hopefully an easy one for the electricians

[mitzimad]

what is the cable called thats on the soldering iron its 2 core and very flexible does it have to be something special? or is it any two core flex?

 

[pappajohn]

Looks like either 1mm or 1.5mm 2 core lighting flex.
The other cable looks like T&E mains cable and isn't designed for that purpose, it too should be a 3 core flex.

 

[autorouter]

I agree, looks like both wires have been bodged. The soldering iron wire should be silicone, extra flexible, 3-core. Probably 0.5mm2 will be OK. That wire is 2-core PVC, with no earth wire. Silicone isn't immediately damaged by touching with a hot soldering iron. Something like this:

Antex W021600 1.5m Silicone Lead

Antex - W021600 - Antex W021600 1.5m Silicone Lead - <p>Heat resistant, 3-core silicone cable for soldering irons.</p>

www.rapidonline.com

Ordinary 3-core PVC flex will be OK for the mains input side, 0.75mm2 should be thick enough.

 

[cmcardle75]

what is the cable called thats on the soldering iron its 2 core and very flexible does it have to be something special? or is it any two core flex? View attachment 527052

I wouldn't what was already there as a guide to replacement. It all looks quite shocking. Heat resistant flex should be used. However, I'd bin the whole lot and get a new soldering station rather than fix it.

 

[RandallC]

ideally needs an HOFR sheathed cable or similar (heat resisting)

for both, supply to the transformer unit and the soldering iron.

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[autorouter]

I wouldn't what was already there as a guide to replacement. It all looks quite shocking. Heat resistant flex should be used. However, I'd bin the whole lot and get a new soldering station rather than fix it.

In general I'd agree, but there is a case for saying that, since the soldering iron will be used for repair and construction, the first job should be to fix the soldering iron. Like in the old days when the first job of a joiner's apprentice was to make a jig for sharpening his saw, then a toolbox.

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

It may be worthwhile checking you insurance before using it. The plug looks badly oxidised as well as the wiring problems.

 

[mitzimad]

Looks like either 1mm or 1.5mm 2 core lighting flex.
The other cable looks like T&E mains cable and isn't designed for that purpose, it too should be a 3 core flex.

the other "cable" is grey flex

 

[Just smiffy]

That’s brought some memories back, I had one like it…

 

[mitzimad]

both cables are original as i suspect is the plug not one of the health and safety experts noticed the real danger of the missing fuse cover

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[63720]

For the cost I'd buy a new one.

 

[mitzimad]

For the cost I'd buy a new one.

nearest i can find is over £80 but peed of that a bit of cable is £4 to post

 

[tonyidle]

Buy the two cables. If you can find it silicone sheath cable for the iron makes it much easier to use (it's very flexible). If it all works at the moment then replacing the cables will make it as good as new.

 

[Richard n Ann]

This is mine, Ann bought it me a couple of years ago

 

[The Coops]

£8.23 from tool station for a new iron including plug

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[The Wino]

I think the short answer is that cable is called knackered

 

[DBK]

nearest i can find is over £80 but peed of that a bit of cable is £4 to post

Is there a particular reason why you need that type of soldering iron? It looks as if it's probably a 12 volt iron, which is why it only needs a two core flex and there is a transformer in the box.

Antex make some good soldering irons for £30 or so. You can get cheaper ones but they won't have the very flexible silicon flex of an Antex. But the wattage is the main decision to be made. If it's just for thinnish wires or electronics 25W will be enough but for heavier work 80W will be needed.

If you do want to spend £80 look for a temperature controlled one which can be adjusted for temperature.

 

[tonyidle]

Is there a particular reason why you need that type of soldering iron? It looks as if it's probably a 12 volt iron, which is why it only needs a two core flex and there is a transformer in the box.

Antex make some good soldering irons for £30 or so. You can get cheaper ones but they won't have the very flexible silicon flex of an Antex. But the wattage is the main decision to be made. If it's just for thinnish wires or electronics 25W will be enough but for heavier work 80W will be needed.

If you do want to spend £80 look for a temperature controlled one which can be adjusted for temperature.

It's useful having a non-earthed iron at times. Saves on vehicle fuses I've found .

 

[RandallC]

Is there a particular reason why you need that type of soldering iron? It looks as if it's probably a 12 volt iron, which is why it only needs a two core flex and there is a transformer in the box.

Antex make some good soldering irons for £30 or so. You can get cheaper ones but they won't have the very flexible silicon flex of an Antex. But the wattage is the main decision to be made. If it's just for thinnish wires or electronics 25W will be enough but for heavier work 80W will be needed.

If you do want to spend £80 look for a temperature controlled one which can be adjusted for temperature.

The OPs iron is temp controlled i think. (Have similar that's got croc clips for 12V use) Just needs new cables.

Has advantage of being 12v dc (PLS check and confirm) so can be used from ay 12V battery.

Cables are long past there use by date so replace them with good quality heatproof cables cables

Edit, beginning to think a bit of a as anyone looking at those cable would opt for replacement ASAP.