Cleaning soldering iron

[ILoveRCRockCrawlin]

What is the best way of going about this. The tip of my iron is all buggered up with flux. I was thinking turning it on then taking a wire brush to it? All suggestions welcome.

['83 chevy]

i sanded mine before, so ya a wire brush will work too

[ILoveRCRockCrawlin]

Originally Posted by '83 chevy

i sanded mine before, so ya a wire brush will work too

While it was on or off? I don't even know if we have a wire brush here, so I might have to use sandpaper.

['83 chevy]

Originally Posted by ILoveRCRockCrawlin

While it was on or off? I don't even know if we have a wire brush here, so I might have to use sandpaper.

i first heated it up wiped most of it away with a rag and then sanded off the rest, and let it cool

[ILoveRCRockCrawlin]

Originally Posted by '83 chevy

i first heated it up wiped most of it away with a rag and then sanded off the rest, and let it cool

Ok. Thanks for the help.

[dezfan]

I just use a sanding drum and my Dremel!

[ILoveRCRockCrawlin]

Originally Posted by dezfan

I just use a sanding drum and my Dremel!

Ok. I'm getting it ready.

[Kingofthehill]

Originally Posted by dezfan

I just use a sanding drum and my Dremel!

yup... mine tip was damn soft though... you just have to barely hit it

JOe

[Robb]

Originally Posted by ILoveRCRockCrawlin

What is the best way of going about this. The tip of my iron is all buggered up with flux.

Flux on your soldering iron? What are you using this iron for?


A damp sponge when the iron is hot is all that you really need. Good, old school, soldering stations come with a little spot to hold your miniature sponge.

[Tronk]

Treat you iron like your willy.

Clean and wipe after every use and dont let any foreign matter build up on the tip.

[lohocla]

instead of messin around with that iron get yourself a nice microtorch. I have never looked back to an iron, unless of course your doing pcb

[Trikster]

Originally Posted by Tronk

Treat you iron like your willy.

Clean and wipe after every use and dont let any foreign matter build up on the tip.

That is the same advice I have given out for over 20 years of soldering...

[PROTOTYPE]

Originally Posted by Robb

Flux on your soldering iron?

Yea don't you prep the tip of your iron before you use it?

Originally Posted by robb

What are you using this iron for?

I would assume wires ...

Originally Posted by robb

A damp sponge when the iron is hot is all that you really need.

True , But maybe he does not have one.

Originally Posted by robb

Good, old school, soldering stations come with a little spot to hold your miniature sponge.

Yes , Even the New school one do .

All I would do is sand it down till you see nice clean tip again then put a nice amount of flux on the tip , then rap the tip with the type of solder you will be useing. Then turn it on and let it absorb into the tip. The tip will be like new again .

[TLTCrawlin]

I filed mine.

[Robb]

Cool, can I throw a couple of like a big man also??


Been doing electrical soldering for about 20 years now, NEVER used a single drop of flux.

[TLTCrawlin]

I dont use it. Its overrated, like fat chicks!

[Mad Scientist]

I like to keep a few spare tips in my toolbox

[ILoveRCRockCrawlin]

The iron is for RC stuff. Theres flux on the tip because its stuff my mom brings home from that has the flux in it. The iron is ~20 years old and doesn't look like it ever had a proper cleaning. I do have a stand that has the little sponge, but lost the sponge. Of course theres some of you that are going be thinking, "get a new iron," well I don't need one. It works perfect for what I do, and I just wanted to clean it.

[Robb]

It sounds like a Weller. If so, new tips are readily available, and might be exactly what you need.

You may only "think" it works fine right now.................a new tip may change your mind!

[blazed]

Originally Posted by ClodCrawlin

I dont use it. Its overrated, like fat chicks!

hey hey now fat chicks are easy they put out quick and put out heat too