Cleaning soldering tips

Over time you will find that your soldering iron tip gets extremely cruddy. Even wiping it on a damp sponge won't get all of the deposits off. Over time the solder won't flow smoothly and it becomes increasingly frustrating to get a decent solder joint.

Well, Sal Ammoniac (Ammonium chloride) is the answer. It comes as a solid block, is white in colour and doesn't give off any toxic byproducts. After a soldering session, just wipe the tip over the block a few times, add a tiny bit of solder, another wipe and your done. The tip will look like new. I found this stuff about 3 months back and it has definitely increased the life of my tips. It's also extremely cheap and will last you a lifetime.

You can get it in the US here => http://www.glassmart.com/salammoniac.asp

In Aus => http://www.glassworld.com.au/shop/prod1242.htm

 

Great tip, Phill.

 

There is also a paste to dip a hot soldering iron into that cleans and tins nicely prior to doing a solder joint. Called "Tip Tin" from Plato or "Tip Tinner" from MG Chemicals. Available at most online or retail electronics outlets.

Lownen, that has got to be the best groaner I've heard in a long time!

 

Thanks Phil. Very timely for me. I just put in my order. ...Tom

 

Should you clean the tip with a steel or brass brush? Seems like this would scratch the tip as it is copper clad item. Thanks.

 

This sounds like a great tip Phil! Another great tip Glen! Keeping a soldering tip clean is rule #1 in soldering.

Flash Blackman- Tips are clad (plated) for a reason. A smooth surface transfers heat more evenly, releases solder more easily and resists chemical reactions. Scratches, nicks and pits invite problems. Tips should always be tinned before using. This provides a barrier to resist damage from flux and wet cleaning. A tip should technically be replaced in a situation where plating begins to flake off if pristine solder joints are required. However I have found a work around whereby I rework the tip on a grinder using a fine grinding wheel and then polish the tip on a buffer to remove all scratches. This has even revitalized some pretty bad looking tips.

Novices have a better than average shot at decent solder joints if they avoid using substandard tools and equipment. Skill comes with practice.

Jerry