How to clean soldering iron tips

[cnandanpawar]

My soldering iron tips frequently turn black and do not hold solder property. I tried by filing them on smooth file but of no use. Tried with flux also but no much use. How do I go ahead?

[rj06]

Based on my experience in micro-soldering, I maintain my soldering iron tip dipping it on flux and scrape off the burnt flux on fine metal soldering sponge and while the tip still emmit smoke I gently apply soldering lead on to it to cover the clean part and avoid oxidation. Works great for me.

[emailbuga]

It’s a common problem when you turn the heat to max. I took example from youtube videos and personal experience. I found that 300-370c is the best temperature range that keeps the tip oxide free for longer. You can clean the tip by shocking the oxides of and wiping it on a damp sponge, or use a steel brush to regain the mirror like finish.

[TheCatsMeow]

At that point it’s probably best that you replace them, and then take care of them from there. When you’re done using the iron, clean with brass wool, add solder to cover the tip, and then turn the iron off. I really like my Hakko because it has a sleep function, I can just add a bit of solder and drop it on the holder to sleep when I’m not using it. Then at the end of the day I can repeat the same thing, but power it fully off.

[Dexas]

I guess im a bit late to tell not to file down your tips.. Proper tips has microcoating on top of them to prolong their life, and the moment you damage it with file and so, tip is gone.. Main issue is that people doesnt apply solder to the tip before turning the iron off, a lot of people like to clean the tip and leave it clean, it allows it to oxidise — before turning iron off, clean the tip and apply new fresh solder, let it stay on the tip so it protects tip from oxidation. For using wet sponge – make sure that your tips does support it, i have ruined expensive tip with such mistake, it stated in the datasheet that the tip is not wettable and should be cleaned only on dry sponge.

[NorthridgeFix]

Never scrap or file the tip. Once you do, it’s only a matter of days before it becomes useless and solder won’t stick. Tip tinners are also bad. Tinners should only be used to extend the life of a dead tip until you buy a new one. The proper way to maintain a tip is to use it gently and not use it as a grind tool to scrape stuff off the board. Clean the tip using a brass wire ball and apply solder to the tip. Keep the tip covered with solder until the next use to prevent oxidation. If solder is not sticking on the tip, add a little flux and try again. If solder still does not stick, you’ll need a new tip and you can use a tip tinner in the meantime.

Check https://northridgefix.com/product/soldering-iron-tip-cleaner-rosin-flux-core-to-prevent-oxidation/

• This reply was modified 2 months ago by NorthridgeFix.

[Nathan]

try to left a tin blob before you put down your soldering iron. it will prevent the oxidation. but remember to wipe it clean before you use it again.

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