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Best Budget Soldering Iron?
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KL27x:
I expect some of the clone handles to break in half next to where the parts screw together. I've broken one of the clones. The smell and the appearance of the threading gave the impression it was made of recycled cheese plastic from the getgo. And it sounds like a stupid detail, but the hard foam overgrip on the original Hakko is the bomb. It is comfortable despite sweat or flux; doesn't get slippery or tacky and just gives a comfortable and secure-feeling grip that is easy to manipulate. It's also bomb-proof. The foam is a couple shades darker than what it started, but there are no signs of wear, damage or separation. The clones I have used had a rubber overgrip which makes you feel your own sweat and finger oil, instantly and incessantly, even when your hands are pretty clean. I would take time and effort to wipe those down, regularly. TBH, the only time I remember ever cleaning my 888 handpiece was the day I got the 888D and noticed how dark the overgrip had become. I used a paper towel barely dampened with alcohol, only over the overgrip and avoiding the rest of the plastic... and it didn't look or feel any different, after or since.

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've used the same 888 handpiece for over a decade now, originally with the 888 and now with the 888D. I am surprised that it would break 3 times in such a short period of time.* And I hate to wonder if you bought replacements on eBay from Hong Kong or China for $20.00 instead of the $65 that the distributors sell it for.

*3 times in 7 years! I have stated a couple of times before that you can expect a cheap clone station to last 2-4 years before the handpiece breaks in half from heat degradation. That is completely disappointing to have that happen to a more expensive station.
Shock:

--- Quote from: Mp3 on May 10, 2019, 05:17:51 am ---I should consider upgrading to a nicer Hakko, this iron is fun to use even though it might not be the most precise, i still actually prefer my TS100 to any other iron i've had or used when it comes to tip temperature consistency!

--- End quote ---

Don't get a Hakko FX-951, the Pace ADS200 beats it in almost every way for the same price. Tips just as high quality but cheaper, higher performance and power with more mass and you don't have to calibrate or buy $5 pieces of plastic to remove your tips easily.
KL27x:
I also like how the ADS tips have a keyway, so they go in the same way every time. I don't know if they're any stiffer, but the subtle feeling of mush and play in the clone 951 two part handpiece and the slight bendiness of the cartridge, itself, was a letdown. That, plus the nerf dart handpiece and lack of mass in the business end just doesn't feel super refined to me.
Shock:

--- Quote from: KL27x on May 10, 2019, 09:25:54 am ---I also like how the ADS tips have a keyway, so they go in the same way every time. I don't know if they're any stiffer, but the subtle feeling of mush and play in the clone 951 two part handpiece and the slight bendiness of the cartridge, itself, was a letdown. That, plus the nerf dart handpiece and lack of mass in the business end just doesn't feel super refined to me.

--- End quote ---

Yeah the keyway has been used also in the TD-100 for quite a while so it's proven reliable. I have the new TD-100a on my Pace MBT350 station which is the aluminum version. The keyway prevents over insertion so there is minimal stress on the tip socket inside the barrel. The MT-100 tweezers are also keyed so one of the easiest tweezers on the market to do tip changes, 10 seconds for a complete swap over.

These are 1124-1001-P1 which is 0.2mm (.008"). I mean is that sexy or what? My chin nearly hit the floor when I tried these out.



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