Remove oxidation from soldering iron tip (2023)
Over time the tip of the soldering iron can be oxidized, which can reduce its effectiveness and make it challenging to work with. The layer of oxidation on the soldering iron tip makes it more difficult to transfer heat to the solder and increases the risk of the tip corroding or breaking.
Misuse and poor maintenance can cause oxidation, a serious issue affecting the tool’s efficiency. Different methods can remove oxidation such as a damp sponge, brass or stainless wire brush, tip tinner, and sandpaper. Each of these methods has its advantages and limitations. Maybe the one method works in one situation, but it doesn’t work in other circumstances.
We will discuss several methods for removing oxidation from the soldering iron tip.
Let’s get started.
Remove oxidation from soldering iron tip
Oxidation can impact the performance of the soldering iron tip, so it is important to clean and maintain the soldering iron.
It is significant to know about the different methods of oxidation removal.
Let’s see how you can remove oxidation from the soldering iron tip.
1. Damp sponge
This is one of the most common and simple methods for removing oxidation from a soldering iron tip. Damp sponge (Amazon link) removes a slightly oxidized soldering iron tip.
Steps
- Turn on the soldering iron and wait for it to heat up to the set temperature
- Take the sponge and dampen it with water. Make sure the sponge is not soaking wet, but just damp.
- Wipe the tip of the soldering iron in a gentle circular motion on the moist sponge after it has heated up.
- Repeat the process until the soldering iron is completely clean from oxidation.
- Be careful to not cause any injury while performing the process.
Drawback
The damp sponge is effective for cleaning moderated oxidation if you use it for excess oxidation it may only remove the surface layer of the oxidation, leaving behind a deeper layer that can affect the performance of the soldering iron.
The main drawback of a damp sponge it can not be used for intense oxidation on the soldering iron, and it also cools down the tip of the iron if it is used during the soldering process, so it is preferable to choose the method according to the intensity of the oxidation.
2. Brass wire brush
Brass wire brushes (Amazon link) are a good choice for gentle cleaning of oxidation from the soldering iron. This method is effective for removing any stubborn oxidation or debris that is stuck to the tip.
Steps
- Heat the soldering iron up to the desired temperature
- Take the brass wire.
- Once the soldering iron is heated up, hold the brass wire against the tip of the iron and gently rub it in a circular motion.
- Make sure to clean all the oxidation present on the soldering iron.
- Repeat the process as much as you want to clean the oxidation.
- After cleaning the soldering iron with brass wire wipe it up with a cloth and tissue paper.
Drawback
Brass wire is made of soft metal, which means it can be effective in removing tough oxidation. It can contaminate soldering iron by leaving small particles of residue.
Brass wire brushes are a good option for eliminating oxidation from soldering iron tips, although they might not be appropriate in all situations. It’s important to assess the severity of oxidation before using a brass wire brush.
Overall, while using brass wire for cleaning a soldering iron can be a useful technique, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and to use it cautiously to avoid any damage or contamination to the soldering iron tip
3. Tip tinner
Tip tinner is a substance used to clean and repair the soldering iron tips’ surface.
It often combines flux with a moderate abrasive substance, like copper or tin powder. It is an effective way to quickly and easily clean the tip of a soldering iron.
Steps
- Before using the tip tinner make sure you clean the soldering iron from excess oxidation, this can be done by using a wet sponge or brass wire.
- First, turn on the soldering iron and heat it.
- Open the container of tip tinner and stir it well.
- After the soldering iron has heated up immediately dip the tip of it in the tip tinner for a few seconds.
- Repeat the process until all the oxidation is removed.
Drawback
The frequent use of tip tinner is not recommended as it can reduce the life span of a soldering iron. This is because the tinning process can wear down the iron plating on the tip, making it thinner and more prone to damage over time.
The tip tinner is more effective than a wet sponge and brass wire but less effective than sandpaper.
The tip tinner can be used to remove heavy oxidation from the soldering iron tip. By removing the buildup of oxidation, the soldering iron can function more effectively.
4. Sandpaper
Sandpaper can be used to remove oxidation from a soldering iron’s surface, but it is not the best approach. Sandpaper is often a hard substance. The 600-grit sandpaper is commonly recommended for cleaning the soldering iron tip.
The sandpaper is potent for heavy oxidation but requires special care while using it.
Steps
- Using the sandpaper for cleaning, make sure the soldering iron is turned off and cooled down.
- Select the recommended grid sandpaper to avoid damage.
- Wrap the sandpaper tightly around the tip of the soldering iron.
- Holding the soldering iron firmly, wipe the sandpaper in a circular motion over the tip.
- After cleaning use a cloth and sponge to wipe up the remaining residue.
Drawback
Sandpaper is an abrasive material, which means that it can potentially scratch or damage the tip of a soldering iron if not used properly. It is important to use fine-grit sandpaper and to apply gentle pressure when sanding the tip to avoid damaging it.
The use of sandpaper is a sensitive method for the removal of oxidation. Make sure you take appropriate precautions before using it. The frequent use of sandpaper is not recommended as it can damage the tip of the soldering iron.
Conclusion
When the soldering iron is not in use and exposed to the air can cause oxidation. The reason that can cause oxidation is high temperature, flux residue left on the tip and poor storage condition.
To maintain the soldering iron’s proper functioning and the quality of the solder joints, it is essential to remove oxidation from the tip. A soldering iron tip can be cleaned of oxidation using several techniques, each with pros and cons.
Different methods can clean oxidation depending upon the intensity of oxidation on the tip. For less oxidation, a damp sponge and brass wire can be suitable and for heavy oxidation, the tip tinner and sandpaper can be used.
The choice of method purely depends upon what is the situation of oxidation. It will be good if you select the method that is acceptable for the device.
Look at the level of oxidation on your soldering iron and select the best method according to your circumstances.
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