Silicone soldering mat: no more screws rolling under the furniture

Two problems come up every time you take something apart: screws that get away, and a table that gets caught by the iron. This mat solves both — heat-resistant silicone so you can put the iron down without thinking, and moulded compartments to sort screws step by step. On models marked “magnetic”, some compartments hold the screws even when the mat is moved. Fourteen sizes, from a corner of your desk to a proper workbench.

What it does

• Protects the work surface: the silicone is rated to withstand up to 500 °C for brief contact. A drop of solder or a tip set down for a second won't mark the mat or the table.
• Keeps screws sorted: the moulded compartments keep shell, board and ribbon cable screws apart. On magnetic models, the marked compartments hold the screws.
• Doesn't slip: the board stays put when you pull on a ribbon cable or unclip a stubborn shell.
• Wipes clean: silicone absorbs neither flux nor isopropyl alcohol.

What it doesn't do

• The magnets don't cover the whole surface, only the marked compartments, and only on models marked “magnetic”. The S110, S120 and S130 have none.
• This is not an ESD mat. It has no ground wire and no snap fastener: for motherboard work, add a grounded anti-static wrist strap.
• It does not replace a soldering iron stand: the stated heat resistance applies to brief contact, not to a hot iron left lying on it.
• No tools included: no screwdriver, no spudger, no iron.

Which size should I choose?

For a controller or a handheld console, a small size is enough: S110 (280 × 200 mm) or S120 (340 × 230 mm). To work comfortably on a Game Boy, a PSP or a home console board, go for the S160 (455 × 300 mm) or the TE-603 (450 × 298 mm), with magnetic compartments. For a dedicated workbench where you lay out an open console and its sub-assemblies, choose the S180 (550 × 350 mm), the 715 (600 × 350 mm) or the 713 (700 × 400 mm). The photo of each size shows the exact compartment layout.

Compatibility

A fully passive accessory, with no electronics or connections: there is no console compatibility to check. It works just as well for a Game Boy as for a PlayStation motherboard, a controller, a modern handheld or a phone. The only real criterion is size.

Skill level required

None. It's the first thing to buy once you start taking things apart regularly: it prevents lost screws, which always cost more than the mat. Clean with soapy water or isopropyl alcohol, then let it dry completely before putting it away.

In the box

• 1 silicone repair mat, in the size you chose

Delivery in 10 to 18 days · ships within 3 to 5 days · 2-year legal guarantee of conformity · 14-day returns.