:Tom wrote:
:> On 10/04/2011 8:20 PM, Art Vanderlay wrote:
:>> Tom wrote:
:>>> On 10/04/2011 6:03 PM, Art Vanderlay wrote:
:>>>> Hi all,
:>>>>
:>>>> My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w)
:>>>> so after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.
:>>>>
:>>>> This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place
:>>>> that deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a
:>>>> new one. I have done this previously in the past with no problems.
:>>>>
:>>>> I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
:>>>> wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and
:>>>> that the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a
:>>>> warranty claim- the iron is about 20 years old.
:>>>>
:>>>> Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or
:>>>> can I be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without
:>>>> hassle. I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and
:>>>> will
:>>>> probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.
:>>>>
:>>>> Thanks.
:>>>
:>>> Buy a new Hakko, I want to buy one but my 10 years old (previous
:>>> model) Hakko doesn't want to break down...
:>>> Tom
:>> Buying a new iron is certainly looking like an option. It's
:>> unfortunate though as I've had this one for a long time and really
:>> like it as an iron. Tips etc have never been a problem. Sounds like
:>> Hakko is a brand of choice as an alternative as several repliers
:>> suggest this brand. I'll have a look into these. Thanks to everyone for
:>> their input.
:>
:> We use Hakko at my work, they last a long time. We have some very old
:> models going strong after years and parts seems not a problem. My own
:> at home is 7-8 years old and had not one problem yet but it only get
:> hobby use.
:> Funny enough my company is part of Cooper but to get Weller tools from
:> sister company we would have to go through lot of paperwork and wait
:> few months, we order Hakko tools or parts and they arrive next day.
:
:**Doesn't surprise me in the slightest. The best side cutters I have ever
wned (and I've owned most of the premium brands) was made in the US by the
wait for it) Diamond Tool and Horseshoe Company. Seriously tough cutting
:edge that lasts for years. Well made and modestly priced (about 50% cheaper
:than the Swedish stuff). When it came time to replace my cutters a few years
:back, I looked everywhere and couldn't locate a replacement. I finally
:tracked them down. Cooper Tools had bought out the company and shut them
:down. Cooper kindly offered to sell me their replacement, which I tried and
:rejected. More Cooper Tools crap.
:
:I now avoid ALL Cooper Tools products where possible. Bastards.
I remember having a pair of Diamond Tool brand 4-1/2" side-cutters way back in
the 60's and they were the hardest edged blade I had come across. Somebody
unoficially "borrowed" (stole) them and I never got them back.
In the mid 70's Diamond Tool branded their side cutters Diamalloy and while
Diamond no longer exists you can occasionally pick up a bargain on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-DIAMALLOY-T...A-/380324736817?pt=Pliers&hash=item588d1eef31
I still have a near new pair of circa 1970's Diamalloy 4" side cutters and while
they are good they aren't quite as hard as the old 60's era product and they
don't use a boxed joint.
Other good brands no longer in existence or subsumed by the bigger tool makers
were Vanaloy (USA now gone), Ahrem (Germany now gone), Elliot Lucas (now Spear &
Jackson owned and not as good) and one unknown brand simply stamped "K B B".
These all used extremely well made boxed joints and good hard steel. Lindstrom
(Sweden)
http://www.lindstromtools.com/index.htm are still going but their
cutters are no longer forged nor do they use boxed joints. These days they use
rivet or screw joints which are not nearly as good as boxed. They are also
expensive out here.