How To Change Solder Iron Tip

This step will coat the iron in a mixture of flux and solder.

How to change solder iron tip. If playback doesnt begin shortly try restarting. The tips transfer heat from the soldering iron to the insert softening the surrounding plastic to loosen the insert so it can be removed. Install the prepared tip in your soldering iron.

Unscrew the locking nut that holds the tip-retaining sleeve and tip in place. Dont know if did any good. Unplug the soldering iron and allow it to cool completely.

If some of the oxides are just sticking really well you could try to mildly abrade them on a brass sponge copper braid or similar but you cant be too hard or you will damage the iron plating good tips are typically copper core plated with iron then chromium everywhere but the working area. There are endless varieties of specialized tips designed for specific jobs even if they arent soldering relatedFor example this spade tip is used to scrape UV glue off of LCD glass. A pointed tip is for small joints a larger tip is for big joints and Chisel tips are used for drag soldering to remove excess solder as well as unbridging excess solder on ic chips.

This helps remove impurities such as remnants of solder from previous projects grease oxidation etc. Wipe the iron on a damp sponge to remove the excess. If you over-clean the tip after use and then leave the iron in the holder there is a slight risk of oxide on the iron plating - I always clean and tin the tip immediately before using and leave any residual solder on the tip while its in the holder.

You just have to make sure to take your time and dont force anything. You are now all done that is it. I bought my first iron in about 1978 - an Antex X25 - I think its had 3-4 new tips and one new heating elementwhich needs a soldering iron to replace.

Turn off and unplug your iron or base. I also have an Antex XS also 25W which is about 15 years old. These are used to replace any damaged tips and each tip serves a different purpose.