All my soldering irons have been left unloved for ages and now they need new tips.
Problem is they're not current models and I cannot find appropriate tips.
These are my irons:
Antex ER-30 (30 Watts) tip diameter at 'base' is 4mm
Archer 12W (12 Watts) tip diameter at 'base' is 2mm
Unknown Black handle (> 30 Watts?) tip diameter at 'base' is 4.5mm
Can I just buy tips based upon their 'base' diameter or is there a more scientific approach?
Given that I'm not soldering every day (once a month actually) does that sway the choice of tip?
All three irons have a shaft into which the base of the tip slots.
To hold each tip in place each iron has a small small screw near the base of the exposed tip
(I think you know what I mean - if need be I'll draw a picture )
I have e-mailed antex and maplin (for the archer one) for details on those irons
any help on the unknown one (or these) would still be appreciated.
All three irons have a shaft into which the base of the tip slots.
To hold each tip in place each iron has a small small screw near the base of the exposed tip
(I think you know what I mean - if need be I'll draw a picture )
I have e-mailed antex and maplin (for the archer one) for details on those irons
any help on the unknown one (or these) would still be appreciated.
If they resemble the attached image you are absolutely sure the screw secures the tips and the tips are not threaded as in the attached image the tips are threaded.
Turns out I was right - they were all held in place by their little screws.
More details on the tips though:
Antex tip: 70mm total length (50mm in iron) 3.9mm diameter
Archer tip: 29mm total length (16.5mm in iron) - 3.2mm diameter in iron (2,4mm dia tip)
Other tip: 50mm total length (20mm in iron) - 4.5mm diameter
Are these known tips? Anyone care to recommend replacements?