Silverline Soldering Sponges 10pk (633932)

Product Information

It’s inevitable that over time, the soldering iron tip of any electronics enthusiast will oxidize and become encrusted with residue. To keep your soldering iron tip in peak condition, it’s important to clean it regularly. Here are simple steps to help you clean an oxidized soldering iron tip.

The tip tinner / cleaner is a chemical alternative to cleaning and retinning the tip at the same time. It should be used when the other methods fail and a more active cleaning method is needed. What’s the best type of wool?

Keep soldering iron cleaning accessories such as wire pads and damp solder sponges close at hand, ensuring that the iron’s tip is kept as free from material build-up as possible during use

If the tip is still not clean and shiny then use a tip cleaner. This is a mixture of a more aggressive flux than usually found in solder, and powdered solder. The flux in tip cleaner removes the oxidisation and build up from the soldering iron tip, and then the solder re-tins the tip ready for use. To use the Tip tinner/cleaner heat the soldering iron. Then dip into the tin of tinner/ cleaner with a slight twisting action: This step will coat the iron in a mixture of flux and solder. Wipe the iron on a damp sponge to remove the excess. This should lead to a clean shiny tip, ready for use. If all else failsThe second tool of the trade, is 600 grit sandpaper. NOTE: Paper ignites at 451 F, so make sure the iron is unplugged, and has had time to cool before using sandpaper. You will only use sandpaper if the tip has been abused by the previous technician, student, or co-worker. Apply a small amount of the cleaning paste directly onto the soldering iron tip and then press it against a damp sponge or cloth to remove all residue from the surface of the tip. Knowing how to effectively clean a soldering iron tip is a valuable skill for anyone who uses them regularly. An explanation of why we need to clean the tips and a step by step guide. Includes a video guide to tinning.

Once cool, use a clothespin or pliers to remove any debris from the tip of the iron with a tissue or cloth dipped in alcohol or vinegar.

If needed, use a horsehair brush or lint-free wipe to gently scrub the PCB, and then follow with a rinse. Make sure to rub in a circular motion until all residue has been removed from the surface, then rinse with warm water and dry completely before using again. These types of soldering metal use a very higher melting point than the metals used in hard and soft soldering. However, it is similar to hard soldering, the metal being bonded is heated as opposed to melting.