Cord length on power tools

[Steve Walker]

That'll be the same one I've got probably.

SteveW

[grimly4]

Electric bicycle do?

[grimly4]

I know what you mean. I have a cheapy 25W iron that's 30 years old and the flex has never lost its kinks from the day it was packaged. It still wants to drag itself out of the holder or fall off the desk. Someday I might get around to putting a better lead on it, but I'd rather buy something decent instead. In contrast, the Antex and Wellers I had before that never exhibited the same problem, but an Antex I bought since used nasty stiff (and over-sized) flex.

[Bob Eager]

I bought a new Antex a few years ago, and paid a bit extra for the silicone lead. It was a *lot* better. I don't use it much now...got a Xytronic.

[PeterC]

I don't know what the Nilfisk has. It might have an earth as it's wet 'n' dry - if there's no path from earth pin to machine I'll have to open it up and have a look.

[charles]

I've still got my Solon, bought in the 1950s.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Antex offer (or did) most of their products with the choice of a silicone lead. At a higher cost, obviously. With such a light iron, it's even more essential. Anyone who buys a small iron without a silicone lead has simply no experience of using one.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

One beauty of Antex is the vast choice of readily available tips.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

I've got a few of those - but the 25 watt one, for electronics, is not much use today. It can truly be described as just 'a heater on a stick' ;-)

[charles]

I didn't say I used mine ;-)

[John Rumm]

The do seem to have made their PVC worse tough. My first XS25 bought when I was about ten (still going, several bits and a new element later) had a PVC lead, but its far more controllable than the 'orible stuff they fitted to the more recent TCC 50.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

I'd guess it's heat resistant PVC or whatever - like you get as immersion heater flex. Flex being against the trade description act. But cheaper than butyl.

[grimly4]

I still have the original Antex knocking around at the bottom of a box somewhere - I always meant to re-element it, but the price of a new iron wasn't too different, iirc. Hence the purchase of a new Antex. I might resurrect the old one for old time's sake - or swap the leads.

[Mr Pounder]

Meanwhile, back in the Hucker Bunker, a madman rages.

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[Dave Plowman (News)]

On an Antex, the element is most of the iron, and as you say on a basic model it can cost as much as a new one. Unless it has silicone flex. ;-)