when is it time to replace a soldering iron tip?

[jebster]

i have a hakko system i've been using since x-mas. works great but lately it seems like it isn't working as well as it did at the start. could it be the the tip needs to be replaced? it looks ok but is a little discolored.

[PFC FNG]

I replace mine whenever it starts hindering my soldering work.

[Charlie-III]

First thing I do with an iron or gun when it seems "off", remove the tip and clean it where it contacts the rest of the unit. I usually just use red ScotchBrite for cleaning. You can get a carbon buildup which limits heat transfer, thus it won't work as well.

If that does not do enough, clean the tip real well and see if you're through the outer tip sheath, that is a good time to replace it.

[jebster]

Originally Posted by Charlie-III

First thing I do with an iron or gun when it seems "off", remove the tip and clean it where it contacts the rest of the unit. I usually just use red ScotchBrite for cleaning. You can get a carbon buildup which limits heat transfer, thus it won't work as well.

If that does not do enough, clean the tip real well and see if you're through the outer tip sheath, that is a good time to replace it.

ok. i'll pull mine apart and see what it looks like. hopefully that is all it takes. i was expecting to more life out of a tip.

[CadToChrome]

As has been stated above, clean carbon off threads or however the tip attaches. Another thing to do is periodically (while soldering) give the hot tip a quick wipe with a dirty rag, yep dirty one too keep the carbon particles off the tip, the tip should be "tinned" too. After cleaning the tip, apply a little solder paste and then apply solder to tin it.
in my experience I have soldered hundreds of times or thousands of times and I have never had to replace an iron tip. I keep them clean and tinned..

my .02¢

[BigSki]

I'll use a bit of emery cloth to clean up any carbon/solder build up off of the tip then re-tin it, it always works like new.

[jebster]

when you re-tin it is that just applying a little solder to the tip once its clean? i don't have solder paste. is that something you could pick up at a typical hardware store?

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by jebster

when you re-tin it is that just applying a little solder to the tip once its clean? i don't have solder paste. is that something you could pick up at a typical hardware store?

Yes & yes. But, doing electronics usually means using rosin core solder, thus no need for solder paste (the rosin is the flux).

Acid type paste is not great for electronics.

[ManxCrawler]

I clean the tip of my iron on a wet sponge between uses whilst it's hot, it washes the acid off and prevents it attacking the plating and tip long term - it's still like new

[bob1961]

Originally Posted by ManxCrawler

I clean the tip of my iron on a wet sponge between uses whilst it's hot, it washes the acid off and prevents it attacking the plating and tip long term - it's still like new

yeah that's what i have been doing as well....plus when i'm done and after i turn off my hakko i keep using the wet sponge/rag trick and keep wiping the tip off till it starts to cool.........bob

....

[losikid]

i normally replace my tips when it makes the solder feels "gummy" kinda hard to notice on big connections...if your getting solder tails when you take your iron off the piece, and your tip appears to be clean (shiny), then its time to replace.

Make sure to clean the tip after each joint, wipe it on a wet sponger get excess solder off. Then before each joint i like to clean it it again but first dab/tin the tip, let it smoke abit (this is the flux boiling), wipe it off on the sponge, tin the tip, then heat the joint.

flux is used to clean the material being soldered, so the solder can bond properly. So by putting solder on your tip your cleaning off the oxidezed material and allowing good heat transfer.

You can also buy ti[ cleaner, like this Solder Tip Tinner and Cleaner - SparkFun Electronics

[crawlhog]

Originally Posted by BigSki

I'll use a bit of emery cloth to clean up any carbon/solder build up off of the tip then re-tin it, it always works like new.

x2 never had to replace a tip yet

[DiggyStyle]

Originally Posted by Charlie-III

First thing I do with an iron or gun when it seems "off", remove the tip and clean it where it contacts the rest of the unit. I usually just use red ScotchBrite for cleaning. You can get a carbon buildup which limits heat transfer, thus it won't work as well.

If that does not do enough, clean the tip real well and see if you're through the outer tip sheath, that is a good time to replace it.

^^^This.

[GySgt Hartman]

Get a "Plato AB-3" it's a tip cleaner that restores detinned tips without damaging the plating on the tip.