button and the circular frame under it spin. My TC60w has square metal button, which may correct a design flaw in the 40.

 

[classwife]

Moved to Temperature Control

 

[Ronald3638]

Taking the TC40W apart is a little different from the 20 and 30 watt in that you must first remove the fire button by getting your finger nails under the ring surrounding the button and pulling it out, then remove the screws that hold the top and bottom plates on.
Now you can remove the plastic that holds the remaining buttons in place like in the videos.

 

[AtmizrOpin]

or just get a new one for 25-30. they're dirt cheap.

edit.......but i do understand the satisfaction that comes with fixing something you'd normal throw away. saving money is also a plus no matter the amount.

 

[herb]

or just get a new one for 25-30. they're dirt cheap.

edit.......but i do understand the satisfaction that comes with fixing something you'd normal throw away. saving money is also a plus no matter the amount.

The iSticks popularity is based on throw away get another since their dirt cheap , not a mod you should have to tinker with and fix but most do like to tinker .

I have taken tons of mods apart just to evaluate build quality etc....

 

[daviedog]

The iSticks popularity is based on throw away get another since their dirt cheap , not a mod you should have to tinker with and fix but most do like to tinker .

I have taken tons of mods apart just to evaluate build quality etc....

I took my istick 20 apart after the threads corroded. Atrocious build qualty. Double sided tape & a big FAT fingerprint on the lipo.
I bought a 40tc, to replace it. dirt cheap seduces me every time..

 

[BigEgo]

Honestly these devices are throw-away devices (like most all of electronics). It will probably be much less of a headache just to buy a new one, tbh. You could try unscrewing the housing and taking a look, but I wouldn't bother wasting a lot of time with it if there isn't a simple fix.

 

[Scott Eldo]

Thanks guys. I'm a fixer. So I have to try. But the button still works 80%+ of the time. Other than that, I love my junk iStick.