• Remove Oxidization From Soldering Iron?
    17 replies, posted
[IMG]http://www.bj0.org/pictures/solderingIron.jpg[/IMG] There's the (Replaceable) tip of my soldering iron (Weller SP23L). As you can see it's pretty oxidized, though I can still solder with it fine, it bugs me that I can't wet some of the tip with solder. I found this: [url]http://cgi.ebay.ca/Tip-Refresher-Soldering-Iron-/260561765398?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3caab10416#ht_2238wt_939[/url] That cleans and re-tins the tip, though at $10 I mind as well walk down to the hardware store and buy a 2 pack of tips: [url]http://www.homehardware.ca/Products/index/show/product/I1138307/name/tips_soldering_1_8_2pk[/url] Plus there would be no 3 week wait for shipping from Hong Kong. Is there any good way to remove oxidization from the soldering tip? I've tried rubbing it up on my wet sponge but it doesn't remove anything.
I use sandpaper + some careful handling.You sand off the tip slightly and the oxidation should be gone. I'm not sure if this is a very convenient way, so someone with a bit more soldering experience please correct me when required.
When my tips get to that point I just do the easy thing and replace them. They're not that expensive, and it's easier than cleaning. For small places though you can use sandpaper and rub some of it away. At the point you're at though just replace it.
[QUOTE=YodaEXE;21836463]When my tips get to that point I just do the easy thing and replace them. They're not that expensive, and it's easier than cleaning. For small places though you can use sandpaper and rub some of it away. At the point you're at though just replace it.[/QUOTE] There is enough tinning on the sides and point of the tip to actually solder, though I just wondered what I could do for the rest of it.
[QUOTE=YodaEXE;21836463]When my tips get to that point I just do the easy thing and replace them. They're not that expensive, and it's easier than cleaning. For small places though you can use sandpaper and rub some of it away. At the point you're at though just replace it.[/QUOTE] I found a foam sandpaper block in the garage and lightly sanded down the black parts and it really helped. Thanks!
Remember to always "tin" the iron before you start soldering, it cuts down on buildup.
[QUOTE=Wonky;21849028]Remember to always "tin" the iron before you start soldering, it cuts down on buildup.[/QUOTE] Yep, have it mostly tinned now.
If the tip looks as bad as the one imaged, it's better to buy a new one. They're not expensive.
[QUOTE=B1N4RY!;21849198]If the tip looks as bad as the one imaged, it's better to buy a new one. They're not expensive.[/QUOTE] Bad? That's nothing compared to the soldering irons at my school. I'll see if I can get some pics soon.
Usually the tip is a removable type that can be swapped out with another tip. your soldering iron in the OP looks very old, and i'm not sure how to re-tin that particular style. Sorry. :frown:
Just use some steel wool and don't forget to tin it. Tips can be beaten to hell and still work out pretty decently if you tin them.
[QUOTE=Pixel Heart;21852447]Usually the tip is a removable type that can be swapped out with another tip. your soldering iron in the OP looks very old, and i'm not sure how to re-tin that particular style. Sorry. :frown:[/QUOTE] I bought it 1.5 weeks ago. [IMG]http://www.homedepot.ca/wcsstore/HomeDepotCanada/images/catalog/15797.SP23LCSA_4.jpg[/IMG] The picture was just a really close up macro shot of the tip, the whole tip is an inch and a half long, including the part that screws into the iron. Iron works great, I just did a rapid fire modification to my brother's Xbox 360 controller (2 regular solder points, one slightly close to another and one wire had to be soldered to one end of a SMD LED) with no issue at all.
Cleaning excess solder off of the tip after soldering will help your tip last longer. Also, keeping the tip clean during soldering by wiping it on a wet paper towel or moist sponge helps too in addition to sanding before you use it like other people said.
I always cleaned my tips off using a wet sponge while soldering. Itherwise, get some fine grit emery cloth and use it to clean up the tip.
Stick it in this shit: [img]http://i.imgur.com/ps9UV.jpg[/img]
[QUOTE=Zero-Point;21897821]Stick it in this shit: [img]http://i.imgur.com/ps9UV.jpg[/img][/QUOTE] I have always wondered what it is for
Yeah, use some flux in the future.
Use a sal ammonia block. Rub vigorously, run through a wet sponge quickly, then tin it.
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