Hakko Tip MTBF

[metrologist]

I've had my Hakko 951 for a little over a year. I don't even use it once a week, and the standard tip just failed. I had it on for about 30 mins and then shut it off. I came back about 20 mins later, turned it on, and it gave S-E error after about 2 minutes. The tip measures 6Mohm, so I had to use a crusty pencil iron. 

[metrologist]

BTW, what are we looking for in Chinese replacements? I am only finding Hakko tips on ebay searching by the T15- part numbers.

Frys had the same T15-D16 on clearance for $11.50, so I'm back in business. Hope I get more than 100 hours of use this time.

[MosherIV]

Hi

Supposidly, T12 and T15 tips are interchangable.
From what I can gather, T15 is for outside Asia market.
T12 are for Asia market.

Why would you want a Chinese knock off tip if they are suppose to be inferior and do not last as long?

(Fyi, I had been researching the Bakon 950D iron which takes T12 tips, hence know that in UK real Hakko tips are T15. I do not have Hakko or the Bakon)

[metrologist]

I think this tip failing this soon is an outlier - it still looks practically new aside from some discoloration further up the shaft.

I think my use is relatively sparse, so I suspect even a Chinese tip would last me for many years. I've had my pencil iron for over 10 years.

I now have ordered 4 more T15 Hakko tips - the tips I should have already and had intended to buy in the first place.

Replaced the D16, added D32, D08, BLL, and an SB05.

[thm_w]

HEATING ELEMENTS:

The factory installed heating element is warranted not to fail for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of purchase.  "Fail" is defined as any portion of the heating element ceasing to function properly due to defects in material and workmanship.  This warranty shall be void if it is determined that the unit has been misused or damaged outside of normal use. This warranty excludes heating elements that are part of a composite tip, nozzle, or blade and cannot be replaced separate of the composite assembly.

Looks like you just missed out on the warranty, you could always ask them about it and see if they would reconsider.

I had one clone T12 tip die within a few weeks of use with the same symptoms, the seller sent a replacement tip no questions asked. So it sounds like a manufacturing defect, somewhat reassuring if the real Hakko tips will fail in the same way..