How To Change Solder Iron Tip
Extraction Tips for Heat-Set Inserts.
How to change solder iron tip. If playback doesnt begin shortly try restarting. These are used to replace any damaged tips and each tip serves a different purpose. When I used the old cheapy soldering irons I would just tin them with regular solder and file smooth and re-tin as needed.
The best tip tinner is your solder--tips should always be coated with a small amount of solder. Clean the tinned tip. Tips for one brand of soldering iron are often not compatible with others so be sure to verify that tips are designed for your soldering iron before buying them.
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. This helps remove impurities such as remnants of solder from previous projects grease oxidation etc. The tips transfer heat from the soldering iron to the insert softening the surrounding plastic to loosen the insert so it can be removed.
Tip the soldering iron downward and the loose tip should now fall out. The solder melts and should stick at the tip. The cheap things are also handy if you live in the boondocks and cant just buy a replacement tip at need.
Put in the new soldering tip and put the screw back in by turning it clockwise with the screwdriver. Apply a protective layer of solder. Make sure the solder covers the whole tip.
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. I also have an Antex XS also 25W which is about 15 years old. Heat it up to around 350C and wait.