I have been using a Chinese copy of the Hakko 937 for a few years now. It has worked well for me and I have been happy with it. I recently purchased a real Hakko FX-888D. It has been a great iron. Much easier to solder with and I haven't overrun it's capabilities like I did with the copy of the 937. I'm very happy with it.
While cleaning out my collection of tips I notice I had quite a few non-Hakko tips. Some aoyue, a few Plato and some that said "Hakko Made in Japan" on the side. They didn't come in anything that even resembled the proper Hakko packaging, most just came in a small plastic bag.
As I sort through them to determine what to keep, I found a "Hakko" tip that was not that old or well used. I tried to clean it up a bit and retin it, but it kept oxidizing in spots. My best guess is this one is a fake. The ones I bought with the iron, clean and then tin right up. So I chucked it. Live and learn, the cheap stuff isn't really that cheap when you factor in solderability and useful life.
Has anyone used Plato tips on a genuine Hakko? I know very little about them. Are they keepers (both are still new) or junkers?
Thanks,
Fat