I have an X-Tronics Model #4010 soldering station. The actual iron itself has just failed AGAIN, for the THIRD time, in the exact same way----the plastic retaining housing around the sheath holding the heater assembly has crumbled, making the iron useless. Anybody else have this problem? I have several spare heating elements and tips, but with the broken housing, the iron won't work. Having this same failure THREE times makes me think of getting another complete station, instead of replacing the iron AGAIN. Other than this failure, the iron has been pretty good for my hobbyist usage. They're about $90 new, and the replacement irons are about $25. Suggestions for a replacement? I wish I could just find a new housing part, but they don't sell that separately. It's definitely the Achilles heel of this brand.
Well, surprise, surprise!! I wrote to X-tronics about my failed soldering iron and VOILA!---they DO sell replacement "Bakelite retaining caps", a 3-pack for $12.80; though it's not easily visible on their website. Better than having to buy a new soldering station. Kudos for their prompt reply and ability to repair one of their older units.