A soldering iron is a handy tool to have if you work with a lot of wiring projects. It provides a convenient way to make electrical connections, though some also use it for crafts and hobbies. When you first purchase your soldering iron, there are some things you’ll want to do to prepare it for a lifetime of use.
How to Tin a Soldering Iron for the First Time
What is “tinning” in soldering? While this term can refer to a few things, it’s the first thing you want to do when you get a new soldering iron. During tinning, a layer of solder is melted over whatever metal pieces you are working with, but in this case it refers to spreading solder over the tip of your iron.
The tip of soldering irons is covered in iron plating. This plating can become oxidized, a process of corrosion that occurs when metal is exposed to oxygen. To prevent this, it’s important to keep your tip clean and treated. Keeping the tip of your soldering iron coated in a thin layer of solder, and applying solder to a clean tip before shutting off your iron, will help prevent oxidation from occurring since the solder itself is resistant to oxidative and corrosive effects.
3 Steps to Tinning a Soldering Iron
Step 1: Set the temperature on your soldering iron.
The ideal working temperature for soldering irons tends to be between 500 - 600°F. This can vary, depending on the solder and wire you’re working with, but that should be a reasonable temperature to keep your iron at for the purpose of tinning it.
Step 2: Select the right solder.
Flux is a chemical cleaning agent used when working with metals. You can buy flux separately, but many solders already have a flux core. This is the best type of solder to use for preserving the tip of your soldering iron.
Step 3: Keep a clean tip.
During your soldering job, use a wet sponge to keep the tip of your soldering iron clean. Continue to apply a thin layer of flux-core solder to your iron. When the job is complete, apply a final thin layer of solder to the tip and let it cool.
How Do You Clean a Soldering Iron?
Failing to keep your soldering iron clean could result in several issues, including poor performance and corrosion. When your soldering iron becomes corroded, it prevents the solder from flowing smoothly off the tip of the iron. How do you know if a soldering tip is bad? Chances are, a bad tip is actually just a corroded one. Corrosion will cause the solder to ball up at the tip. This is a strong indication that your soldering tip is bad, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fixed with a proper cleaning. Follow these steps to clean a soldering iron.
3 Steps to a Clean Soldering Iron
Step 1: Apply solder.
If you’re using solder with a flux core, start cleaning your soldering iron by following the tinning steps above. The flux in the solder will help remove some of the corrosion.
Step 2: Use a wet sponge during use.
Common practice during soldering is to use a wet sponge while you are soldering. Keeping the soldering tip clean during use will help prevent corrosion from becoming unmanageable.
Step 3: Use a dry scrub.
You can use steel wool to clean a soldering iron. There are also custom scrubs that are designed to help you eliminate corrosion and various contaminants.
It’s important to note that you don’t want to overclean your soldering tip. Flux can create black residue on the tip. It’s best to leave this residue behind rather than attempt to scrape it off and damage your tip. If you’re still having trouble with your soldering iron once you’ve cleaned it, there may be a crack or hole in your iron plating. Soldering tips contain copper on the inside. Look for copper coloring while inspecting the tip for cracks or holes. You should replace a damaged tip.
Maintenance and cleaning are important to learn how to use a soldering iron. Basic upkeep will keep your soldering iron in the best condition possible while ensuring your soldering jobs go as smoothly as molten metal.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.