Dodgy T12 Tips or bad KSGER handle?

[mckenzie]

Hi, I recently got hold of a KSGER T12 station & ordered a pack of tips from banggood - https://www.banggood.com/Drillpro-10pcs-T12-Soldering-Iron-Tips-Set-for-HAKKO-FX951-FX952-p-1191594.html?cur_warehouse=UK&rmmds=search

The tips have to be really forced into the handle to work properly. After not too much time so far two of the tip ends have snapped off inside the handle, see pic. I've managed to take the handle apart a few times & bodge out the broken ends so I can use the handle again but I'm trying to work out which is the faulty product - the cheapo Chinese handle (too tight fit) or the rip off Hakko tips, or both?

Can anyone recommend a decent handle that's compatible with the KSGER T12 station that's a good fit with the tips? Or maybe it's just the tips I have that are the problem

cheers for any help

[DavidAlfa]

Hard to tell, disassemble the socket and see if there're any plastic leftovers from the injection molding.

[thm_w]

That handle design is fine, as David said its some manufacturing defect causing it to be too tight.
Although there are slimmer styles available if you are into that. Just make sure you get 5-pin version to match your station.

[mckenzie]

Looks like it's the handle that's the problem then. Thanks for the info.