Fix Battery Packs Like a Pro: Fnirsi SWM-10 Portable Spot Welder Review
- by Clemens Valens
- Reading time: 4 min
In an era dominated by cordless tools, electric bikes, and various battery-powered devices, the ability to repair battery packs has become increasingly important. Spot welding, a process that uses thin metal strips to create strong, reliable joints, is essential for maintaining these packs. However, replacing a faulty cell can be daunting without the right tools.
Say Goodbye to Soldering
Soldering wires or metal strips to a battery can be tricky. Often, the result is a weak connection prone to breaking or even overheating, which can be dangerous. Many people resort to less reliable methods like adhesive tape, which can be a temporary fix at best.
Enter the Fnirsi SWM-10, a compact and efficient spot welding machine designed for battery repairs. About the size of a small multimeter, this portable device not only excels at welding but also functions as a 5000 mAh USB power bank when you're not repairing batteries.
Unpacking the Fnirsi SWM-10
The Fnirsi SWM-10 comes with everything you need to get started: the main unit, two thick cables (8 AWG, around 30 cm long), two spare welding tips, a USB-A-to-C cable, a roll of metal strip (10 mm wide and 0.1 mm thick, likely nickel), and a multilingual manual. The metal strip, although not fully unrolled, seems to be around 5 meters long.
The SWM-10 features a modern, all-black design that combines style and functionality. Its sleek black exterior is complemented by a black window and three intuitive pushbuttons. The welding cable sockets are conveniently positioned in the upper left corner, while the back of the device includes a practical foldable stand. For easy operation, the power button is located on the top, alongside USB connectors and a reset pinhole.
Clear and Simple Display
When you turn on the SWM-10, a vibrant 1.8" color display comes to life, showing essential parameters such as preheat time, pulse length, pulse interval, and the number of weld dots. This user-friendly screen also provides real-time updates on battery voltage, temperature, current, and a spot-weld counter. The left/right buttons move the cursor up and down, while the up/down buttons adjust the selected value, highlighted in yellow. Pressing the left/right button for a few seconds opens the settings menu.
A brief press of the power button reveals the charge/discharge screen, where you can monitor the battery’s energy level and charging status.
The manual provides a basic overview of the device’s settings and LED and button functions, but it lacks detailed instructions on using the welder. The only guidance provided is to charge the battery before welding and to avoid pressing too hard on the nickel strip for optimal results.
Effortless Welding with the Fnirsi SWM-10
Using the Fnirsi SWM-10 is remarkably easy, which contributes to its reputation for being intelligent. Simply position the welding tips on the workpiece (without pressing too hard) and wait a few seconds. You’ll hear a soft click that signals the weld is complete. The number of clicks corresponds to the "Dots" setting, which ranges from 1 to 5.
For typical tasks like welding a nickel strip to a button cell, the default settings work well. If you need stronger joints, you can adjust the pulse length and dot count. Just be aware that higher settings might produce sparks and smoke, so take care to protect your eyes with goggles and handle the thin metal strips carefully to avoid cuts.
Final Thoughts
The Fnirsi SWM-10 is a must-have for anyone dealing with dead battery cells. Its affordability makes it a great alternative to costly battery pack replacements. Besides repair tasks, it’s ideal for DIY battery pack assembly and various spot welding needs. Additionally, it functions as a 5000 mAh power bank, making it a versatile addition to any toolkit.