How To Remove Oxidation From Solder Tip

Ive read a number of opinions on how to remove oxidation from soldering iron tips but it seems theres some controversy on which way is best and some claiming certain methods can actually harm the tip.

How to remove oxidation from solder tip. Repeat the steps above until the tip is clean. Melt some good quality of solder wire on the Tip. We recommend the use of the Hakko 599B Tip cleaner as it can remove oxidation from the soldering tip without removing the solder or exposing the tip to harsh chemicals or thermal shock.

For example some recommend using a fine grit sandpaper while others claim that can also remove the thin iron coating over the tip. How to Tin or Re-Tin Soldering Iron Tip. Since oxidation occurs through a chemical process you can use another chemical process to remove it.

The cleaning tool will begin to remove the oxidation. This article will discuss what causes mild and severe oxidation on soldering iron tips how to remove it and what are the ways to prevent it. How to clean an oxidized soldering tip.

The recommended temperature range of 250C to 300C will allow the flux of the solder to be activated not burned and will start the chemical reaction to remove the oxidation. Tin Tips With Solder. While sandpaper works when used properly if you find yourself spooked by the warnings of damage you can also use chemical cleaners to remove oxidation from your soldering iron tip.

The best way is to prevent the soldering iron tip from oxidizing. If the tip is hot enough normally at least 300C and relatively free of rust the solder will flow up the tip and coat it. I have tried using a wet sponge to clean it off as suggested by the internet but that doesnt do anything the sponge is apparently supposed to be used to clean solder rests from the tip and not oxidation anyway.

In this way you can adjust the variac control and get a feel for the precise temperature that will create a good solder flow and yet maintain a. This will slowly start to remove the oxidation present on the soldering iron. Switch on the Soldering Station or the Iron and Make sure it is Hot Enough.