Radio Shack Soldering Work Station with Dual-Powered Iron

"Soldering tips are not available.This is un- acceptable.I will not buy tools from radio shack again they have become sloppy and undependable."

"Good iron for light jobs. Tips CAN be order from RadioShack store throught the RSU (RadioShack Unlimited) order process using part number 12439154. I ordered two today. If the salesperson is not aware, check with the manager. They can order it."

"Weller replacement pencil tip #PL111 fits this iron perfectly and is available from [...]."

"After a day of on-and-off use at 40W, the metal shaft of the pen was severely blued and slightly warped, and it had literally burned the tip up (looked like welding scale). Why don't RS stores carry Weller irons anymore?"

"I have been soldering for over forty years. This is the biggest piece of garbage I ever bought. I need a new tip and I just discovered by searching the R/S website that none are available and that seems to be the biggest topic of these reviews. Had I known that the "chair warmers" at the R/S corporate offices decided that they wanted to rip off customers by selling a soldering iron and no replacement tips I never would have bought this piece of junk. The tip and the heating element come off easy enough so one would think that replacement elements and tips would be available. Cut the wires off and reuse the toggle switch and the LED."

"I used this exact item to do a large project of soldering over 2000 LED lights, and it got the job done and did a really good job. The biggest problems are with the tip. The tip wears out really fast unless you really really baby. I recommend the TCC, that stuff really works to save the tips. Also the tips are hard to replace as they are not sold in the store, you have to order them online."

"Needed an iron in pinch. Tip burnt out and went in to buy new replacement. Radio Shack does NOT sell or even stock them. What is the point of selling this product with no support? Do yourself a favor, buy a real iron."

"Reader reviews concerning available tips are realistic.



However tips are available from supply houses that sell Ungar tips.



The Ungar tip numbers are PL100 PL111 PL113 PLxxx etc etc. for most needs.



These are used on the Ungar UTC100 & UTCSS Soldering stations.



There also is an adapter available from Ungar you can screw onto the 1/4" thread to accept 1/8" threaded end tips that "ARE" Available from RS



The lamp cord type cable is too stiff and is always getting in the way of the soldering Iron tip when in use and gets hung up in the coiled spring holder. I found this very annoying.



I purchased this Iron for an emergency onsite repair where I found myself without a soldering Iron,so no research was done. It did however allow me to make the emergency service call repair

and I now see it as a backup Iron when needed in a pinch"

"Radio Shack does not stock the replacement tips for this iron, so now it is going in the trash and I'll be buying one from a different store tomorrow.

The cord also gets in the way a lot. It is in a horrible spot and is very stiff. I am surprised no one has electrocuted themselves with the iron burning through the power cord.

This is a piece of junk, don't waste your time with it. I'm really starting to dislike Radio Shack's products."

"Sean B's suggestion to move the soldering iron wire to the front is excellent! I had adapted to carefully orienting the soldering iron wire to keep it away from the hot tip for about eight years (date code 05A99)... and wrapping the soldering iron wire with some electrical tape, to be safe!



I had to remove five screws with a Phillips screwdriver, move the Underwriter's knot inward about three inches, and use some diagonal cutters to make a little exit slot for the soldering iron wire in the front of the unit. I attached the Underwriter's knot with some adhesive to the underside of the tip cleaning tray, and reinstalled all five screws. The total time needed for the modification was about twenty minutes. Now, I have an excellent soldering iron... and it is finally time to order a new tip RSU number: 12439154.



73 KE5HXX"