[sdiy] Transformer hack, recommendation - or not

[Karl Ekdahl]

Hi list, a week ago my soldering station died on me
and while opening it up i discovered that the
transformer didn't give any output. While dissecting
the transformer i found a small white-ish part (like a
resistor but made of plastic?) on the mains terminals
that didn't conduct and seems broken.  So i removed it
and measured the transformer and it seems to be having
the right resistance now (58ohm). 

But! I also managed to cut a piece of the copper wire
on the mains winding so i did a hack
(www.sdiy.org/knas/temp/transformerhack.jpg) and i
wonder if this is just not recommended or really,
really stupid. 

The station crapped out on me after i had cleaned the
pen with red spirits, the fuse decided to not be a
fuse and blew the transformer. Also, if anyone know
what that white-thingy was it would be interesting to
know...

thanks

Karl