How To Clean A Black Soldering Iron Tip

Once the re-tinning product melts around the tip hold it for several seconds and then clean the tip using dry cleaning methods like brass wool or an automatic.

How to clean a black soldering iron tip. In 2-3 minutes I had tinned as soon as it started to melt the lead and almost 2 minutes after soldering immediately the black coating covered the entire tinned tip. Heat your soldering iron up to the low end of a typical work range generally between 280 and 320C. Switch on the Soldering Station or the Iron and Make sure it is Hot Enough.

Tinning is more effective when done on a clean tip. The black stuff is oxidized solder and or iron from the tip plating. Cleaning Options Wiping the iron tip on a damp sponge can help to remove oxides easier and allows waste to fall away.

Use a damp sponge to wipe away the black oxidation from the tip of the soldering iron until the tip is silver and shines in the light. Wipe the iron on a damp sponge to remove the excess. I had first used acid based flux to remove I suspect if this made it worse.

Melt some good quality of solder wire on the Tip. This should lead to a clean shiny tip ready for use. Repeat the Process 3-4 Times until the Soldering Tips start Shining.

Good soldering process is important. Take either a wet sponge or wire wool. Like other posters have said to make the tip last longer leave a blob of solder on the tip when you are done.

Use a protective layer of solder The easiest way to prevent oxidation of a solder tip is to protect it with a layer of solder. A solder pot may also be used to tin or re-tin your soldering iron tip. Never use abrasives on the soldering iron tip.