Electric soldering iron resistance

[Cadillac fan]

My pencil type soldering iron seems to be not working correctly. I have noticed that at certain points (not plugged in at all) that the resistance between the 2 power pins shows a very high resistance between one of the pins and the metal tip. I am fairly certain that this shouldn't be happening, there should be no complete path. Am I right here, just get rid of it and get a new one?

 

[uart]

My pencil type soldering iron seems to be not working correctly. I have noticed that at certain points (not plugged in at all) that the resistance between the 2 power pins shows a very high resistance between one of the pins and the metal tip. I am fairly certain that this shouldn't be happening, there should be no complete path. Am I right here, just get rid of it and get a new one?

Correct, the tip should be well isolated from the mains.

Be careful how you're measuring it however. If your fingers are touching metal on both probes then it's entirely possible to get a few hundred kohms resistance through your body.

 

[Cadillac fan]

I did consider that initially but I tried it again with alligator clips and same result. Looks like I will be getting a new soldering iron.

 

[jkwilson]

Many irons have tips that are electrically isolated for ESD protection of the devices being soldered.