How do you clean your soldering tips?
Most people wrongly assume they just need to wipe them off, and that the black stuff on them is dirt. While tips can accumulate dirt, it’s more likely to be oxidation.
Oxidation is a problem, but there’s hope! The process of oxidation is reversible; it’s not a one-way street! Sure it may seem like a little dirt on your tip can’t hurt anything, but the truth is oxidation is not dirt – it’s actually a chemical reaction between oxygen in the air and metal from your tip.
We’ve got some tips for you on how to clean soldering tips, so keep reading!
Use a Sponge
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Although a brass sponge (a pad with embedded brass shavings) is the traditional choice for cleaning tips, use only firm-textured sponges. Soft ones grab too much solder.
If you use a sponge, change it frequently. A sponge used exclusively for tip cleaning will not last long, as even microscopic amounts of solder contaminating the sponge will eventually ruin it.
Some choose to cut up old sponges into tiny squares that are then thrown away after each use.
Use a File
Filing the tip removes oxides and provides a flat shiny surface that promotes heat transfer to the workpiece, which can improve soldering results.
You’ll want to use a file that is designed for soldering tips. This will be a flat-file with one smooth side.
File the tip at an angle, so that you only file the tip and not the whole iron. This will remove oxides and provide a flat shiny surface that promotes heat transfer to the workpiece, which can improve soldering results.
If you’re using an iron-plated with copper, nickel, or another metal, you should find out if it’s okay to file the tip. If it is okay to use the file on the plating, do so gently – don’t try to remove too much material at once.
Alternate Methods
You can buy a variety of chemicals for removing oxides and other contaminants from tips; they may be more effective than sponges or files but also require some care in use.
Although the method outlined in this article is the most common and generally accepted way of cleaning your soldering iron tip, there are a variety of chemicals on the market that claim to clean or rejuvenate tips or even prevent oxidation.
You should use such products only on tips that are already in good condition (not oxidized), and only with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Most of these chemicals are hazardous, so be sure to use them only in a well-ventilated area, and take care to protect your hands with gloves and eyes with goggles as you work.
Extend the Life of Your Tips
A soldering iron goes through a fair amount of wear and tear throughout its life, whatever material you’re soldering. Copper alloys are the most common, especially on a circuit board, but that’s not all you can solder.
For example, have you ever wondered, “can you solder aluminum?” Well, yes, you can!
Now You Know How To Clean Soldering Tips
Knowing how to clean soldering tips is a valuable skill. It could save you money in the long run by prolonging their lifespan.
You’ve got a few options, so choose whichever one you feel most comfortable with! And if you enjoyed this article or found it helpful, check out more like it on our blog!
